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

The challenge becomes even more intense as 11th-grade students, having joined Dr. Smith’s classroom just months before, must suddenly gear up for the state test, mirroring the expectations of their peers in traditional high schools. However, amidst all the obstacles, the unwavering determination of Dr. Jordan Smith shines through. His passion for teaching and belief in his students’ potential fuel an environment of encouragement and growth.

In 2023, the school adds CSI (Comprehensive Support and Improvement) and ATSI (Additional Targeted Support and Improvement) to their efforts, further enhancing the support system for every student. Dr. Smith spearheads these initiatives, aiming to cultivate a truly supportive and enriching environment where every young mind can thrive.

Reflecting upon the collective progress from 2014 to 2019, this educational community celebrates their enduring spirit, committed to empowering these young minds and transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. Dr. Jordan Smith’s dedication to teaching math and inspiring students is nothing short of awe-inspiring, earning him recognition as the Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year on May 9, 2023. His impact extends far beyond the classroom, shaping futures and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all those fortunate enough to be a part of his educational journey. As we witness the transformation of once-disheartened students into confident learners, we can only marvel at the profound influence of an exceptional educator like Dr. Jordan Smith Jr.

In Dr. Jordan Smith Jr.’s relentless 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. However, Dr. Smith and his team were undeterred and ventured into innovative approaches, such as hosting math fun days and musicology sessions to spark enthusiasm for math among students.

Realizing that engagement was the key to unlocking student potential, Dr. Smith’s team focused on revamping their teaching methods. In 2021, they implemented 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.

Addressing the fear of word problems, Dr. Smith devised engaging strategies to introduce close reading and build students’ confidence in tackling challenging math concepts. These efforts contributed to significant academic growth, with both math and language arts achieving 33-point gains in 2021.

Looking ahead to 2023, Dr. Jordan Smith faces a new challenge. 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. As the years go by, Dr. Smith’s unyielding dedication to his students and passion for teaching stand as a shining example of the transformative impact an exceptional educator can have on young minds.

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 discourse. Instead of simply imparting knowledge, he encourages his students to write about math, fostering a space where discussions about mathematical concepts flourish. 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.

Dr. Smith firmly believes that building confidence in his students is a key factor in nurturing their mathematical abilities. Through a thoughtful approach to teaching and constant encouragement, he ensures that his classroom becomes a safe space where students feel capable and supported.

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 fostering discourse and 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, a diagnostic program designed to tailor personalized instruction based on each student’s specific needs. 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 empowers his students by involving them in the identification of their strengths and weaknesses. By fostering 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 exemplify the commitment to individual growth and empowerment that defines exceptional educators. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering a collaborative learning environment, he equips his students with the skills, confidence, and determination to conquer any academic challenge and realize their full potential.

Empowering Students with Let’s Go Learn

Undeterred, Dr. Smith embarked on a mission to reverse the trajectory of his students’ academic progress. 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. The focus on positive reinforcement and agreement-building garnered exceptional buy-in from the students, empowering them to take charge of their learning.  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.

Dr. Jordan Smith Jr.’s confidence in the program stems from its unparalleled engagement, yielding proven results and aligning seamlessly with IEP goals. Armed with data-backed outcomes, Dr. Smith is eager to take on any challenge and uplift his students to new heights of academic excellence. As the program unlocks the potential within each student, the journey to mathematical mastery is illuminated, inspiring a newfound passion for learning and a belief in limitless possibilities.