By Alizabeth Meadows
This class stands out to me because of the teacher, Mr. Roth. This math class, Math 8A, was the best class I’ve ever taken in an online environment because of Mr. Roth. He’d make his live lessons informative, engaging, and would answer any questions anyone asked during his class. He also had help sessions on Tuesdays, where we could ask every and any question involving the class. I mostly really liked this class because of Mr. Roth himself– he was the most supportive teacher I’ve ever had, and the most helpful one. He would answer any questions I had, explain so that I would understand, and not seem detached when I was asking him questions. He seemed like he really enjoyed teaching and helping, and his methods of math are some I will always use and remember.
The class is Algebra for 9th grade. He changed his class this year and now is a teacher in high school.
The type of work you do in this class is math projects and solving and creating algebraic expressions.
I recommend it to other students because of Mr. Roth himself. He is a great teacher; he helps guide you, helps you get out of the “math is my worst subject because I suck at” vibe, and helps you get started with your goals!
The interview:
- What do you love most about teaching this course?
- “Well, I guess what I enjoy teaching the most about this course is that I love mathematics and I love helping people.”
- What’s one piece of advice you give to students just starting it?
- “I guess my piece of advice would be don’t let your previous experiences determine how you think you’re going to do in this class.”
- How do you support students when they feel stuck or overwhelmed?
- “By practicing with them. Meeting with them in Zoom, so they can see my face, and helping them work through a challenging problem when they are stuck. Or it’s not even always a math problem, sometimes they just need someone to listen to, and I can be that person they can listen to and not give my opinion. And that’s how I try to support them, by being a good listener. If they’re overwhelmed, I try to meet with them on a regular basis. So, if they want to set up 1-1 recurring meetings, to help them feel less stuck or overwhelmed.”
- What’s one project or topic students usually enjoy?
- “I’m using magic school…to help students use it in their DBAs and Discussion Posts…they are really enjoying it.
- What is one project or topic students usually dislike or ignore?
- “Solving complex equations. I think the reason they don’t like it is because they used to be able to see the problems, but now the problems are abstract, and they can’t see them anymore. It’s no longer putting sticks into groups; it’s using your head.”
- Why did you choose to teach this course?
- “I was not a good math student. When I was your age, math didn’t actually make a whole lot of sense. Then, I got a great teacher, in my freshmen year in college. And that made all the difference in the world. And math started to make sense, and I actually started to enjoy it. Then, I thought I’d like to help other students make sense of math and make it fun, make it enjoyable.”
I believe that this class does help inspire new goals or interests. Since taking this class, I have felt more confident in the math area. For other students taking this class, that confidence can help to build careers.
I believe that Mr. Roth helps a student grow both academically and personally. As he said in the interview, he doesn’t just help you with a math problem, sometimes he’ll just sit there and listen to anything you have to say. He helps you with your algebra struggles, and with those struggles, he helps you overcome the personal struggles that are blocking you academically.
Getting to know Mr. Roth really helps your studies with this class. I highly recommend going to his live lessons and getting to know him!
I hope you pick this teacher! He is an amazing teacher, and I highly recommend taking his class.
Thanks for reading!
