Many parents are finding themselves teaching math to their children at home with schools closed due to COVID-19. That means some are trying to remember those math equations from years past.
The Ohio State University at Mansfield Early and Middle Childhood Education students Iris Walter, Bruce Dewey and Lacey Luikart have teamed up with faculty member Terri Bucci to broadcast math lessons and questions on social media using Facebook Live. The project is part of the Math Literacy Initiative (MLI) led by Bucci. MLI transforms the way K-12 math is taught by using a five-step process that focuses on instructional strategies, content knowledge and classroom culture.
“Our live broadcasts are especially important right now because teachers, caregivers, and students are being thrown into an unfamiliar situation and the way our students are being educated has to change,” Walter said. “With caregivers gaining more of the responsibility to educate their students, we saw the need to help them understand the new ways that math is being taught.”
The three junior students and Bucci wanted to find a way to help caregivers teaching their children at home who may not be comfortable or familiar with the way math is now being taught. Market research was done by the group to find out how they could best serve those in need. It was determined that using Facebook Live would be an easy, interactive and fun way for parents and other caregivers to participate from home.
“We are constantly posting on Facebook and Instagram asking for input and feedback,” Walter said. “We also asked local school districts what topics would be most relevant for them”
Viewers can comment during the broadcast and have their questions answered or leave a comment on a post. Questions are also sent through direct messages on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. The group posts recorded sessions on YouTube.
Dewey believes parents and guardians would benefit from asking for help. “Reach out if you need assistance and just take it one day at a time,” he advised.
Walter agreed and offered this advice. “Take a deep breath and remember we are all in this together!” he said. “No one expects you to be a perfect teacher and we are here to assist you along that journey. Your child’s well-being is the most important thing.”
The Facebook Live sessions on the page OSU Math Literacy are held every Monday, on the hour, from 10 AM to 2 PM. The topics differ every hour.
Source, Photo: OSU Mansfield
