Math animation videos for schoolchildren

UPDATED: The project team spent the raised funds on a cycle of math video lessons. Full report and list of created videos at link.

In 2017, Odesa region took first place in the number of applicants who took external independent assessment in mathematics.

But ranked among the last by results. Graduate knowledge doesn't meet desired levels.

Unlike other school subjects, math teachers and students have extremely few tools that not only explain complex material in simple words, but also motivate understanding and memorization.

Math cycle from NEED: necessary education — educational animated videos on algebra and geometry, designed to ease the learning process for students, teachers and self-learners.

The cycle consists of two parts: videos explaining mathematical rules/concepts/theorems and videos visualizing engaging topics not in curriculum, but increasing motivation to study math.

Additionally, methodological materials for teachers will be created, detailing effective presentation methods and specific instructions for introducing the cycle into the learning process (blended learning model).

Besides creating the cycle, the project includes:

series of master classes for math teachers; open lessons in schools; measuring implementation effectiveness in ten Odesa region schools; forming innovative educational community and further scaling across Ukraine.

Expected project results:

Animation math cycle should ease the learning process for students, teachers and self-learners. Reduce the effect of worsening performance in seventh grade compared to sixth, due to splitting mathematics into two separate subjects.

Pilot series will consist of 20 animation minutes on algebra and geometry for grade 7.

Project goals:

Creating short educational videos that explain complex things simply. Implementing innovative math teaching methods in Odesa region schools. Creating educational cluster of conscious school teachers to share experience with colleagues.

Short-term perspective:

– Increasing average algebra and geometry scores for seventh grade students compared to previous years.

– Reducing distance between more successful and less successful students towards the former.

– Engaging inactive students in learning process.

– Increasing student motivation for math olympiads and scientific projects.

– Improving math teacher qualifications through familiarity with modern innovative teaching methods.

Long-term perspective:

– Expanding methodology to upper grades (8–11).

– Increasing success levels in upper grade students.

– Increasing math exam scores, consequently — growing percentage of graduates who successfully enter higher education after school.

Team:

Cycle development by educational animation studio NEED: Necessary Education with experienced math teachers and blended learning experts.

School participation:

School permits experiment with lesson format, provides access to annual journals for statistics and necessary program results upon completion.

Teacher participation:

Teacher agrees to implement blended learning in lessons. Cooperates with expert team, attends professional training series in Odesa city. Teacher's role in project is crucial, without adequate teacher cooperation even the most innovative model implementation won't be possible.

School benefits:

School gets opportunity to implement innovative teaching structure that positively affects student success and increases motivation to study technical disciplines.