Teaching Math to Boys

TL;DR

A math teacher shares his experience of implementing interactive teaching methods to engage and improve learning outcomes for his all-boys classroom.

Transcript

Tom: Today our activity will be you all taking smaller congruent shapes and building a larger similar shape. >>Narrator: Teacher Tom Wolken worked in the computer industry before coming to teach seventh-grade math at Olmsted North, and the career-change culture shock caused him to be physically ill and mentally stressed. >>Tom: Within the first w... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🏫 Teachers who transition into different careers may initially experience challenges but can find success through perseverance and support.
• 🧑‍🎓 Engaging teaching methods, such as competition and visual cues, can capture students' attention and enhance learning outcomes.
• 🧑‍🎓 Providing structure and utilizing technology, like webcams, can improve classroom management and encourage student participation.
• 🧑‍🎓 All-male classrooms may respond differently to teaching methods compared to mixed-gender classrooms, highlighting the importance of tailoring strategies based on the specific student population.
• 🤗 Interactive activities and hands-on learning can be more effective in engaging students and promoting learning compared to traditional lecturing.
• 🧑‍🎓 Incorporating technology as a teaching tool not only enhances student participation but also serves as a means of classroom management.
• 🧑‍🎓 Recognition and incentives can motivate students to actively participate and strive for success.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Tom Wolken initially struggle with his transition from the computer industry to teaching?

Tom Wolken experienced physical illness and mental stress due to the culture shock of changing careers, but he received support and additional help from his principal to cope with the challenges.

Q: What strategies does Wolken use to engage his all-male classroom?

Wolken utilizes competition, vibrant visuals, and sound cues to capture his students' attention and maintain an energetic learning environment.

Q: How does Wolken believe his teaching methods have improved student outcomes?

By implementing hands-on activities, providing structure, and engaging with students using technology, Wolken believes he has improved student outcomes compared to when he relied more heavily on lecturing.

Q: How does Wolken utilize technology in his classroom management?

Wolken uses a webcam as a teaching tool and as a form of classroom management. Students must display appropriate behavior and completion of tasks to earn the privilege of using the webcam to showcase their work.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Tom Wolken, a former computer industry employee turned math teacher, initially struggled with the career change but found success by implementing engaging teaching methods.

• Wolken emphasizes the importance of using competition, colorful visuals, and sound cues to capture the attention of his all-boys classroom.

• The teacher also highlights the significance of providing structure and utilizing technology, such as webcams, to enhance classroom management and student participation.