E033 Katy Pocreva: Proof in the Park

Traveling the road to better teaching as we talk with Katy Pocreva, current University of Mississippi School of Education graduate student, who saw clear evidence of her elementary students’ understanding of parallel and perpendicular lines and angles—not just on their assessments, but in the designs they created.

After learning about these geometric ideas, students were challenged to design a park that used parallel and perpendicular lines and specific angle relationships. What emerged was more than correct answers; it was visible thinking, creativity, and meaningful application of what they had learned.

This conversation explores what counts as evidence of learning, how tasks can move beyond worksheets, and what becomes possible when students are asked to use mathematics in purposeful ways.

Links in the episode

Road to Better Teaching Episode E001 Ann Monroe: Zike's Fantastic Foldables

Amidon Planet E009 Teaching with Problems

Road to Better Teaching is supported by Amidon Planet.