There are many different ways to approach learning math. BVHS incorporates flipped learning as a way of doing that. Sophomores Annika Kutter and Neenaz Irani share the differences they feel between learning from live teaching and video lessons.
“I like having videos to go back and watch,” Kutter said. “I wish we had learning in person, and the videos were posted, so we could go watch them again, but I don’t mind it. I like being able to pause and rewind.”
Irani agrees with Kutter and feels videos are a good resource for learning, although as one of Mrs. Baker’s students, she also sees the benefits of live teaching.
“If I have any questions, I can ask her right then, so I don’t forget,” Irani said. “That’s one of the disadvantages of flipped learning, which is a drawback for me as well. I like asking questions on the homework, so I know what I’m doing.”
The type of learning isn’t the only thing that has an impact on success, but also the teachers and their connections with the students.
“[Mrs Baker] is very nice,” Irani said. “Any questions we have, she answers them thoroughly, which creates a good effect for me as well.”
Kutter also enjoys her flipped class taught by Mrs. Lerner.
“She’s really nice, and my friends and me have free seating,” Kutter said.
Both students expressed that Algebra 2 is a jump from Honors and on-level geometry.
“I felt like Honors Geometry was easier for me, though I was the algebra person in general,” Irani said. “Geometry just made sense to me, and the way I was getting taught was easier. Honors Algebra 2 is just really hard to grasp [with] all the minor details.”
Kutter originally took Geometry and was placed in Algebra this year, but she didn’t feel challenged, so her friends prompted her to move up.
“It’s much harder asking questions in [Honors Algebra 2] because there’s always a line [to show] homework,” she said. “It’s more of you have to figure it out on your own.”
In addition to grades, it’s important to have a good classroom dynamic and create expectations.
“Mrs Baker tries to make the classroom a good learning environment, so we can all understand the unit,” Irani said. “Even when it’s really hard, she’ll let us know in advance. The experience of sitting in that class and going through the lecture with her helps a lot with determining how you’re doing in class and readiness for the test.”
Kutter feels the dynamic of Mrs. Lerner’s class is based on self-motivation.
“You have to hold yourself accountable and actually watch the videos,” She said. “If you get to class and you don’t have anything done, it’s really difficult.”
Irani and Kutter see how BV incorporates both learning styles and believe it comes down to the learning preferences of the student. There will be new things to adapt to, but overall, it’s important to communicate with the teacher and be prepared.
“Get a head start on the work that you’re doing,” said Irani. “Try to understand the knowledge while you’re going through because once the test day comes, it adds up.”
