The Teacher I Will Never Forget in My Life--- Eddie Woo

Mathematics seems like one crazy subject, but Eddie Woo believes it’s “the sense you never knew you had.” Growing up, I certainly didn’t feel like I had this sense. My relationship with mathematics was strained from the beginning, especially after my Grade 4 teacher designed my body with a cane for not understanding fractions. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't understand. There and then, I reinforced the belief that I was dumb and stupid.

Things didn’t improve in high school, where differential equations became my new enemy. Despite wanting a scholarship, I was stuck, unable to grasp the material no matter how hard I tried. My teacher was encouraging, but that didn't help. That’s when I discovered Eddie Woo on YouTube. At first, I struggled to follow his videos. I had to overcome the Einstellung effect first. And after turning on the captions, everything began to make sense.

Eddie Woo uses real-life examples to simplify complex mathematics concepts. One of his lessons, where he used an Olympic race to explain differentiation, was a game changer for me. I finally understood that differentiation was just the “rate of how things change.” This small shift in perspective opened up a new world of mathematics. I went from watching one video to over 100, absorbing everything he taught. Eddie wasn’t just another teacher – he was someone who made mathematics feel accessible, even fun.

What sets Eddie apart is that he didn’t start as a mathematics prodigy. Like me, he struggled with the subject in school, where students who performed poorly were often shamed. But his discovery that mathematics is a learnable skill changed everything. His teaching philosophy is simple: mathematics isn’t something you’re born good at, it’s something you can practise and improve. This belief transformed my approach to the subject. No longer did I see formulas as random symbols – they became tools to explore the beauty of the world around me.

Eddie Woo’s impact is global. His YouTube channel, “Wootube,” has reached millions, turning mathematics from a source of fear into something students everywhere can enjoy. His videos break down barriers, making even the toughest topics approachable. With his engaging explanations and genuine enthusiasm, Eddie helps students see that mathematics is part of everyday life, whether in the symmetry of nature or the logic behind a puzzle. His relatable teaching style and passion have earned him accolades, including recognition as a Global Teacher Prize finalist in 2018.

Because of Eddie Woo, I’ve fallen in love with mathematics . It’s no longer the enemy it once was, but a sense I now see everywhere. Though I didn’t get my scholarship, I gained something far more valuable – the belief that I'm not a dullard and the opportunity to learn from one of the best teachers in the world. I call him Eddie Wunderbar because he's truly wonderful.

For anyone struggling with mathematics, I recommend Eddie Woo's videos. His lessons have made me a lifelong fan, and I hope to meet him someday.

Here's his TEDx talk:

Here's a link to his website where you can get free worksheets:
Wootube

Who is that special teacher, that you won't be able to forget?
@blakbird @meowwisely @sarthakjain

Btw:

I made of drawing of Eddie Woo and I sent it to him. I was still learning to draw at the time but I was feeling so happy and I just sent it to him. And after one month of doubting he'd reply, he actually did!

Here's a screenshot of the mail I sent and his response:

And here's my not-so-pretty portrait:

I drew a better portrait but I didn't send it to him.

I could write a whole book on Eddie Woo. That's how special he is to me and my family.

If you read till this part, thanks a lot and have a good time : )

@muhammad-ahmad
@wakeupkitty.pal