Presenter says HVEF grant whiteboards boosted student engagement and algebra learning

A presenter told the meeting they wrote an HVEF grant to buy whiteboards and markers for their classroom this year and that the materials allow students to magnetize boards to the chalkboard and move around while working. "The whiteboards were perfect for the classroom so that they could magnetize against the chalkboard and get the kids up and thinking," the presenter said.

The presenter said the physical movement and collaboration changed classroom dynamics. "The really cool part is that they get excited about it when they know that they get to stand up and move around," the presenter said, adding that many students became more engaged by standing and working together on problems.

The whiteboards were used in a lesson introducing one-step and two-step algebra equations, the presenter said. "It was really cool to see them coming up with their own explanation as to how it works," the presenter said, describing students developing their own processes rather than relying on a formula handed down by the teacher.

The presenter framed this approach as supporting retention and ownership: "By them coming up with the process, the algorithm if you will, on their own, research shows they're gonna retain that a lot longer than if I just give them the formula," the presenter said. The presenter attributed improved collaboration and learning ownership to the combination of the tools provided by the grant and administrative support.

The presenter also referenced support from the foundation spelled in the transcript as "HBEF" and from administrators for access to classroom resources. The presenter said the new materials will remain part of their routine because they are "a powerful, powerful tool for the kids for their learning, for their ownership, for their collaboration."