CASE Webinar Strategies to Motivate Students to Learn Math with Dr. Jordan B Smith Jr.

In Dr. Jordan Smith Jr.’s pursuit of better teaching strategies, he acknowledged that some past efforts did not yield the desired results. District diagnostic testing conducted twice a year, as well as online curriculum without direct instruction, failed to effectively engage students with varying learning needs and deficiencies. Close reading and thinking maps also fell short of connecting with the students in the traditional education model.  Realizing that engagement was the key to unlocking student potential, Dr. Smith’s team focused on revamping their teaching methods. In 2021, they applied direct instruction for the S back (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium) test, tailored to enhance student performance without limiting the educational experience to “teaching to the test.” Math fun days proved to be a breakthrough, engaging students in interactive math games that not only changed their attitudes toward math but also made learning enjoyable with a sense of purpose.  These efforts contributed to significant academic growth, with both math and language arts achieving 33-point gains in 2021.   Traditional teaching paths could risk leaving 11th-grade students confined to math one and math two without exposure to essential content. However, Dr. Smith’s commitment to innovation and creativity suggests that he will continue to explore alternative solutions to ensure his students receive a comprehensive and engaging education, one that empowers them to embrace math and pursue their academic aspirations with confidence.

Driven by his love for teaching, he decided to put his insights into words, authoring a book that lays out 11 key strategies for student engagement and learning, with a primary focus on math.  Central to his teaching philosophy is the notion of motivating students to actively engage in math. Recognizing that mistake anxiety can be a significant roadblock for students, he emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where making mistakes is encouraged and even celebrated. By instilling a growth mindset in his students, he empowers them to embrace challenges and view errors as opportunities for growth and learning.

As he reflects on his teaching journey, one solution stands out as the most effective: student motivation and engagement. Dr. Smith understands that for students to truly excel in math, they must feel motivated to actively participate in class discussions and to take ownership of their learning. By sparking enthusiasm for math and creating a collaborative learning environment, he has witnessed remarkable transformations in his students’ attitudes toward the subject.  In a world where many students may shy away from math, Dr. Jordan Smith Jr.’s commitment to empowering his students serves as a shining example of how impactful teaching can cultivate not only mathematical proficiency but also the confidence and passion needed to tackle any challenge that lies ahead.

In his pursuit of student-centered education, Dr. Jordan Smith Jr. found a valuable ally in Let’s Go Learn. Recognizing the importance of understanding and addressing individual deficiencies, Dr. Smith advocates for a collaborative approach where both teacher and student are actively involved in the learning process.  With Let’s Go Learn as a crucial tool, Dr. Smith encourages his students by involving them in the identification of their strengths and weaknesses. By having a sense of ownership and accountability, the students gain confidence in their ability to tackle challenges head-on. This collaborative team effort, where the teacher and student work together to bridge knowledge gaps, forms the foundation for the student’s academic success.  While the integration of Let’s Go Learn into the classroom may have started as serendipity, Dr. Smith’s proactive pursuit of continuous professional development, attending conferences annually, has led him to discover and harness the power of innovative educational solutions. With Let’s Go Learn as an integral part of his teaching toolkit, Dr. Smith ensures that his students receive targeted instruction and support, further igniting their motivation and determination to excel in their academic pursuits.  As he witnesses the transformational impact of personalized learning on his students, Dr. Jordan Smith Jr. continues to push the commitment to individual growth and empowerment that defines exceptional educators. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and allowing a collaborative learning environment, he equips his students with the skills, confidence, and determination to conquer any academic challenge and realize their full potential.

Armed with Let’s Go Learn, he engaged his students with the dynamic and captivating platform, incorporating music, animations, and personalized diagnostic reports to provide targeted feedback. Through diligent field testing and implementation, Dr. Smith witnessed a remarkable transformation in his students’ attitudes and achievements. From a mere 0 to an astounding 85 students engaged in Let’s Go Learn, the results were undeniable. Individual success stories showcased unprecedented growth in math proficiency, with some students advancing a full year or more in just two months.