Motivating students by demonstrating the relevance of what they learn is a cornerstone of great teaching. While legendary mathematician and satirist Tom Lehrer used his musical talent to highlight the importance of mathematics, most educators must rely on a broader array of strategies to capture students’ interest. With the rise of participatory tools like Web 2.0 applications, teachers have new opportunities to make math engaging by leveraging platforms that resonate with digital natives, such as YouTube.
One innovative way to enhance engagement is by creating video podcasts for math lessons. These can serve as powerful tools to address misconceptions, teach mathematical language, and help students articulate their understanding of complex concepts. For example, a group of 6th-grade students who developed a Math Strategies Podcast experienced significant improvement in their problem-solving and critical thinking. Their teacher tracked the evolution of their understanding by reviewing the revision history of scripts written collaboratively in Google Docs. Each edit revealed deep, self-driven learning, as students refined their explanations and corrected errors independently.
The final written scripts were markedly higher in quality than traditional written assignments on math problem-solving. This process not only enhanced their conceptual clarity but also developed their communication and collaboration skills.
Tools to Create Math Podcasts
Creating a video podcast for math lessons doesn’t require sophisticated equipment. The students in the example above used the recording feature on a Smartboard to produce their episodes. However, there are several other tools you can use to create similar content:
- Screen Capture Software: Free tools like CamStudio allow you to record screens and annotate them for a clear explanation of math strategies.
- Tablet PCs or Graphic Tablets: These devices can capture ink strokes to make thinking visible in real-time.
- Document Cameras: Many models include video capture features, ideal for recording step-by-step problem-solving.
- Traditional Video Equipment: Standard video cameras, digital cameras, or even cell phones can work well for capturing math lessons or strategies in action.
Why It Works
Video podcasts engage students by connecting the abstract world of math with tangible, creative outputs. They encourage active participation, critical thinking, and self-reflection as students collaborate to produce a polished, shareable product. Additionally, these projects align with digital literacy goals, helping students master tools and technologies essential for future learning and work.
By incorporating video podcasts into your math classroom, you’re not only helping students understand the “how” of mathematics but also empowering them to explore the “why.” As they explain, correct, and refine their strategies, they move beyond rote learning to a deeper, more meaningful engagement with math—a lesson they can carry far beyond the classroom.