Visualizing Math at Independence High

April 29th, 2019 /
Shauna Sprunger /
Independence High, News, Provo STEM, Schools, Secondary Schools

Mr. Bangerter’s Secondary Math 1 class is learning about graphing and slope formulas through the use of pictures, hand motions and one-on-one instruction.

Mr. Bangeter took advantage of the small class sizes of Independence High during an algebra lesson by giving each student an opportunity to answer questions and taking the time to use different teaching methods that catered to individual student’s needs. This lesson was on parallel and perpendicular lines and using point slope form of a line to find them.

When demonstrating perpendicular lines Mr. Bangeter made an x with his arms and asked a student to determine if they were perpendicular. He then had all his students make two straight lines with their arms to demonstrate parallel lines. Through these hand motions, they were able to obtain a better understanding of what these lines looked like. He went on to describe how parallel and perpendicular lines looked in a mathematical formula. As he explained the lines, Mr. Bangeter drew them up on the board so that both the visual and verbal learners of the class could understand the key concepts. While he demonstrated the process of using point slope form of the line, he would call on students and ask them to explain what part of it he should do next.

Once the lecture was over, he gave students time to work on their homework. As they worked, Mr. Bangeter would call back various students so he could continue to explain key concepts with them individually while the rest of the class worked on the homework, with help from Mr. Bangeter’s teaching assistant.

Understanding algebra can be a difficult and daunting task. However, in Mr. Bangeter’s class all students are given the chance to learn, regardless of which teaching method suits them best.