I want students to believe that they belong as mathematicians. I want that so badly for them. The further we get into this pandemic, the more I see kids losing their connection to learning. And it makes perfect sense. Our students are dealing with less-than-ideal education situations and stressful learning and home environments. The teachers are uncertain and feel unsafe at times. Many teachers are doing whatever they can to get through the year. It, no doubt, is a hard time.
However, this also is occurring at a time when technology is required in order to even attempt to educate students. As a math teacher, I find our students are so turned off toward math textbooks because it’s impersonal, not fun, and they know they can just use technology to find the answers.
With my blended learning innovation, I will be able to give students choice, ownership and the opportunity to do something that they can connect to and remember, so they care and see the “why” behind mathematics.
Are we blaming students rather than our own teaching practices for our students’ decline in interest in education and learning?
I constantly have other teachers tell me: “It looks like you’re just trying to make your lessons cute and I don’t have time for that in a pandemic”. I respond by sharing: “I want students to make a connection to their learning, so they’re actually interested in learning (and not just Googling answers on their Chromebooks)”.
Students remember their feelings and their memorable moments!!
I know I remember the fun things I did in school. i.e. bending glass, making elephant toothpaste, watching my teacher light a dollar bill on fire, participating in the Snow White mock trial, writing a script for our “Are You Smarter than a Kindergartener?” game show, dividing “french fries” using McDonalds fries containers. I also made projects where I got to create aliens or build models of rollercoasters.
I want that for my students.
We can fight the bad ethics that are plaguing our schools, colleges, and universities by teaching students to LOVE learning.
Students need to learn the value of the positive feelings we experience during learning and growing, rather than learning that there is value in memorizing, finding answers, or regurgitating knowledge.
Our students are very resilient. I absolutely believe it. However, if we allow ourselves to teach children to use technology as a place to combat feelings of discomfort while learning, rather than learn how to unlock their ability to productively struggle and develop a love for learning, we will be doing our students a disservice. Students need control, choice, and we need them to develop their voice, their why, and grow into their authentic selves.
Our world needs our learners.
Our learners need blended learning.
Education with Meaning 