Interview with Ms. Kim Fox, Math Teacher, Booker T. Washington High School November 11, 1995 By Scott McEntee


Q: What is the problem with students and mathematics?
A: I feel the problem is that since mathematics is such a time consuming subject to learn, most student find it easy to just give up.

Q: Of the tutorial applications that exist, are they effective?
A: Some I'd say yes, while others no. Here at Booker T. (Washington High School), we use a tutorial that helps the students by giving them practice problems. If they are unable to complete the problem, they ask me, the teacher for the answer. It would be nice to have a program that shows the student the method of completing the problem and obtaining the answer.

Q: Of the questions asked by students, could they be put on or answered by a tutorial?
A: Some could, but not all. As for geometry, that would be a great help- to visually see the problems, but for other areas, it would be difficult.

Q: Are there any areas that come to mind?
A: Off the top of my head, I'd say proofs. Proofs are difficult because there are so many rules to know. Also, there might be more than one way to solve a particular proof. The tutorial, I think, would have a hard time adjusting for that.

Q: What do you feel that a perfect math tutorial should include?
A: It should hold the students interest, such as make it fun, play games, etc. while learning the subject matter. The student will have an easier time remembering the subject if they can associate a certain rule or problem with something they remembered doing on the computer.