Math is a challenging subject. While it comes easy for some people not everyone is so lucky.

The pandemic has only increased the bridge between students being successful in their Math classes. With schools shutting down due to Covid-19, teachers and students were given no other choice but to continue learning in a different way. 

Math is a subject that requires a lot of motivation and discipline. One can learn the material if they stay focused and pay attention. But with learning from home a new world of challenges, it’s  harder to focus. There are other things to worry about besides that one math class, the stress of being at home all the time adds to it. And, there’s way more to add to the pile of stress many of us are facing at the moment, with Covid affecting many peoples jobs and life it has weighed down on a lot of peoples mental health.

“Something that has became a problem is trying to participate while trying to help my siblings and get chores done” said Crystyna Outland.

Math teacher Josh Rosales can sympathize.

“When I think about it , if I was your age and I had to do this I’d have two other sisters at home and I would have to be watching my sisters , if somebody was calling or coming to the house I’d be the one to go answer it to see what’s up , so I can see why there’s a lot of distractions,” Rosales said. “I know when students turn on their microphone I can hear music playing , I hear video games , I hear other teachers teaching  their other siblings and I hear other kids yelling in the background so I understand why it’s very hard to focus.”

Understanding that one of the problems is concertation, what can students and teachers do to help each other out and prevent it ? Do teachers have to teach differently now to help the students struggling or create new ways to interact with their work?

“.What I started doing was making digital worksheets and they can give you feedback online when you get something wrong. And from there you can see what you did wrong and I can give feedback, so in some ways it’s faster because it’s at your own pace as a student,” Rosales said. “But as far as teaching goes I teach pretty similar, in the same manner but what’s lacking is student engagement. Because I think some students have been doing this sense March and are just put off by it. I don’t think it matters what teaching you give them.”

Another adjustment Rosales has made is recording his classes and lectures. This way, students can refer back to the lecture on their own time.

“I always record my classes, I never show my students (in the video), but I always record the videos this way they can always go back. And I’m a visual learner so if I can go back and see something again, I think it definitely helps so I always leave that up as an option as students.”

Even though online learning has been tough, Rosales has tried to tell his students that it can actually be beneficial, especially if their future includes attending college.

“Before all of this started I would’ve said, ‘In the future you’re going to have to take an online class.’ I had always told people that in college the biggest factor that you are doing well is motivation. And now teenagers are seeing that. They don’t realize colleges do this, but colleges are doing this. In college you might have to take an online class, even if we go back in person. I think it’ good exposure and I think we need to start communicating that, ‘hey you might’ve messed up now but how could we do better with it to get you ready for college?'”