The Mixtape Analogy.
First and foremost, a mixtape is about music. Mixtape Math is all about incorporating music into the classroom and teaching through music. Secondly, when you listen to a mixtape you never know what's coming up next. This philosophy plays out in the classroom through engagement and spontaneity. No two days are exactly the same. Lastly, making a mixtape is all about including your favorite songs. In the classroom, students should have choice and ownership, and should be given the opportunity to explore their passions.
|
The Mixtape Method.
The three tenets of Mixtape Math are verses, verve, and voice. The above infographic summarizes it very nicely, but let's just say that if everyone's having fun, being engaged, and given choices in their learning (and teaching), then the classroom becomes an amazing, vibrant learning environment. Not the least of these values is building meaningful relationships with students and reaching them on their individual level. This is why getting to know what's on students' minds and personalizing learning is vital to the Mixtape Method.
|
About Me.
My name is Andy Austin and I teach in Indianapolis, IN. A few years ago I started writing songs to help teach my students math. Since then, I've striven to infuse creativity in all aspects of my teaching. Through humor, music, video, stunts, and random craziness, I try each and every day to create an engaging experience for my students. I believe that when they're having fun and interested in coming to class, they pay more attention and work harder, as well as take more ownership of their learning. Bringing my passions and talents into my classroom has helped me fall more in love with teaching and try even harder to live up to this calling. It's made it really fun, too!
I love 90s hip-hop, 80s and 90s pop culture, and weird movies and TV shows. I love my city and finding ways to support local establishments, especially if there's food involved. My wife, Amy, and I have two sons and we love to hang out as a family playing games and being outdoors hiking, riding bikes, or going to the lake or pool.
I love 90s hip-hop, 80s and 90s pop culture, and weird movies and TV shows. I love my city and finding ways to support local establishments, especially if there's food involved. My wife, Amy, and I have two sons and we love to hang out as a family playing games and being outdoors hiking, riding bikes, or going to the lake or pool.
