Getting high school students excited about mathematics can be a real challenge, especially in a world where smartphones, social media, and other distractions often take center stage. However, with the right approach, teachers can create an environment where students not only understand mathematical concepts but also enjoy learning them.
While high school students require a serious approach to learning math, as they prepare for the Baccalaureate or university entrance exams, mathematics can still be made relatable, interactive, and enjoyable.
Dr. Georgiana Popovici from the Creative Learning Hub found out various methods to get her students engaged, more precisely “by relating mathematics to real-life scenarios and encouraging exploration, I aim to demystify the subject. Building confidence through patience and passion, and incorporating play into learning”.
“Over the years, I’ve learned that students’ attention can be very fleeting. To address this, I strive to present the theoretical concepts in a captivating way that ignites their curiosity. By connecting mathematical and statistical concepts to real-life scenarios, I facilitate quicker understanding and retention. For instance, I once took students to play billiards and used the game to explain the concept of the modulus function. The following day, their performance on the related test was outstanding,” Dr. Popovici told us.
Moreover, she holds “happy hour” sessions on Sundays where students can socialize in a relaxed setting. By creating a community where students can bond with each other and their teacher, the experience of learning math becomes more enjoyable.
“Additionally, we hold a “happy hour” session on Sundays where attendance is optional. During these sessions, we focus on socializing—eating pizza, drinking soda, and enjoying each other’s company—without any academic pressure. Surprisingly, my students never miss these gatherings”, Dr. Georgiana Popovici said.
Here are a few approaches on how teachers can engage students in mathematics, even during their often turbulent adolescent years.
- Connecting Math to Real-Life Scenarios
One of the most effective ways to engage students is by showing them how math applies to real life. Many students struggle to see the relevance of math beyond the classroom, so it’s essential to demonstrate its practical applications. For instance, a teacher could use the game of billiards to explain mathematical concepts like the modulus function. The angles, collisions, and movements of the billiard balls provide a tangible way to understand abstract ideas. After such a hands-on experience, students are likely to have a stronger grasp of the concept and perform better in assessments, as was the case with one class where students excelled in a test following a billiards-based lesson.
Another example is using budgeting and personal finance to teach percentages, interest rates, or statistical analysis. By asking students to create budgets or analyze data from social media platforms they use daily, teachers can tap into their interests while making the subject matter more accessible. When students see how math impacts their daily lives, they are more likely to engage and participate actively in class.
- Incorporating Play and Exploration
High school students are often dealing with the pressures of exams, peer relationships, and future career decisions, which can make traditional learning seem like a chore. To counter this, teachers can incorporate play and exploration into lessons. Turning math into a game or challenge can increase engagement and foster a sense of enjoyment. For example, a teacher might introduce puzzles or math-related games like Sudoku to stimulate logical thinking in a more relaxed and playful setting.
In addition, giving students room to explore mathematical concepts on their own encourages independent thinking. For example, a teacher might present an intriguing problem without immediately providing the solution, encouraging students to explore different approaches. This method not only keeps students curious but also builds their confidence as they discover solutions through trial and error.
- Building Confidence through Patience and Passion
Adolescents are often insecure about their abilities, especially in subjects like math, which can seem intimidating. Building their confidence is crucial for keeping them engaged. Teachers need to be patient and passionate about the subject, as this attitude can be contagious. When students feel that their teacher genuinely believes in their potential, they are more likely to take risks, ask questions, and persist through difficult problems.
Creating a supportive learning environment is key. Encouraging questions and allowing students to make mistakes without fear of judgment helps them become more comfortable with math. This approach, combined with personalized feedback, helps students develop resilience and a growth mindset, making them more open to challenges.
- Making Learning Social
Socialization is a significant aspect of adolescents’ lives, so incorporating it into learning can be incredibly effective.
In a similar vein, group projects can be a powerful tool for engaging students. When working in teams, students are able to discuss ideas, teach one another, and approach problems collaboratively. This not only enhances their understanding of the material but also builds important social skills like communication and cooperation.
- Leveraging Technology
Instead of fighting against students’ obsession with technology, teachers can harness it for educational purposes. Many students are already immersed in digital platforms, so incorporating apps or online tools into lessons can capture their attention. For example, graphing calculators, interactive geometry software, and even smartphone apps that simulate mathematical models can make abstract concepts more tangible.
Teachers can also encourage students to use social media in constructive ways, such as participating in online math forums or following educational accounts that regularly post interesting math problems or concepts. These methods help integrate learning into students’ daily digital habits, making math feel less like a school subject and more like a part of their everyday lives.