Mr. Stephenson, Math teacher at Union, from day one had a lofty goal in mind, “I will help every student understand math.” Sitting in his class you will notice that every student is engaged in the math. His engagement takes many forms; using Smart Response Systems, an iPad to graph, each group member has a role to help their group succeed, and a reward system to name just a few.
Mr. Stephenson’s engagement is not why he is being showcased however. It’s because he analyzed why students struggle to retain math knowledge. When students struggle with math, they quit. Where do they struggle? The answer is at home completing homework. When students go home the teacher is no longer there to help and many parents struggle with math, as do I. Therefore the student simply gives up. Multiple times a week Mr. Stephenson creates a “how-to” video to help students fill in the missing pieces at home and posts it to his class website. http://mrstephenson.weebly.com/unit-1-videos.html
Think back when you were in school, more years for some then others. As you worked on your math homework, what would you do if you forgot how to complete the next step in solving a problem? His students can watch his video podcast to help them better understand the concepts he teaches in school.
But, it is not just for students. Many parents of students in Mr. Stephenson’s class have used the videos to learn math. Not for pleasure, but to help their child. That is why he is being showcased; he has found a way to keep teaching his students even though they are at home.
Dustin Worm
Mr. Stephenson’s engagement is not why he is being showcased however. It’s because he analyzed why students struggle to retain math knowledge. When students struggle with math, they quit. Where do they struggle? The answer is at home completing homework. When students go home the teacher is no longer there to help and many parents struggle with math, as do I. Therefore the student simply gives up. Multiple times a week Mr. Stephenson creates a “how-to” video to help students fill in the missing pieces at home and posts it to his class website. http://mrstephenson.weebly.com/unit-1-videos.html
Think back when you were in school, more years for some then others. As you worked on your math homework, what would you do if you forgot how to complete the next step in solving a problem? His students can watch his video podcast to help them better understand the concepts he teaches in school.
But, it is not just for students. Many parents of students in Mr. Stephenson’s class have used the videos to learn math. Not for pleasure, but to help their child. That is why he is being showcased; he has found a way to keep teaching his students even though they are at home.
Dustin Worm
