Since the widespread shift to virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, math teachers worldwide have incorporated in-person, online or hybrid learning resources and environments. While some people believe online platforms are less personal and more limited, online tools actually offer unique possibilities to create the same safe, collaborative spaces students experience in the face-to-face classroom.
Elementary math educators must learn and adapt to the pedagogical challenges of teaching online using relevant tips, tools and strategies. There are many ways educators can take a more engaging approach to math education in online spaces, including approaches with problem-centered collaboration, real-world applications, detailed explanations and resources outside the classroom.
Create a Collaborative, Problem-Centered Community of Learners
Face-to-face math classrooms are all about interaction. Students brainstorm to find answers and help each other think through activities and problems. However, digital platforms change that camaraderie and collaboration.
By offering students time and space to get to know each other, math teachers can promote a sense of community and create a safe space for exploration. Teachers build relationships with and between students by encouraging them to talk about their home lives, pets, organizations and interests.
Students who are comfortable sharing with others are more likely to engage in collaborative problem-solving. Students can take these interactions a step further with online tools like Notability, which allow them to share videos, notes, data and finished work with teachers and classmates.
Take Advantage of Students’ Surroundings by Encouraging Real-World Application
Encouraging students to collaborate and share also promotes the real-world application of mathematical concepts. For example, a 2018 study of digital pedagogy found that students understand the significance of a math background better when they see how it impacts situations in their lives and the world around them.
Digital learning offers opportunities for students to engage with mathematical processes and problems in their homes and communities, such as visualizing math problems when doubling the recipe for a family meal, measuring their room for carpeting or creating word problems including names of people and pets they know. 3P Learning offers several examples of real-world mathematical applications.
Provide More Detailed Explanations for Concepts, Theorems, Processes or Examples
In face-to-face classes, teachers build off a textbook page, handout or other physical tools for explaining lessons. A classroom of students focusing on the same tangible item allows teachers to refer to these tools as they explain or review concepts.
During online courses, however, students might not have access to printed materials or manipulatives. They may not be inclined to give the computer screen their undivided attention, and teachers may have trouble picking up small signals from students that indicate confusion or a lack of understanding. While there are various digital tools for demonstrating problems and concepts, teachers must remember explanations require greater detail to keep all students engaged. They must also remember that young learners are especially good at communicating via technology, and that the right tools can help them do so.
Tools like Flip allow teachers to demonstrate their work in a whiteboard-style app mimicking face-to-face classroom interactions. They also allow teachers to record lessons for students to return to as often as necessary.
Allow Students to Explore Resources Outside of the Classroom
When teaching virtually, teachers cannot always give individual attention. However, there are high-quality, reliable apps, programs, websites and videos to help students strengthen skills, review concepts or practice what they’ve learned in class.
For independent review and practice, teachers might recommend Khan Academy, a well-known platform for math videos that explain and demonstrate math skills and concepts. Apps like Photomath offer students one-on-one guidance for solving math problems independently. Students and parents use their device’s camera to scan printed or handwritten math problems and receive step-by-step animated explanations showing how to find solutions.
To strengthen your mathematics teaching skills or investigate the best research and leadership practices, consider pursuing the online Master of Science in Education (MSEd.) in Elementary Math program from Northwest Missouri State University. With an advanced MSEd. in Elementary Math, educators will be better equipped to understand and develop optimal online learning environments for math learners.
Learn more about Northwest Missouri State University’s online MSEd. in Elementary Math program.
