Math Instructional Videos

Use these instructional math videos to help explain your topic of the day. Step by step math videos cover a range of topics from basic operations and number properties to algebra and geometry. Make learning math fun!

Decimals, Fractions, Percentages

Data

Integers

Geometry / Algebra

Math Operations

Order of Operations
PEMDAS Song

The Benefits of YouTube For Learning Math

Using YouTube math videos with students offers a multifaceted approach to enhancing their learning experience, improving their mathematical skills, and fostering engagement. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the benefits, supported by educational theories and, where available, specific studies or statistics:

1. Visual Learning & Cognitive Development

Mathematics often involves abstract concepts and complex problem-solving steps. YouTube videos can break these down into visual, digestible pieces, making it easier for students to grasp and retain information.

This theory suggests that information is better remembered and understood when it is presented both verbally and visually. Math videos often combine auditory explanations with visual demonstrations, enhancing comprehension and retention.
Cognitive Load Theory: Visual representations in videos can help manage the cognitive load by chunking information and focusing on key elements, preventing overload and aiding in the understanding of complex problems.

2. Engagement & Motivation

Videos often incorporate animations, colors, and real-life examples, which can be more engaging than traditional textbooks or lectures. This variety can cater to different learning styles and keep students interested and motivated.

YouTube allows students to learn at their own pace, pausing, rewinding, and re-watching sections they find challenging, leading to a more personalized learning experience. Some educational channels use gamification techniques, like quizzes or interactive tasks, making learning more fun and engaging.

3. Accessibility & Flexibility

Students can access content anywhere, at any time, breaking the barriers of classroom walls and fixed schedules. YouTube hosts a wide range of content covering various topics and complexity levels, making it a valuable resource for different age groups and learning needs.

4. Performance & Skill Improvement

The multimodal nature of videos (combining audio, visuals, and text) can lead to improved concentration and a deeper focus on the content. Many educational videos offer problem-solving sessions, examples, and practice exercises that reinforce learning and improve problem-solving skills.

Empirical Evidence & Studies

While specific statistics directly correlating YouTube math videos with improved student performance are sparse, numerous studies on multimedia learning and online education support the efficacy of video as a learning tool.

Mayer’s Principles of Multimedia Learning suggest that people learn better from words and pictures than from words alone. This is reflected in the design of many educational videos, which often follow these principles to enhance learning.

The Flipped Classroom Model, which often uses video content, has been shown to promote student achievement and engagement. For instance, a study by the University of North Carolina reported that students in a flipped classroom scored significantly higher on both in-class activities and homework compared to a traditional class setting.

It’s worth noting that while YouTube math videos can be incredibly beneficial, they are most effective when integrated into a well-rounded educational approach that includes traditional teaching methods, hands-on practice, and proper guidance and supervision by educators. As with any educational tool, the quality of content and the way it is used play a critical role in the learning outcomes.

How to Use Math Youtube Clips In Your Classroom

1. Curate High-Quality Content

Using YouTube in math instruction necessitates a strategic approach, focusing on content curation, integration into lesson plans, and fostering an interactive and supportive learning environment. Teachers should start by selecting high-quality videos from reputable sources, ensuring the content is both accurate and aligned with the curriculum’s learning objectives. These videos should not only fit into the existing lesson structure but also cater to different learning styles and knowledge levels.

2. Integrate into Lesson Plans

Incorporating YouTube effectively into classroom instruction can be achieved through models like the flipped classroom, where videos serve as a primer for in-class activities, or as a supplementary tool to reinforce concepts taught in class. To ensure that students are actively engaged, teachers can provide guiding questions or worksheets to accompany the videos, fostering a more interactive and reflective learning experience. Following up with discussions or reflection sessions allows for consolidation of knowledge and clarification of any misunderstandings.

3. Customize and Create Content

Teachers may also consider creating customized content to address specific needs or encourage students to develop their own videos. This not only tailors the learning experience but also enhances students’ communication skills and digital literacy. Interactive learning can be further encouraged through peer learning in video comment sections, fostering a collaborative and supportive online community.

4. Monitor and Assess Progress

Monitoring student engagement and understanding through quizzes and discussions is crucial, and feedback should be regularly sought to refine the use of YouTube in teaching. Additionally, ensuring all students have access to the required technology and understanding digital safety and responsibility is paramount.

5. Ensure Accessibility and Digital Safety

Teachers should continuously seek out new and innovative content, remain informed about the latest educational tools and best practices, and engage in professional development to maximize the effectiveness of YouTube in enhancing math education. This dynamic approach ensures that the use of YouTube in the classroom remains a relevant, engaging, and valuable educational resource.