Rethinking How We Teach Math: A Design That Actually Works

When I sat down to plan this , I did not want it to feel like just another checklist of lessons. I wanted something that would truly work for my students, something that makes sense for the way they learn, grow, and build confidence in math.

I started by thinking about the end results I wanted. What do I really want my students to understand? What should they be able to do by the end of a unit or by the end of the year? From there, I worked backward, mapping out lessons and activities that would help them get there in a meaningful way.

To guide the planning process, I used Fink’s framework for significant learning along with the Outcome Based Education model. That may sound formal, but in practice it just means I focused on helping students move beyond surface level skills. I want them to understand the math, talk about their thinking, use what they learn in real situations, and take time to reflect on their progress.

Technology plays a big role in the design. I included platforms like Prodigy, Khan Academy, and Istation. These tools give students the chance to practice at their own pace while I support small groups. This gives me more time to check in with individuals and provide targeted help based on what they need.

It was also important to make sure every student could access the learning. I added audio directions, visuals, scaffolded slides, and anchor charts in both English and Spanish. I also included supports for students who receive special education or 504 services, so they could participate fully in each lesson.

Everything I created from the pacing guide to the visuals and the instructional video, was designed with real classrooms in mind. This is not a perfect plan, and I do not expect it to stay exactly the same. I will continue adjusting it based on student feedback and what I see happening in our classroom.

This project gave me the chance to step back and ask what really works for learners. My goal was to build something thoughtful, flexible, and focused on helping every student succeed in math. - LM