IN THE CLASSROOM -- Triggy math just got easier

Deirdre Newman

Inverse trigonometric functions -- words that can strike terror in the

hearts of the not-so-mathematically inclined.

But in Room 729 at Estancia High School, students handle trigonometry

with ease, thanks to the lively teaching style of Carol Tipper.

“She’s so energetic and won’t move on until everyone understands it,”

senior Katy Wyman said. “She’s a great teacher.”

In class one morning, students were reviewing inverse trigonometric

functions. Tipper called out a problem and about eight students,

representing different tables, went up to the board to tackle it.

Tipper encourages the students to confer with one other as they solve

the problem, even if the classroom does get noisy at times.

“There’s safety in numbers,” Tipper said. “It’s less intimidating.

Part of the beauty of the noise is when they are talking to each other

about the content.”

After the students have solved the problem, Tipper asks the rest of

the class if they understood. She hopes the environment of the class

enables them to acknowledge if they are unsure about something.

“A lot of times when students are in math class, they are shy and

vulnerable,” Tipper said. “I try really hard to make it OK for them to

say, ‘I don’t know,’ because it is a very powerful learning moment.”

Another challenge of teaching trigonometry is making sines, cosines

and tangents relevant outside of the classroom.

Junior Mike Salmans said he appreciates the opportunity to learn

skills that will come in handy as he works toward his goal as a computer

game programmer.

“I’m going to need a lot of math because I want to make games on

computers, and all the pieces need to fit together. It will also help

with spherical geometry,” Mike said.

What’s evident from watching Tipper’s class is that trigonometry is

not only practical, it can be fun as well.

“The kids and I have a good time,” Tipper said. “They just tickle my

fancy. I’m smiling all the time.”

* IN THE CLASSROOM is a weekly feature in which Daily Pilot education

writer Deirdre Newman visits a campus within the Newport-Mesa Unified

School District and writes about her experience.