With the disturbing news about plummeting math scores here in the US, it’s good to review math teaching in your classroom and consider better ways to deliver lessons to students. The Ask a Tech Teacher team has ideas for you:

How to Make Learning Math More Interactive and Engaging

Math has a reputation—either you love it or avoid it like a pop quiz you forgot to study for. For many students, the struggle isn’t about intelligence but how math is taught. Endless drills, repetitive problem sets, and old-school memorization techniques can make even the most curious minds switch off.

But here is the thing: math does not have to be boring. It’s hidden in video games, sports stats, music beats, and even how your favorite social media app recommends content. The problem is that most teaching methods do not expose these fascinating aspects of mathematics.

Thankfully, technology, video games, and interactive hobbies may alter the story in the modern day. Here are some strategies to make arithmetic interesting and remembered, whether you’re a teacher, parent, or just a kid looking to transform math from a chore into something fun.

Photo by Joshua Hoehne from Unsplash

Embracing Technology: Letting AI Do the Heavy Lifting

Students have spent hours stuck on tedious calculations for years, often missing the bigger picture. But what if AI could take the drudgery out of math homework while keeping the learning experience engaging?

This is where an AI homework helper comes in handy. Instead of spitting out answers, these intelligent assistants provide step-by-step explanations, personalized hints, and interactive problem-solving guidance.

AI tools automatically free up repetitive tasks so that students can focus on the logic, strategy, and creativity behind math. It’s like having a patient tutor on call around the clock who never gets bored of repeating the same lesson. AI-powered insights may also be used by parents and teachers to monitor student progress and uncover problems early.

Gamifying Math: Because Who Doesn’t Love a Challenge?

Let’s be realistic: kids would spend hours fighting to beat one level of their favorite video game, but focusing on math for 20 minutes? That is a fight and a half. The good news is that gamification taps into that same drive.

Apps like Prodigy, DragonBox, or Mathletics use challenges, rewards, or competition to make learning seem like an achievement rather than a chore. Earning points, unlocking new levels, and competing with classmates turn math into a game rather than just another subject.

Even the most low-tech games can be fantastic. Math scavenger hunts, escape room-style puzzles or even classroom competitions can help foster friendly rivalry and greater engagement. When math is no longer a chore but a challenge, students are automatically interested in bettering themselves.

If a game can hold a student’s attention for an hour, why not harness that power to make math stick?

Hands-On Learning: Math Beyond the Textbook

Some require you to see, touch, and perhaps experience it for that “click.” Hands-on activities are a total game-changer.

Want to teach fractions? Get students to bake a pizza and then split the slices. Exploring geometry? Get them to build models with LEGO or paper folding. Practicing probability? Use card games, dice, or real life, such as predicting weather.

Math isn’t just adding numbers on a worksheet; it involves budgeting, measuring, estimating, and analyzing. Wherever students encounter real-life math, their understanding builds, and concepts become practical rather than abstract.

The best thing is that simple classroom surveys, pattern recognition games, or real-life problem-solving projects can make mathematics more hands-on for even a resource-poor classroom teacher as long as that is relevant to real life instead of living inside a book.

Collaborative Learning: Math Is More Fun Together

Have you ever noticed how students explain things better than sometimes even the teacher? That’s the power of collaborative learning.

Math is frequently viewed as an individual task, but when students collaborate, they develop fresh viewpoints, innovative problem-solving techniques, and a greater comprehension of the subject. Peer tutoring, team problem-solving contests, and math debates are examples of group activities that transform learning from a solitary endeavor into a shared experience.

Teachers can encourage this by using think-pair-share activities, where students discuss a problem before solving it. Parents can facilitate this by creating study groups or encouraging kids to teach each other what they’ve learned.

Learning is always more engaging when it feels like teamwork. Plus, explaining a concept to someone else solidifies understanding better than any worksheet ever could.

Overcoming the “I’m Simply Not Good at Math” Attitude

Belief is one of the biggest obstacles to learning arithmetic, not aptitude. Too many children are raised believing they are “not a math person,” yet everyone can succeed in math if they take the proper approach.

Embracing the challenge of letting go of a “fixed mindset” is the crucial first step.The brain functions similarly to a muscle. The more you work it out, the more powerful it becomes. Instead of telling pupils, “I’m bad at math,” encourage them to consider, “I’m still learning this.” Parents and educators may support this by highlighting effort rather than just outcomes.

Teachers and parents can reinforce this by praising effort, not just results. If a student struggles, don’t focus on the mistake—focus on how they’re improving. Studies show that students who believe they can improve in math perform better over time.

Math is not an exclusive club—it is a skill, just like reading or playing an instrument—the more interactive and engaging the learning process, the easier it is for everyone to succeed.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema from Unsplash

Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Impact

Math doesn’t have to be a never-ending worksheet marathon. When learning is interactive, engaging, and relevant, students understand math better and enjoy it.

