Teaching & Learning in a Pandemic: Spring 2021

Jada Hastings

WHO AM I?

Hello! My name is Jada Hastings. I am currently a senior at Old Dominion University studying to receive a major in Mathematics focusing in Teacher Preparation as well as a minor in Music Performance for the violin. I live in Chesapeake, Virginia with my mom, my dad, and my pitbull named Otis. After graduating Old Dominion University, I want to continue my education by studying mathematics in education with the aspiration of eventually becoming a mathematics professor.

Ever since I was a little girl, I would play school with some of my stuff animals and Barbie dolls. This was when I knew that teaching was something I am passionate about and always wanted to pursue as a career. Many people wonder why I chose mathematics as my concentration and the simplest answer that I can give is the satisfaction of a student understanding. When I see a student, whether at my job or when I teach a lesson at a school, is confused on a particular topic, I want to explain the concept in a new way that may make more sense to them. Seeing a student have a moment of understanding or an "Eureka!" moment is the main reason why I love math. I also love teaching mathematics because I like the challenge of finding ways to make a difficult subject fun for both the students learning and myself teaching!

Fun Facts About Me:

I have been a tutor for the Athletics Department at Old Dominion University for three years!

I am a College of Sciences Student Ambassador representing the Mathematics Department!

I have played the violin for over 10 years!

I recently had my online PBI, or project-based instruction, lesson accepted to be presented in the AMTE 2021 Task Force Convention alongside Professor Sarah Ferguson in February!

WHAT I KNOW

I know how to use Wix to create online lessons! Feel free to check this lesson out about the Surface Area and Volumes of Cones and Pyramids!

I also know that every student learns differently. I personally am a visual learner, but not everyone learns by looking at a board with examples or redoing their notes. I know we sometimes have to change how we explain things in order to help everyone understand instead of just the majority of our students

I know how to use Kahoot to create fun quiz games for students to play as a review, an exit ticket, or test review.

Finally, I know how to utilize some technology such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, Google Sheets, and YouTube!

Domain and Range with Functions

WHAT I NEED TO LEARN

No one starts out as the perfect educator, but I strive to better myself in anyway I can in order to benefit my students that come into my classroom. Somethings that I want to learn is:

Incorporating New Technology in My Lessons

Not Being Embarrassed to Ask for Help from Teachers, Students, and Coworkers

Finding New Ways to Explain Different Topics Within Mathematics

Being Confident in Myself While I Teach a Lesson

THE TEACHER I WANT TO BECOME

Someone to Trust

I want to be someone a student can trust with issues of mathematics or other issues going on. For me, being a teacher is WAY more than just teaching the students the content needed to pass the SOL or a test. I want to be a teacher that is inviting to her students, makes the students feel comfortable and safe while in my classroom, and can trust that I will always be there for them no matter the situation.

Someone to Always Motivate

I believe students learn better when there is positive reinforcement. I want to make sure every student knows they are doing a great job. For me, it does not have to be a 100% on an assignment to show that a student is trying their hardest. This could be seen through a better grade compared to the last assignment or turning it in on time. Every student is different, but I want to be someone that always motivates to try their best as well as motivate through rewards.

Be Innovative

I am always interested in learning new ways to explain the same material, like creating a Kahoot, a game, or interactive activity that makes math fun. If I teach the content the same way every year to each class, I feel like I am not improving as a teacher. I want to find new ways to teach the same material that works for both the teacher as well as the students.

MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

Leading Students to Independent Learning

Ever since becoming a tutor, I love the concept of helping students to become independent learners through finding study tactics that work and open ended questions

Making Math Fun

Mathematics is a subject that not many students are excited about and I think this is because certain concepts are difficult to understand. I would incorporate fun activities in my class, such as board games and worksheets, to have a more interesting way to learn instead of writing notes. I would also like to incorporate a way to reward students for trying their homework through extra credit or a treat of some sort.

Having an Open and Welcoming Environment

I believe that if a student feels welcomed in the classroom, they will overall have a better experience. My students will be in my classroom for at least an hour and I need to make sure they feel safe and welcomed. I would make this happen through the setup of my classroom as well as how I present myself when I teach.

Student-Centered with Teacher Supervision

I believe that students can learn better from talking to others instead of listening to a lecture all day. A student may explain something that makes more sense to the student in comparison to what I would say. I want to have students working together and problem solving as a unit to not only learn math, but team building skills. This being said, I think the teacher also needs to watch the students while doing work and make sure they are on the right track and helping when needed.

COMMENTS

Hey Jada! After viewing your Author page I thought "wow, this was great!" I loved all the information you included specifically you explaining why you wanted to be a Math teacher. After reading this statement I think you'll be a wonderful teacher and help a lot of students in the future. I used to play the violin in 4th grade and I really want a pitbull lol! - Ceira Stewart

Hi Jada, first I want to say wow on your authors page, you really took the time to make it look organized and informational. Having a career in mathematics isn't the easiest but with your strive, I believe you would be fantastic. I used to play the violin but I gave up in elementary school, musical talent is something very unique and inspiring. Your Kahoot was quite helpful and I will be using some of those in the future. Thank you for sharing your experiences. - Hannah Conway

Hi Jada! I loved your page! You have so much detail into this and it really shows you took the time to make your page fantastic. The part that stuck out to me the most, was your "What I Need to Learn" section. I can relate so much, and I also need to learn that there is no "perfect" teacher. - Alyssa Butler

Hey Jada!! I loved that you thought about what kind of learners your students might be. I'm a visual and read/write learner similar to you. I love a good powerpoint and taking notes. I know that I would use styles I comprehend to teach my students but I need to better understand the other ways so I can make them available to my students. I think it's great you're so proficient in so many things! Don't wanna be the teacher who can't make youtube full screen haha- Jedara Reyes

Hey, Jada! Your page is awesome -- I love that your concentration is mathematics, that's pretty uncommon! You seem very knowledgeable in so many different areas, it's very impressive! You seem like you'd make a wonderful teacher! -- Stephanie Sterling

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