A Simple Solution for School Districts

In these difficult economic times, school districts are looking for economical ways to increase teaching effectiveness and enhance student learning. Make It Real Learning Company offers such a solution. The Kentucky Department of Education recently recommended the Make It Real Learning Worksheet Library to teachers throughout the state. (http://education.ky.gov/kde/instructional+resources/high+school/mathematics/additional+mathematics+instructional+resources.htm). With more than 100 math worksheets that address the question, "When am I ever going to use this?," the library is a ready-made resource that saves teachers time and increases their effectiveness. Check it out today! www.MakeItRealLearning.com

A Simple Solution

Since the formal launch of the Make It Real Learning Worksheet Library earlier this month, I have been amazed at how the library has reduced my classroom prep time. I simply log on to my Premium account at http://www.makeitreallearning.com/ and click on Catalog. I then search on a keyword related to the lesson for the day. (For example, searching the word "quadratic" brings up 14 worksheets on quadratic functions.) I quickly peruse the list of titles and select the title and real world context that appeals to me most. With another click the file is downloaded. Another click and the worksheet and solutions are printed. A quick trip to the copy machine and I'm off to class. With prep time of less than 5 minutes, I have an engaging classroom activity to help my students learn better. Wow. What a simple solution.

Making a Difference

"What will be your gift to the world?" That is the question I asked more than 60 students in my math classes this week. The question was unexpected but the students responded with heartfelt interest. Gifts included serving in the Peace Corps, helping others, creating inspiring music, teaching youth, healing athletes, and showing compassion. I was impressed by the altruistic visions of these young adults. In a world with so much hate and war, it is enlightening to catch a glimpse of love and peace.

Telling Stories to a Wordwide Audience

The reach of the internet is nothing short of amazing. For the past three weeks, Make It Real Learning has been giving away math worksheets to educators in the United States. So far teachers from 40 states have accessed the free worksheets at www.makeitreallearning.com. Yesterday morning, we began marketing in India, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The response has been overwhelming. The fact that an educator in Arizona can sit at his desk and share a learning activity with a teacher in India whom he has never met is nothing short of miraculous. It is exciting to see the enthusiasm of educators in integrating real life applications into their teaching.

Something New for Fall 2008

I'm pleased to announce that The Make It Real Learning Company will debut its online library of math worksheets this fall. Although many companies create worksheets, we provide a unique service: Each of our worksheet answers the question, "When am I ever going to use this?" Learner will discover how to answer questions such as


Which cell phone plan is the best value?

How much flour will I need if I triple this recipe?

Is this credit card balance transfer offer a good deal?

Should I take the low interest rate or the cash back.


Our worksheets teach concepts and skills that ordinary people will use in their everyday lives. Sign up for free samples at http://www.makeitreallearning.com/. You'll be glad you did.

Make It Real

"When am I ever going to use this?" It is a question that math teachers have heard hundreds of times and yet struggle to answer. And, too often, students are dissatisfied with their teacher's attempted response.

In reality, a lot of mathematics we teach will never be used outside the classroom by the students who learn it. The problem isn't that the mathematics isn't applicable to their personal lives -- it's that many educators fail to help students see how to use the mathematics in meaningful ways on a personal level.

I began writing mathematics textbooks in 2002 to help teachers answer the question, "When am I ever going to use this?". Now, six years later, my books are being used in colleges and university across the country. Teachers and students find the hundreds of real-world applications interesting and engaging. And the textbooks are only the beginning.

Later, this summer I will be launching an online learning community to help teachers and learners better connect mathematics to their personal lives in meaningful ways. Stay tuned.