By Matṧeliso Phulane
Thapelo James Ramaseli published his second book called “Mathematics In-Range in October this year.
In an interview with theReporter this week, he said this book serves to simplify mathematics to learners by using more examples of different levels.
It also consists of clear ways of solving problems as well as guiding learners step by step using colourings. Again, it has a clear graphs and diagrams to present the concepts at hand.
“The book provides solutions to all exercises for students in order to compare their solutions.
“This is a good book for an independent learner. It also provides the learner with assignments at the end of each topic. The book was written with reference to LGCSE curriculum,” Ramaseli clarified.
He added that he has received very positive reviews about the book that is from a number of mathematics educators who believe that it is surely going to help majority of students when they have to write mathematics examinations.
“My aim is also to bridge the gap between tertiary mathematics and high school maths, to help learners understand it and love the subject,” he added.
This book provides to learners why mathematics is important and a career where each topic is applied.
His passion in writing began long time ago since he decided to learn more about books and read a lot.
Furthermore, his burning desire even got stronger so much that he began drafting and making his own stories, figuring out how he could tell his own inspiring stories to enlighten others how to pursue great achievements.
He also wanted to share with people the endeavours he encountered with people who guided him throughout his journey while trying to achieve his goals to become who he is today.
“So I wrote the book called ‘Traveling the high-road’ which also outlines my greatest motivations. I did all that while also drafting my first book of mathematics. It was my first book published in 2021 that was when I began writing, it during my third year of study,” he said.
The author was born and raised in Mafeteng. He started at St. Gerard Primary School, and proceeded to St. John’s High School.
He then pursed his studied at the National University of Lesotho, where he graduated in Bachelor of Science in Education with Physics and Mathematics in the year 2021.
“I did not only start teaching until I was a professional educator, but I started as early as in high school helping my groupmates with Mathematics, Sciences and other subjects.
“Back then I was known to simplify mathematics as I explained. However, I was a top achiever student in high school until I pursued education to the university.
“I am currently a passionate mathematics and physics educator at Kingsgate High school,” he highlighted.
Apart from teaching and writing, Ramaseli is also a self-made pencil and paint artist. He created a number of paintings ranging from portraits to landscapes for which a large number of them were sold to individuals at the guest houses.
An educator by profession, Ramaseli said he had an idea of creating private classes and tutoring in mathematics, sciences and other subjects. Together with some educators at St John’s High School he works with a team of professionals.
He said with his team, their aim is to provide the best educational assistance to learners in terms of mentorship and academic success.
Speaking of the challenges he encountered, he explained that he had to learn software to help him write the best book which looked more different from the other local books although it was not so easy.
“I also had to figure out weakness of different books and learn how to solve such a weakness which would be best for students or anyone who uses my book.
“To perfect this, I had to approach experienced writers and expects in this subject.
“As a result, upon the completion and success of this book I was guided and supervised by my former lecturer Dr. Nomusic Morobe, who also edited to be the best book as it is today,” he explained.
Ramaseli indicated that few copies have already been sold yet and the demand is increasing.
While giving his inspirational words to the youth he said: “If we understand why we learn mathematics then the interest is woken, if there is interest then we can surely master mathematics.
“To all students: learn to be in love with mathematics, then your love for it will help you to understand it.”
“This is the beginning of my journey. There are more brilliant books to come. I hope to receive as much support from learners and mathematics educators to bring mathematics into style and for students to understand it clearly.
“My motto is to identify the best I could do to learn them, re-learn it and to find ways to make it beautiful, because the world is in constant search of beauty.
“My dream is to build the mathematics In-Range book to be one of the best books ever written in the mountain kingdom and to serve well in the national and international curriculums,” he concluded.
The book costs M300 per copy and it is available from the author for now but it will soon be available in the local book shops.
People can contact him on 50340284 for both whatsapp and calls. They can also visit his Facebook page: James Ramaseli or email at: jamesramaseli@gmail.com
