In the wake of a noticeable decline in post-pandemic student math scores, educators across the country are grappling with how to re-engage learners and bridge critical knowledge gaps. Facing this challenge head-on, a Maine high school teacher, Sean Donovan, has transformed his mathematics classroom from a place of abstract formulas into a dynamic hub of creativity and practical application. Inspired by insights gained from professional development and graduate studies, Donovan developed a dual-strategy approach that moves away from traditional lecture-and-test formats. He has successfully revitalized student interest by implementing two core initiatives: inquiry-based digital projects that grant students significant autonomy and hands-on activities, which he calls “fun-tivities,” that connect complex mathematical concepts to the tangible world. This shift not only addresses flagging test scores but also cultivates a deeper, more intuitive understanding of mathematics, proving that engagement is a powerful catalyst for academic achievement.
Redefining Assessment Through Digital Creativity
Fostering Student Ownership and Voice
A cornerstone of the revised curriculum is the replacement of conventional summative tests with comprehensive digital projects, a change that fundamentally alters the student’s role in the learning process. Instead of passively absorbing information for a final exam, students become active architects of their own educational journey. This model grants them significant ownership; they are empowered to select a topic that genuinely piques their interest, choose the digital platform that best suits their creative vision—be it a video, a website, or an interactive presentation—and, most importantly, find a way to connect the mathematical concept to their personal passions or future career aspirations. This freedom has unlocked a new level of engagement, even among students who were previously apathetic toward the subject. One notable success story involved a student who, leveraging a passion for aviation, produced a highly detailed and sophisticated video explaining the complex mathematics behind flight simulators. This project demonstrated not only a mastery of the required concepts but also a profound ability to apply them in a personally meaningful context.
Emphasizing Real-World Communication Skills
Beyond simply completing a digital artifact, a crucial component of this project-based initiative is the requirement for students to verbally articulate their work. Donovan insists that each student explain the purpose, process, and results of their project, a practice that develops a skill he believes is vital for real-world success yet is frequently neglected in conventional math instruction. This emphasis on oral communication forces students to move beyond rote memorization and procedural fluency; they must deeply understand the underlying principles to explain them coherently to others. This process of verbalization solidifies their own comprehension and prepares them for professional environments where conveying complex quantitative information clearly and concisely is paramount. By integrating this element, the classroom mirrors a professional setting where engineers, analysts, and scientists must regularly present their findings and defend their methodologies. It transforms the assessment from a simple test of knowledge into a holistic evaluation of a student’s ability to think critically, create, and communicate effectively.
Bringing Mathematics to Life With Hands-on Exploration
From Abstract Concepts to Tangible Experiments
The second pillar of this innovative teaching strategy involves transforming the math classroom into a space that more closely resembles an experimental science lab. Dubbed “fun-tivities,” these hands-on sessions allow students to physically interact with mathematical principles, making abstract ideas concrete and memorable. During these activities, the room buzzes with collaborative energy as students engage in practical experiments using a variety of tools. For instance, a lesson on trigonometry is no longer confined to a textbook; instead, students are outside, using surveying equipment to apply trigonometric functions to estimate the height of the school building. In another session, they might use spectrometers and auditory devices to measure the intensity of light and sound waves, graphing the data to understand logarithmic scales. This kinesthetic approach caters to diverse learning styles and demonstrates the direct applicability of mathematics in fields like architecture, engineering, and physics. The popularity of these activities is a testament to their effectiveness in making math not just understandable but genuinely enjoyable.
Measuring Success and Inspiring Change
To gauge the effectiveness of these new methods, Donovan relies heavily on student feedback forms, which have consistently revealed a measurable improvement in engagement levels during group work and hands-on activities when compared to traditional direct instruction. While he acknowledges that grading these multifaceted projects is significantly more labor-intensive and time-consuming than scoring a multiple-choice test, he finds the process far more rewarding. Witnessing students’ creativity and genuine enthusiasm provides a level of professional satisfaction that standardized tests cannot offer. Moreover, he believes his own enjoyment and passion for these dynamic lessons translate into more effective teaching, creating a positive feedback loop within the classroom. For other educators inspired to adopt a similar approach, his advice is pragmatic: start small. He recommends integrating one or two new activities into an existing curriculum rather than attempting a complete overhaul at once. This incremental strategy ensures the changes are manageable for the teacher and allows for gradual refinement based on classroom results, paving the way for sustainable and impactful change.
A Blueprint for Future Math Classrooms
The innovative strategies implemented in this Maine high school classroom provide a powerful and effective response to the challenge of re-engaging students in mathematics. By shifting the focus from rote memorization to creative application and real-world problem-solving, this approach fosters a learning environment where students feel a sense of ownership and purpose. The integration of digital projects cultivates critical communication skills, while the hands-on “fun-tivities” make abstract concepts tangible and exciting. The documented success, measured through direct student feedback, demonstrates that when students are active participants in their education, their interest and comprehension flourish. This model offers a compelling blueprint for educators seeking not only to improve test scores but also to instill a lasting appreciation for the power and relevance of mathematics in the modern world.
