Dr. Motke Porat
The Foundation Courses Teaching Unit
My Life Before BGU
I was born and raised in Rehovot, where I studied until eighth grade, and from there I continued straight to higher education. I began with a bachelor's degree in mathematics at the age of 13½ at the Open University, followed by a master's degree at the Weizmann Institute of Science, also in mathematics, and did my doctorate at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev! I did a postdoc for a year and then chose to devote myself to teaching rather than focusing on research.
Why BGU?
I moved to Beer-Sheva in 2015 to begin my doctoral studies, and I have been here ever since. After completing my PhD, I began teaching and decided to stay because I love the city. Last year, the University decided to open a new unit dedicated to coordinating and teaching mathematics service courses for other departments. I am proud to be one of the first two faculty members appointed to this new unit.
My Teaching
In my new position, I teach a wide variety of courses and encounter many students. My main goal is to make mathematics accessible so that students have a rigorous and comprehensive learning experience and, at the same time, overcome any fear or apprehension of the subject ̶ and maybe even come to love it. I am excited to be part of the University and this new unit, and to lead change and innovation in academia.
Something that doesn’t appear on my CV
I enjoy writing (sort of) pop songs — for myself and for friends.
A source of inspiration
When it comes to passion for teaching and a distinctive approach, my greatest inspiration is my father. He has been a teacher for more than 40 years, founded a private mathematics school, and became a well-known figure in Rehovot. He was also my very first teacher, the one who sparked my interest in mathematics.
When I grow up…
As a child, I never really had an answer to that question. At some point, the answer became “to be a professor.” Today, my answer is to continue doing what I love and to influence many generations of students through their learning experiences.
If I wasn’t a lecturer…
If I wasn’t teaching, I might have gone into entertainment. I love inventing and performing stories and songs for my nieces and nephews — so perhaps I would have been a voice actor.
In brief:
- MasterChef or Checkout? Checkout. Nothing beats Kochava!
- Pilates or spinning? CrossFit :)
- Morning or night? I was a night owl for many years, starting in my undergraduate days, but now I’m programmed to wake up at 7:00 every morning to teach.
- Summer or winter? Winter, easy. I love winter clothes.
- Hapoel or Maccabi? I’m in Clalit.
- Noa Kirel or Netta Barzilai? If I have to choose, Netta.
- Steak or tofu? Both are tasty, but pizza wins.
- Instant coffee or espresso? Espresso, though I prefer a strong cappuccino with oat milk.
- Trekking or spa? A pampering spa day, any time.
- Car or train? I love driving, but in recent years I’ve discovered the joy of the train.
- Classical Europe or India? Classical Europe.
- Sea or pool? The sea—for the view. Just not the sand.
- City or countryside? City, I suppose.
- A movie in the cinema or Netflix binge? I’m a bit addicted to cinema - so clearly cinema.
- Text or voice message? Voice message - but you have to know your audience. For some people, I compromise with texts.
- Dog or cat? Dog, no question.
- Instagram or TikTok? I don’t have TikTok, so Instagram.
- Three things I’d take to a deserted island: A notebook (I have a collection), a sunshade, and a phone (for Wolt deliveries).
