What is PSL Fireside Chat?
PSL Fireside Chat is Kurasa’s warm, one-on-one conversation series that celebrates teachers who turn everyday classrooms into places of discovery. Twice every week, we sit down with inspiring educators to hear what’s working, what’s challenging, and how they’re building learner confidence — especially in mathematics.
These chats are candid, practical, and community-driven. Each session leaves teachers encouraged and connected. Explore more PSL Fireside stories here.
Meet Esther Diera
Esther Diera is a dedicated Mathematics and Chemistry teacher based in Kakamega County. She is also a Kurasa MWALIMU WA Math Panelist, helping to craft CBC-aligned questions for learners from Grade 6 to Grade 9, and a STEM mentor driving tech adoption in rural schools.
But what sets Esther apart is her own story: she wasn’t always a “math person.”
“I struggled with math in Form 1 and 2 until my teacher, Mr. Martin, changed how I saw it. Now, I help students see that math is alive and everywhere,” she says.
Bringing Coding Into the Math Classroom
One recent highlight from Esther’s work is her Scratch Day event at Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology. She brought together 283 JSS learners from four schools: Facebook Academy, St. Joseph’s Academy, Pendo School, and Shikhello JSS.
Learners built animations and interactive math games using Scratch — a simple coding platform that makes logic and problem-solving visual and playful.
“They created a live math quiz: add numbers, get instant feedback, compete with friends. It made learning feel like fun, not punishment,” she beams.
Math Beyond the Textbook
Esther tackles one of the biggest myths students hold: “Where will I ever use this?” Her response is simple — look around.
- Maps and navigation use matrices and transformations.
- Bridges and roads rely on quadratic curves for strength.
- Taxes and daily finances draw from core math principles.
“Math is everywhere — it’s life. When students see that, they stop fearing it,” she explains.
Her favorite tools for showing math in action include GeoGebra, PhET Simulations, LabExchange, and Desmos. Many can be downloaded and used offline — a big advantage in rural schools.
Challenges and Her Teaching Approach
Esther knows math struggles can build up layer by layer. Algebra feels abstract in Form 1. Transformations and vectors confuse many by Form 3. Calculus seems impossible in Form 4.
Her strategy is gentle but firm:
- Revisit basics regularly.
- Use practical examples.
- Add fun — coding, games, or real-world tasks.
“Math should feel like discovery, not punishment,” she insists.
Advice to Teachers and Learners
Esther’s message to fellow teachers is clear: Never give up on learners. Make math fun, relatable, and engaging. Be creative, even within the syllabus.
To students — especially girls — she says: “I once thought math wasn’t for me. If I did it, so can you. Believe in yourself and practice. You’ll surprise yourself!”
What’s Next for Esther and PSL Fireside
Through PSL Fireside, Kurasa continues to showcase real teacher stories like Esther’s, helping other educators pick up practical classroom ideas and stay encouraged.
“Math isn’t just a subject — it’s a life skill. Let’s teach it so students live it,” Esther says.
Watch Esther’s full PSL Fireside Chat 