At Benilde-St. Margaret’s, select math classes have recently started to offer a blended learning option in the last few years. Some students have decided to stay at the general math learning pace, while others took the option of taking a blended math class. I have chosen to stay in the blended learning class because I believe it is the best option for my learning style.
In a blended learning math class at BSM, we are given a range of videos through Edpuzzle that you can watch and take notes on in class or on your own time. While there is a guideline that you should follow to stay on track, it’s less stressful as you do not have to take quizzes or tests on specific days. A reason that I like to be in the blended learning math classes is because all tests and quizzes are open notes, which I personally benefit from. In this class, you can use any notes that you would like, which is really helpful for students who struggle on quizzes and tests without them. Some other students feel the same way. “I like blended math class because it teaches me how to maintain a good work ethic throughout the year, and it’s more independent, which I feel will help prepare me for college and for my future career. I like how sometimes if I’m not fully prepared for a test, I have a little bit more time to study and get it in,” senior Genevieve DeCesare said.
I like blended math class because it teaches me how to maintain a good work ethic throughout the year, and it’s more independent, which I feel will help prepare me for college and for my future career. I like how sometimes if I’m not fully prepared for a test, I have a little bit more time to study and get it in.”
— Genevieve DeCesare
Students who prefer to stay in general math because of the on-hand teaching, as I have done in the past, are usually taught directly by the teacher, and they like the hands-on teaching and the availability of more in-depth teaching. In these classes, there are usually no notes without accommodations, or depending on the teacher, students can use one standard-size notecard, which made it more difficult for me to take tests and the studying time a lot longer. I, along with other students, find this hard to do with all of our other classwork and things we need to memorize. “Personally, I don’t think that the regular math class is better, even with an in-person teacher. I have been in both, and I think that being able to have notes and stuff helps me a lot because I like to have problems to reference to and to help me on tests,” junior Henry Dean said.
Both classes are great options, but I do prefer the blended math course. Depending on the student’s preferred learning style, students here at BSM luckily have the opportunity to choose which math will provide them with the best outcome. I think students should try the blended class even if they only try it for a semester because of the way it can significantly help you if you enjoy the class. “I like being in the blended math more because of the flexibility the class offers, and I think having the option to even have this class is nice. I don’t think I would do well in math if I was not in blended,” junior Annie Marvin said.