Rapping math teacher puts some flow to STEM subjects :: STEM Education at WRAL Tech Wire

Updated Aug. 30, 2010 at 7:03 a.m.

Rapping math teacher puts some flow to STEM subjects

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By Local Tech Wire STEM News

Local Tech Wire STEM News

RIVERVIEW, Mich. – Mr. Duey is a middle-school teacher in Michigan. He is also songwriter and rap musician.

Over the last year, he has gained international attention for combining his two passions – music and teaching – to produce rap music and videos designed to teach children math, science, language arts and social studies with songs about integers, nouns, cells, and many more subjects.

Educational leaders promoting innovative teaching methods have described Mr. Duey’s music and products as a revolutionary tool to advance academic learning. His most-recognizable song “Fractions” has been one of the most popular views on teachertube.com since the video was released.

Mr. Duey’s second album “Class Dis-Missed 2” was released earlier this summer, adding another 18 educational rap songs to his credit. Experts say the hip-hop beat combined with simple lyrics is beneficial for students as a fun way to raise test scores and improve report cards. And, it works.

Local Tech Wire recently caught up with Mr. Duey to see what he’s up to these days before hitting the road to tour in October:

LTW: What is the biggest challenge(s) you see when it comes to teaching math today?
Mr. Duey: Motivation. Math is such an integral subject that we use on a daily basis and sometimes it is hard to get the students motivated about concepts we are discussing. That is why I like incorporating music into my lessons because it wakes the students up and gets them excited for the lesson. It has them on the edge of their seats ready to hear what I have to teach, and it takes their minds off other things that are going on during the school day.

How can we get more students and parents excited about STEM education?
If the teacher is enthusiastic, then the energy they exuberate will manifest into the students and parents. We all have to work together. Also, it would be nice to add more math classes that address those real-world jobs that use mathematics. It would be nice to have an engineering class instead of Algebra II as long as all of the standards are included in the class’ projects.

What are some of the real and/or practical uses of math?
Students need to be able to understand higher-order thinking in math. They need to be able to take simple mathematical concepts and apply those concepts to real life applications. Also, problem solving in math helps students learn to problem solve in other aspects of their life; not just school. They learn to set up steps and follow procedures, which can be asset when it comes to other classes and other tasks.

How have students reacted to your rhymes and rap skills?
Because I am sharing something that I am very passionate about (music); students feel that they can share their passions and interests with me. More than that, I am taking an interest in their interests such as hip-hop, which to some students is hard to believe since most students believe teachers live in their classrooms and never leave school. For instance, we had a school-wide talent show and two students memorized my song “Big Ballin’” (an Earth Science concept) and performed it at the talent show.

Is there any scientific data to back up the effectiveness of rapping about math?
Yes. I get many emails from parents, teachers, and students that say they have mastered concepts they needed to understand but had a difficult time with. Also, in past years, I have improved test scores in the classrooms I have taught at. For example, at the school I was a permanent substitute teacher at, MEAP (Michigan Educational Assessment Program) scores improve by 19 points.

What has been your best and/or most effective song(s)?
“Fractions" and "Long Division” because they have videos that visually demonstrate what is being said throughout the song. I would love to do videos for all of my songs because I feel that students can retain information easier when they have audio and visual learning combined.

If you could do a math rap with any popular hip-hop artist, who would it be and why?
Drake, because he has a good flow and high self-esteem, which can transcend to the kids that listen to him.

What inspired you to become a teacher and to teach this way?
I always felt good about helping others. As a student, I had a difficult time keeping my concentration and interest in class. I wanted to do something that got their attention and help them understand concepts they needed to know effortlessly. Therefore I decided to combine my two passions – music and teaching. Plus, I wanted to teach math because the concepts are built upon. If students miss a topic, they often fall behind and give up. This is detrimental to their motivation, and I feel my music helps fill the gaps in a fun way that students are willing to try.

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STEM News is generated through a collaborative effort between the NC STEM Community Collaborative, MCNC, and WRAL Tech Wire. To submit story ideas, please email WTW Editor Rick Smith rsmith@wral.com or Noah Garrett noah@thinkngc.com. Read more articles…

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