“I Hate Math”

Posted on July 16, 2013 by Rachel

Ever hear these words coming from your students? Many develop a dislike for math through the years that has a negative, circular effect on their learning. They don’t like math, and math doesn’t like them. Although they may actually have good mathematical reasoning and computation skills, they may never experience success because of this barrier.

Stanford University has developed a course that helps change this – “How to Learn Math”. It is an online course for k-12 teachers and parents to help them know how to improve student engagement with math. The course began July 15, but will likely be offered again given the 20,000 people who have already enrolled. During the 2012-2013 school year, Stanford will offer a student version of this course as well.

Follow the link below for more information. There are some other great articles on this site that you may find helpful!

Move Over Bill Nye

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Rachel

I first saw this a few weeks ago and I just can’t stop thinking about it. This is why I’m doing what I’m doing. I wrote previously about how technology is tearing down walls that have prevented students from reaching their full potential. Perhaps this story intrigues me so much because I’m a science teacher and a Digital Curriculum Integration Specialist, and it is the culmination of those two worlds – but I just think it’s an amazing depiction of what we can do in 21st century education. I know some will watch this and immediately say that this little girl is accomplishing this because she has a dad that’s supporting her and providing opportunities. We can say that our students don’t have involved parents like that, but what if they got these opportunities in the classroom? What could our kids do if we just gave them the freedom and the chance to try? There are a lot of people who shake their heads at such idealism, but I say… let’s find out. That’s how all great things have come into being.