Through the help of AI, tools with gamification, hands-on activities, teamwork, and strategies from the growth mindset, math could transform into something worthy to face from just an added burden. To educators needing innovative methods for a topic or for any student doing their homework and attempting to figure things out through mathematics, every slight shift may add up.

Try just one of these methods today—you might be surprised how quickly math starts to click.

Copyright ©2025 askatechteacher.com – All rights reserved.

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“The content presented in this blog are the result of creative imagination and not intended for use, reproduction, or incorporation into any artificial intelligence training or machine learning systems without prior written consent from the author.”

Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.

Ask a Tech Teacher is officially on Thanksgiving break so I’m going to pop in here with two posts from our international team that just couldn’t wait:

• Top 5 Game Development Platforms for Young Coders: Building Skills with Fun–perfect for those still doing Hour of Code in December (see below)

• From Blank Page to First Chapter: A Beginner’s Guide on How to Start Writing a Book–for the teacher-authors following Ask a Tech Teacher, a how-to primer on writing the book that rattles around in your head (click link)

Top 5 Game Development Platforms for Young Coders: Building Skills with Fun

Imagine a world where kids can bring their wildest ideas to life, creating games full of flying dragons, talking robots, and mysterious mazes. What if coding could be that fun? Well, it absolutely can be! Learning to code through game development is like having a backstage pass to the world of game creation, where kids don’t just play games—they build them!

At CodaKid, we believe coding should be as exciting as the games kids love to play. With a little guidance, young coders can learn the basics of programming, all while designing their own worlds, characters, and stories. And the best part? Game development teaches kids valuable skills like creativity, problem-solving, and persistence—skills they’ll use for life!

In this article, we’ll explore five awesome game development platforms that make learning to code as fun as a high-score screen. Let’s dive in and find the perfect platform to inspire your young game designer! (more…)

National STEM Day is November 8, 2024, the unofficial holiday that celebrates science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education throughout the United States. Many add ‘art’ to the celebration for the acronym, STEAM. Here are some great ideas that remind your students of the excitement that is these core subjects:

Ten Ways to Celebrate National STEM Day with NASA

National STEM Day focuses on helping students advance in STEM fields, a priority of NASA as we continue to push the boundaries of exploration and soar into the future. In celebration of National STEM Day, we challenge you to engage and inspire the Artemis generation as we go forward to the Moon by 2024 and continue to innovate in the areas of Earth science and aeronautics. To help you join in on the festivities, here are 10 ways you can celebrate National STEM Day with us.

49 STEM Activities for Students 

On November 8^th, we will celebrate National STEM Day to get kids excited about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Together the STEM subjects represent some of the fastest-growing and most in-demand fields in the United States.

While STEM topics seem a natural fit in high schools and post-secondary curriculum, education experts are promoting a focus on STEM subjects for younger and younger children. 

12 Projects for your STEAM program

Twelve favorite STEAM projects where artistic thinking becomes the engine for unpacking solutions. 

Activities from Engineering for Kids

National STEM/STEAM Day is dedicated to all things science, technology, engineering, art, and math. STEM (and STEAM) represents some of the fastest-growing and in-demand fields in the world today and Engineering For Kids is passionate about inspiring the next generation of engineers, artists, and innovators.

Bring Weather into Your Lesson Plan with Earth Networks and WeatherSTEM

One of the hottest topics in schools and an area of greatest need is STEM resources.  Earth Networks has developed creative and compelling STEM curricula on a variety of weather topics. Any school with a weather unit or an onsite weather station will appreciate this site. I asked them to drop in and explain their education programs to the AATT community:

4 Lesson plans

This STEM bundle includes four lesson plans: Engineering and Design, The Human Body, Keyboarding and the Scientific Method, and Robotics. All incorporate technology into authentic class activities such as bridge building, note-taking, and math. Each lesson plan includes an Essential Question and Big Idea, average time required to complete, suggested appropriate grade level, suggested teacher preparation, step-by-step directions (see preview for an example), assessment strategies, pedagogic background, samples, and images (where relevant). 

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Sophia Birk, a digital nomad currently living in Poland, is an international member of the AATT team of educators and a math aficionado. Here are her thoughts on navigating key topics in GCSE Maths:

From Fractions to Functions: Navigating Key Topics in GCSE Maths

The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams are a major ordeal for students and teachers. For our learners, the issue revolves around earning the best marks  – the highest grades. For teachers, preparing students for GCSE success is the greatest concern.

Maths is one of two compulsory GCSE subjects. It’s also a life skill that, woefully, far too few are well-versed in, according to statistics. Maths teachers aim to ensure learners leave school with well-developed numeracy capabilities. The GCSE exam certifies their efforts.

