Why You Should Focus on Blended Learning in Mathematics

We understand that a blended approach in math has transformed teaching especially during the pandemic so is it really helping our students? Well, research suggests it’s the change in pedagogy that has shown a significant positive effect on students’ attitude towards math which in turn more students were motivated.

Yes, we know students can benefit from implementing blended learning. This is a great way to support students who struggle with content and need a little additional support. We know blended learning is the combination of online education and brick-and-mortar classrooms. Students have individual face time with the teachers as well as form connections with their peers when they meet face-to-face.

Blended learning is used in classrooms across the country today. (Janesville Wisconsin) 5 Benefits of Blended Learning

Are you interested in a Blended Learning Approach?

Interest in blended learning has been on the rise since 2010 and is typically rolled out in high school and college. Online learning is heavily reliant on student action to show if the program is working whereas taking a blending learning approach provides multiple sources of input including teacher evaluation and support.  Blended learning is a major advantage for both students and teachers as students have more flexible online learning resources and face-to-face and individual teacher time. Teachers have more technology and resources to use at their disposal (Staff, Teach Thought, 2020).

One of the most important ways Blended learning has dazzled State policymakers and teachers is the level of student engagement and activity. It is also about ensuring that the students take ownership of their learning with the guidance of the teachers.  But one thing does improve the recall and education of mathematics in all students in that is but at the running, which Blended learning does encourage.

A Flex Structure: They rotate between various stations when they need them and they are not constrained by time limits. (Individual Rotation and Flex)

How are you Differentiating Instruction in Math?

Like online math learning programs, blended learning programs are developed for K through 12 grade. Each grade must have its special programs to meet the needs of the student for that developmental stage. Each grade must have specialized teachers taught in that day before and have been a necessary part in implementing Blended learning programs for that grade. In addition to these two benefits, activities and projects also take less time to do. In any program, a strategy that reduces time spent on an activity without dropping student engagement and grades is an absolute positive.

Are you ready to start now?

Do you want to start, I encourage you to start out with a flex model. This is where you allow students to select where they want to go. This takes a little work on your end creating spaces for each group so I would start with one activity, explain the task and start out with 10 minutes, debrief then ask students how it went. Eventually, you can move towards one day a week then it could eventually become your classroom structure.

A Blended Learning program is how it can be personalized to each student, improving areas where they are struggling and encouraging them in areas where they are flourishing. Personalized education for each student happens because teachers have more time in a blended learning program, so they can dedicate that time to helping students one-on-one (DreamBox Learning, 2014).

References

Hunsinger, J., Green, W., Team, F., Leghorn, A., & *, N. (2021, April 22). Individual Rotation and Flex: Blended Learning Models. Kiddom. https://blog.kiddom.co/individual-rotation-and-flex/.

Staff, Teach Thought. "The Definition of Blended Learning." TeachThought, 19 May 2020, www.teachthought.com/learning/the-definition-of-blended-learning/.  

 "6 Models of Blended Learning." DreamBox Learning, 3 Sept. 2014, www.dreambox.com/blog/6-models-blended-learning.  

Walker, S. (n.d.). 5 Benefits of Blended Learning. Imagine Learning. https://www.imaginelearning.com/blog/2018/09/5-benefits-blended-learning.