Real-World Tips That Improve Math Achievement

“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

Dr. Erin Krupa is an associate professor of mathematics education at North Carolina State University and the founder of Exploring Mathematics Curricula Creatively (EMC2). Her research focuses on improving the quality and equity of math education through curriculum design and teacher professional development. She’s received over $8.5 million in external funding and is nationally recognized for her work in mathematics innovation.

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”