Real-World Math That Boosts Student Achievement with Dr. Erin Krupa
Description
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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“Why am I even learning this?”
I’ve heard this question in my classroom more times than I can count. If you're a math teacher, you probably have too. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Erin Krupa, an associate professor at NC State and founder of EMC² (Exploring Mathematics Curricula Creatively), to explore how real-world math can not only answer that question, but also boost student achievement. From hands-on projects to identity-building and smart tech tools, Erin shares research-backed strategies every math teacher can apply right now.
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Key Takeaways
How can real-world applications improve math engagement?
“When am I ever going to use this again?”
Erin explains that this common student question can be flipped by starting with an engaging, contextual task. One example she gives:
“I'm going to use this in mechanics or this is what a repair person has to think about when they're doing ratios for fitting metal into pipes.”
The secret is embedding purpose in the lesson before students ask.
What’s the right role for technology in math instruction?
Erin clarifies that tech should help students understand, not just compute:
“A calculator can do computations, but innovative technology helps you actually develop the ideas and learn and then remember them and retain them.”
She recommends tools like Geometer’s Sketchpad where students explore, visualize, and form conjectures they can prove — making math interactive and conceptual.
How does project-based learning deepen understanding?
Dr. Krupa’s “Design and Pitch” STEM challenges merge entrepreneurship and math.
“Kids go through this design challenge in teams, confront math in a real-world context, come up with a solution, then pitch it to a panel of judges.”
One favorite: Flashy Fashion, where students build programmable clothing with LED lights and use geometric transformations to animate patterns.
What makes math identity so important?
“When we listen to students, students get so excited to share their ideas.”
Erin explains that allowing students to connect math to their personal interests — like music, design, or building — strengthens their identity as math learners.
What should professional development look like for math teachers?
Teachers need PD that is inspiring, hands-on, and connected to real change:
“Math is math, but the ways you engage kids in math is what's evolving and changing over time.”
That includes modeling innovative tasks and giving teachers confidence with new strategies.
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Links Mentioned in the Show
Guest Bio
Meet Our Guest: Dr. Erin Krupa
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<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr. Erin Krupa, math researcher and curriculum developer to make math engaging and relevant and improve achievement.</figcaptio
United States
