Math Hero/Math Avatar
Two-part Intervention
Holly Ourso, M.A. mathematics, University of Arizona Global Campus professor
***
The UAGC Teaching and Learning Conference presentation 2025
The power of the Math Hero intervention
This brings the connection around full circle: the existence of a relatable math hero means many more students feel they are in the game, then adopting the mindset of their math hero, stepping into that hero’s shoes to solve a problem can be a magical moment.
Engaging in a successful critical thinking experience can upgrade one’s view of his own problem-solving capabilities, increasing confidence; students can draw on this additional perspective and perhaps increased confidence throughout their careers.
Read the UAGC Chronicle Article.
How to implement the Effective Math Hero/Math Avatar Intervention
Step 1: In the week 1 introduction or day one of the class, each student shares the math hero they’ve chosen with the class and discusses why they selected that person. Each student learns about the math heroes selected by their peers, a diverse group of math heroes who’ve used their mathematics prowess to change people’s lives.
Step 2: In the final week of class, student discusses how their math hero would approach solving a specific real-life problem they are experiencing in a graded journal or oral presentation to the teacher or class.
How to implement the Math Hero Intervention in other classes
If you don’t teach math, swap out the math in math hero for your favorite field.
How to track your results
*To track student progress, each class needs control assignments in the first and final week of class.*After several months (ideally when your enrollment exceeds 1000 students), replace each with the Math Avatar activity.*Track student success for each group and compare. Have an outside statistical analysis done.
Conference Presentations
UAGC Teaching and Learning Conference 2025 presentation. The Impact of the Math Hero/Math Avatar Two-Part Activity on Algebra Student SuccessUAGC Teaching and Learning Conference 2024 Strengthening Student Success Engagement -panelThe Math Avatar two part activity is described at the 33 minute mark.
Courses containing the Math Avatar two part activity
At UAGC, MAT 205 (Quantitative Explorations in Everyday Life)
At UAGC, MAT 222 (Intermediate Algebra)
Coming soon to at UAGC,MAT 232 (Introductory Statistics)
*To track student progress, each class needs control assignments in the first and final week of class.*After 5- 6 months replace each with the Math Avatar activity.*Track student success for each group and compare.
Social Media
Connect with me on LinkedIn.
© Holly Ourso