Flintridge Prep: Together in Numbers

Joel Ishii, Flintridge Preparatory School’s mathematics department chair, says, “I am a big advocate for group problem-solving.” Math classes are structured so students work in groups of two or three and foster an environment where solutions are collectively wrestled with and discussed.

Students, often inclined to stick with familiar faces, switch groups regularly, encouraging them to experience a range of problem solving approaches. This is particularly valuable when students are asked to explain their thinking to peers. Ishii says, “It challenges you to think about what you want to say. When you’re on the receiving end, and you’re hearing it from somebody who is not the teacher, it gives you a change in perspective.”

Working in groups also diffuses tension that may otherwise exist, as it allows us to see one another not as competitors but as classmates unified in trying to complete the journey of free calculus together.” —Brandon Cheng ’25

Group problem-solving “makes class interactive and fun. It’s not just about doing problems; it’s also learning from classmates and applying your own knowledge to teach others,” says Brandon Cheng ’25. He believes this helps learning stick and is “a great way to prepare for assessments.”

Collaboration is not just about sharing answers but also building a community of learners. Math teacher Maddie Martin says, “If you get stuck, there’s somebody there to help you. Everybody does better when they can collaborate.”

Nichelle Walker ’25 agrees: “It’s nice having the support from my classmates to help me with problems I didn’t understand.”

This emphasis on collaboration helps students feel secure so they can dig deep and ask tough questions, even if the answers aren’t easy. At Flintridge Prep, students support each other in good times and difficult ones, which opens doors to discover, learn, and grow.

Flintridge Preparatory School, 4543 Crown Ave., La Cañada Flintridge, (818) 790-1178 or visit www.flintridgeprep.org.