The Real Issue Behind Lack of Engagement - A Math Mentoring Moment with Aubrey McKelvey

Today we speak with Aubrey McKelvey, a 7th & 8th grade teacher from Nashville Tennessee. Like many middle schoolers, Aubrey's students are tuning out and demanding the “fast food” version of math class. Her students want to skip understanding and go directly to the how. In this episode we’ll uncover the real issue behind this lack of engagement and help Aubrey with some next steps. 

This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community who is working through problems of practice and together we brainstorm possible next steps and strategies to overcome them. 

 

You’ll Learn Answers To: 

• What to do to help students apply their learning to a new or different context;
• How to craft a productive struggle that students will want to engage in;
• Why slowing down and “breadcrumbing” students into your lesson is crucial to spark curiosity and fuel sense making; and,
• Tips to implement the Curiosity Path in your lessons each day.

Resources: 

Problem Based Math Units 

Desmos Lessons 

Illustrative Mathematics 

Math Is Visual

Weeks of Inspirational Math - YouCubed & Jo Boaler

Nana’s Choclate Milk on Desmos

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/

Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.