In the midst of online learning, students at San Luis Obispo High School are forced to overcome a multitude of challenges, with one of the most prominent conflicts pertaining to the completion of each student’s assigned school work. Though some classes can be more challenging than others, a common obstacle is faced amongst students with one subject–math. 

  “If students are struggling with their math assignments, I would advise that they go to their teacher. If they can’t go to their teacher, then they could also go to someone who is in their class or is taking that class too. I personally got a tutor because it was helpful to get someone’s help who is a student and had taken the class before, said sophomore AP Calculus student Fiona Stevens.

  Numerous students require unique forms of learning to meet their educational needs, but some are faced with copious difficulty once SLOHS closed for the remainder of the school year and evolved into an online learning methodology.

  “In order to not fall behind, I recommendreccomend that students think of math as if it were a sport or music; these are two subjects that require daily practice. To not get behind, you just have to do what is given to you each day, so that your brain is always practicing. To help stay on track requires organization. Students should have a calendar for only their math assignments and or make a list [of the assignments].  Also, students should keep their math notebook organized, as well as each math problem. Show all of the steps, it makes the math make more sense when you can see it taking place step by step in front of you,” said Geometry teacher Annamarie Fella.

  A popular trend within a large amount of class levels is creating a system that works best for each independent individual.

  “I think we are learning math to the best of our abilities. This meaning, math teachers can only help so much virtually, that actually learning the material may require students to rely on other resources as well. A tool that can help students stay on track is a to do list of assignments that should be done per day. It is easier to take it day by day. Also, online resources such as videos, examples, and more available.

.Additionally, to not fall behind, I would say to create an environment that you can focus well in. It can be difficult to find the motivation to complete assignments, but it can also feel accomplishing when finished. You have to want to understand the material to truly do all of the work,” said sophomore Honors Pre-Calculus student Cevina Monzano.

  Although there are several techniques to bear the current situation, there is always going to be conflicts beyond one’s control.

   “I would want to change all of the group work that the book and Common Core Math insists on.  It makes it hard for kids who are absent and it is especially hard for online learning. I feel a more traditional approach where the notes and examples are given at the beginning of a lesson, so kids have something to reference before they dive into the practice problems,” said Fella.

  With all honesty, this circumstance of online learning is not ideal, and not what most students had hoped for, however, as a student, one can chose to take this learning obstacle to either better oneself, or one can chose to damper this newly designated form of life, which will not accelerate their knowledge. As a reminder, there are various online tools, such as tutors, Khan Academy, and more, to help students through this unprecedented time and proceed alongside the help from the SLOHS community.