Edna's Math Class on Bolster

This project was inspired by a presentation I gave at the 2022 University of Waterloo Teaching and Learning Conference, in collaboration with my partner, Ana Lucia Vargas Sandoval at Bolster Academy, where we discussed the ideas of "fixed" versus "growth" mindsets in learning (for more: click on "The Power of Yet" by Carol S Dweck), and I discussed my strategies for prioritizing learning before grades, and I designed a small Mock Math Class, where participants could experience what it's like to learn on the Bolster platform. The exercises I created are at an elementary to high school level and geared towards a general audience, but modelled on my new teaching strategies at the first-year university level.

Participants had the opportunity to experience a self-study interactive tool that grades the work, gives hints how to improve, lets them try again as often as they like, and praises them when they got it right. All randomized and in real time. Instead of just talking about it, my goal was for participants to experience first-hand the reasons why my students are more frequently using the words “math” and “fun” in the same sentence.

Please follow the steps below to access my Math Class and try it for yourself. It's free.

How to Access Edna's Math Class on Bolster

• Step 1. Please click here to log into Edna's Math Class. It's free. Your Access Code is: Uic6mGsx
• Step 2. Please Register with your name, an email address, and a password.
• Step 3. After you've registered, Bolster will send you an email confirmation, inviting you to activate your account. (If you don't see the email, please check your spam folder.)
• Step 4.  Within the confirmation email, click on "Finish your registration". You’ll be prompted to login with your new credentials
• Step 5. Bookmark the Bolster App. This will make it easy for your to locate your textbook anytime in the future.
• Step 6. You are ready to explore my Math Class!
• Questions.  If you need help accessing my Math Class, please contact me: [email protected] and I will help you.