Math department teacher Heather Julian helps a student in her third period Honors Geometry class in Room 133 on Feb. 4. Along with answering their questions, Julian has worked to encourage students and their ability to learn mathematical skills. “I strive to teach the kids how to persevere and communicate, (and) to not give up (but to) focus on the process (of) asking questions, (and) to not worry about being perfect,” Julian said. “Also to encourage them to not take shortcuts because it’s easy to use things. So it’s really just that (encouragement) and then knowing that everybody can do math.” Photo by Emily Couch.
Math department teachers have used the transition to in-person learning as a way to motivate and encourage students in classrooms.
Due to the transition from online learning to in-person classes, as well as the addition of more classroom resources, the Clarke Central High School math department teachers work to inspire students to work hard and maintain engagement within the classroom.
With this change to an in-person school environment, math department teacher Heather Julian has been working to help motivate students learning the math curriculum. Some of the ways she executes this is by finding new ways to enjoy the subject through activities and group work.
“I think the most important thing about teaching math and learning math is that to understand it really is a different language. And to understand that the answer is not always the goal, the process is,” Julian said. “Teaching that, especially in a world full of Photomath where you can get the answer quickly, convincing students that working hard to learn the process, and being able to communicate is the most important thing.”
“I think the most important thing about teaching math and learning math is that to understand it really is a different language.”
— Heather Julian,
Math department teacher
Throughout her four years at CCHS, senior Annabel Johnston has experienced different and effective styles of teaching in each of her math classes.
“I feel like the teachers (that) I’ve had in my years have tried to provide more resources and have really tried to work more to make sure we understand the concepts (by) showing us as well as explaining the concepts (well),” Johnston said.
Seen throughout the multiple grade levels he teaches, math department teacher John Ritzler emphasizes the importance of showing his students the balance of work and enjoyment within the subject.
“(An) important idea (is) to help students recognize that math is like music, dance, (and) reading,” Ritzler said. “Music makes our lives better (and we should) encourage children that math can make their life better.”