These papers test students over everything they learned in maths classes, from primary school through secondary education. Thus, pupils have much to revise ahead of their exams. This article presents the six key topics that feature on the exam, and what each topic covers. (more…)

Two math celebrations are coming up on March 14th: Pi Day and World Maths Day

Pi Day

Pi Day is an annual celebration commemorating the mathematical constant π (pi). Pi Day is observed on March 14 since 3, 1, and 4 are the three most significant digits of π in the decimal form.

Daniel Tammet, a high-functioning autistic savant, holds the European record for reciting pi from memory to 22,514 digits in five hours and nine minutes.

(more…)

Word problems are popular and fun methods of teaching math and English in many schools. Why? See which of these you agree with:

1. Real-world relevance: They present scenarios that make concepts more tangible and help students see the practical applications of what they are learning.
2. Critical thinking: They require students analyze information, identify relevant concepts.
3. Multifaceted learning: Word problems often involve multiple steps that integrate a variety of concepts and skills.
4. Language skills: Word problems involve reading and understanding written instructions, requiring students interpret written information, extract relevant details, and communicate solutions.

Here are popular online resources to teach about Word Problems (click for updates on this list):

1. Expii Solve–math word problems and puzzles, lots of them
2. IXL Word Problems–by grade
3. Math and Logic Problems
4. Math Pickle–puzzles, games, and mini competitions
5. Prodigy Math Word Problems–about 120
6. Thinking Blocks–free (app)
7. Word problems–type them in, Wolfram/Alpha provides the answer and the how-to. Amazing.
8. Word Problems from Math Playground
9. Would You Rather–more like a justification for decisions using math

–image credit Deposit Photos

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Graphing is an important skill for students whether they go to college after High School or start a career. It teaches:

1. Visualization and Understanding: Graphing helps students visually represent data, functions, and relationships. This visual representation often aids in understanding complex concepts that may be difficult to grasp through purely symbolic or verbal explanations.
2. Problem Solving: Graphs provide a way to solve problems and make predictions. Whether it’s analyzing trends in data, finding optimal solutions in optimization problems, or understanding the behavior of functions, graphing is a valuable tool for problem-solving.
3. Communication of Ideas: Graphs provide a universal language for communicating ideas across different fields. Whether in mathematics, science, economics, or engineering, graphs are commonly used to convey information in a concise and understandable manner.
4. Critical Thinking: Interpreting graphs requires critical thinking skills. Students learn to analyze and interpret data, identify patterns and trends, and make inferences based on the information presented in the graph.
5. Preparation for Higher Education and Careers: Graphing skills are fundamental in many higher education disciplines and careers. Whether students pursue studies in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), social sciences, or business, they will likely encounter situations where graphing skills are essential.
6. Technology Proficiency: With the prevalence of graphing software and tools, teaching graphing also involves teaching students how to effectively use technology to create and analyze graphs. This proficiency in using graphing software is beneficial in both academic and professional settings.
7. Promoting Creativity: Graphing can be a creative process, particularly when students are tasked with representing data or functions in innovative ways. Encouraging creativity in graphing assignments can make the learning process more engaging and enjoyable for students.

I start students in 2nd grade with a spreadsheet program. Here are some of the lessons I teach (available for free on Ask a Tech Teacher): (more…)

The Role of Mathematics in Education: What Professions You Can Get in the Future

Have you ever found yourself pondering the real-world applications of those algebraic formulas or geometric theorems you spent hours trying to decipher in school? Or perhaps, amidst a particularly challenging calculus problem, you’ve questioned how this abstract world of numbers and symbols could possibly influence your future career? Well, you’re not alone. Mathematics, often dubbed the universal language, plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational foundation necessary for a plethora of professions. Let’s dive into the essence of mathematics in education and uncover the vast array of future career opportunities it unlocks. (more…)

This is one of the most popular lessons I teach to Excel beginners. It is relevant, instantly usable and makes sense from the beginning. Before you start this one, you might want to complete Project 70 and 71.

–from 55 Technology Projects for the Digital Classroom

–image credit Deposit Photos

Here’s the sign-up link if the image above doesn’t work:

https://forms.aweber.com/form/07/1910174607.htm

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Copyright ©2024 worddreams.wordpress.com – All rights reserved.

“The content presented in this blog is the result of my creative imagination and not intended for use, reproduction, or incorporation into any artificial intelligence training or machine learning systems without prior written consent from the author.”

Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, CSTA presentation reviewer, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, contributor to NEA Today, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.

There are great reasons to use online videos to learn math:

• Visual Learning: for many, this makes complex topics easier to understand 
• Flexibility: access content at their own pace 
• Engagement: engaging and interactive
• Review and Replay: revisit specific sections of a video as many times as needed to reinforce understanding.
• Supplementary Learning: complement traditional learning

Here are ten online resources for teaching math that I think you’ll like (for updates to this list, click here): (more…)