Mathematical Connections: Fostering Passionate Learners

​When Deb Prantl joined the faculty at One Schoolhouse, she said, "I'm a book person. It's easy for me to do a bunch of examples and real world situations that are in the textbook." Deb teaches Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations alongside Dr. Carol Braun. And even though Deb has taught math at Fountain Valley School for more than 20 years, she says that after teaching with One Schoolhouse,  "If I teach Multivariable Calculus again, it'll be a different experience for me."

Deb's work at One Schoolhouse has pushed her out of her comfort zone. She confessed, "Getting me a little bit out of my comfort zone is a good thing. Sometimes you just kind of get set in your ways." As Deb worked alongside Carol, and with her instructional coach, Lynnae Boudreau, she could "see different ways, different approaches of what teachers can do"--and that's made a difference in her work.

One of Deb's new skills is creating practical applications of mathematical concepts. "Coming up with my own real world applications pushed me," she admits. "I was honest with my instructional coach about that. But then, as I was brainstorming with her, I came up with some cool ideas." The result? Deb developed a set of teaching tools that were uniquely her own. "Now I have these tools ready to go," she says confidently.

Now, Deb's students collect and apply information to real-life situations. For example, she challenged her students with a scenario: "Because of flooding, you need to go around a river and you're going to use vectors to do it. Come up with two vectors to get you to your final destination." Deb admits, "It's more complicated to grade than a textbook problem because everyone has their own example and situation. But it's worth it because each student's work makes me see what they understand and what they don't understand."

When Deb's students learn online, they don't click through multiple choice questions--they put their learning into action. "I think they will remember experiential learning more than reading a problem in the book and trying to solve the problem. So I think anytime students can be outside or move or collect information, I think it has more impact than just reading a problem in the book," she says. Real world engagement cultivates an environment for the students to connect with the subject matter on a deeper level.

In Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations, Deb already has students who are passionate about her discipline. "These students think math is exciting," Deb says. "They talk about internships or jobs where they're doing real work, whether it's in science, medicine, math, or researching physics on their own. They're all highly motivated to do well, and they love math." Many of Deb's students, however, find themselves alone when it comes to their Multivariable Calculus class. They’re the only one at their school taking this class, and therefore, they don’t have a peer to discuss or collaborate with. From Carol, Deb learned the importance of connection in online courses: "When our students reflect, they say it was great to talk to someone else who is also really advanced in their math studies and really likes the concepts. Friendships can develop because the course creates opportunities for them."

Teaching with One Schoolhouse expanded Deb’s students' learning experiences, and her own horizons, too. For Deb, it's not just about teaching math; it's about cultivating a community of passionate learners for her students and for herself. At One Schoolhouse, we're nurturing those communities too.


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