Mathworlds

Mathworlds explores the intersection of math education, teaching methodologies, and the impact of technology, particularly AI, on learning. It critically examines current educational practices, the role of teachers, and promotes a human-centric approach to teaching math, emphasizing creativity, relevance, and engagement in the classroom.

Math Education Teaching Methodologies Technology in Education AI and Learning Educational Policy Teacher Development Curriculum Design Student Engagement Pedagogical Strategies Educational Technology Critique

The hottest Substack posts of Mathworlds

And their main takeaways

Two of Your Predictions for 2024 and Why They Are Probably Not Correct

1375 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🚌 Education EdTech Generative AI Predictions
  1. Generative AI tools may not eliminate 90% of teachers' administrative tasks by 2024 according to a teacher survey.
  2. AI tutors evolving to become great is another prediction for 2024, but their widespread success remains uncertain.
  3. It's crucial for edtech developers to create tools that truly meet the practical needs of teachers and students, as indicated by survey results.

Are Great Teachers Born or Made?

550 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🚌 Education Teaching AI
  1. Research suggests emergency-hired teachers during COVID may not differ significantly from traditionally licensed teachers.
  2. Education is complex and difficult to measure, making it challenging to understand teacher influence on student learning.
  3. Great teachers may be born, but good teachers can be made through diverse experiences and supportive tools.
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It’s Pretty Clear That These Math Students Aren’t Interested in Learning From an AI Chatbot Tutor

727 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🚌 Education Technology Effectiveness Application Cost Student Engagement
  1. Effective tutoring requires sensitivity to individual learner needs, which AI chatbots may lack.
  2. The promise of AI chatbots in classrooms for personalized learning is not clearly demonstrated.
  3. The high cost and limited appeal to students make AI chatbot tutors a poor fit for K-12 math education.

The Collapse of Teacher Twitter

746 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🚌 Education Social media Educational Technology
  1. There has been a significant decline in teachers actively using Twitter from 2022 to 2023.
  2. Teacher creativity that was once flourishing on Teacher Twitter seems to have shifted elsewhere.
  3. The future holds promise for new platforms where the next generation of teachers can collaborate and create together.

The Dragon Every Math Teacher Has to Slay Eventually

569 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🚌 Education Teaching Mathematics
  1. Students often feel worse about math class compared to other subjects because of the pressure to only have one correct answer for each question.
  2. Math should be taught as a creative discipline that embraces human subjectivity, not just a set of memorized steps.
  3. Teachers can help students deconstruct the idea of one right way to do math by introducing activities that show multiple paths lead to the same solution.

AI Does Not Fit the Shape of Schooling

550 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🚌 Education AI Teaching Learning EdTech Curriculum
  1. Schooling has a multidimensional shape with various purposes like cognitive development and social development.
  2. AI models need to align with the full visions for learning, beyond what AI can currently model well.
  3. In classroom settings, AI may have potential for teacher support and professional development, but may not fit within the primary vehicle for student learning.

If I'm Wrong About AI in Education, Here's Why

432 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🚌 Education Technology
  1. AI chatbots in education may not be as effective as human tutors in achieving a two-sigma difference in learning.
  2. Students are likely to prefer classroom teachers over AI chatbots when given the choice.
  3. Changes in teacher attrition or hiring due to AI chatbots in education may not be significant in large school districts.

How We Set Math Class up to Fail

373 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🚌 Education Mathematics Teaching Learning Abstract
  1. Math class often focuses on moving students towards abstract concepts, neglecting the value of concrete understanding.
  2. Teachers who can help students transition between concrete and abstract knowledge effectively engage students in math.
  3. Including both concrete and abstract elements in math problems can make learning more engaging and effective.

Should You Pre-teach New Vocabulary?

216 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🚌 Education Teaching Vocabulary Math Webinars Learning
  1. For effective teaching, teachers and students need a shared set of experiences to talk about before introducing new vocabulary.
  2. Use 'contrasting cases' like 'Which one doesn't belong?' to surface older knowledge and make connections to new vocabulary.
  3. Provide opportunities for students to experience the need for new vocabulary in activities like Polygraph to enhance understanding.

Do Computers Undermine Conversation in the Classroom?

176 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🚌 Education Pedagogy Student Engagement
  1. Classroom conversation needs interesting topics and opportunities to talk about them, regardless of the medium used.
  2. Teacher pedagogy must adapt with new technology to facilitate and enhance classroom conversation.
  3. Maintaining a balance between technology and face-to-face interaction is crucial in fostering classroom communication.