How Math Becomes Fun: Schools in Burgas Transform Learning with Khan Academy

When mathematics stops being a 'scary' subject and turns into a challenge, similar to a favorite video game or architectural project, the results are not long in coming. For two years now, four schools in the municipality of Burgas have been changing the educational environment through the program "Better at Math with Khan Academy", implemented by the "Education Without Backpacks" Association in partnership with the Municipality of Burgas and RUI Burgas.

One of the most inspiring examples in Burgas comes from the "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" Secondary School. Mathematics teacher Greta Petrova shares her philosophy: "If my students don't laugh during class for at least two minutes, then this class is lost for me!"

Her class participates in "Kano-mania" - a tool in Khan Academy that visually shows the progress of the whole class through colored rings. The set goal of 55 rings provokes the competitive spirit of the sixth graders and they exceed expectations, reaching 57 rings in just a few days and working actively even in their free time. What do the students say?

The students are adamant - the platform changes the way they perceive learning:

• A. S.: "I have learned perseverance and a love for mathematics."
• D. N.: "I like that if you make a mistake, it gives you a hint."
• D. V.: "I realized that I can handle things that seemed difficult to me before. I realized that I like to study independently."
• K. Y.: "The classes became much more interesting and fun. I learned that I can acquire knowledge in a non-standard way."

At the "Dimcho Debelyanov" Secondary School, mathematics comes to life in a non-standard way. During an open lesson, teacher Desislava Tsvetkova turns her students into assistants to an architect who wants to design a unique triangular window. Video lessons in Khan Academy help to review the necessary theory, and then, in teams, the students solve practical cases. Their individual profiles on the platform allow them to receive immediate feedback on their work, and their teacher monitors their progress and omissions in real time. This approach shows the children the most important thing - what is the real application of mathematics in life.

“Hristo Botev” Primary School (quarter “Pobeda”) and “Vasil Levski” Municipal School (quarter “Gorno Ezerovo”) successfully integrate the platform to overcome language barriers and make up for omissions, significantly increasing the children's engagement. Khan Academy serves as a strong tool for educational integration and increasing motivation in an environment with vulnerable groups. The focus is on additional support and the individual pace of work.

The success of Burgas is backed by serious statistics. It shows that in the schools "Dimcho Debelyanov" Secondary School, "Hristo Botev" Primary School, "Vasil Levski" Municipal School and "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" Secondary School:

• In total for the 2024-2025 school year and the first term of 2025-2026, students spent nearly 400,000 minutes actively learning in Khan Academy.
• A significant number of students have studied for over 1000 minutes and have improved to the "advanced" level in more than 100 mathematical skills.

The "Education Without Backpacks" Association is expanding the scope of the program and is currently accepting applications from new schools that will join after selection based on certain criteria. "Better at Math with Khan Academy" offers methodological support, teacher training and access to resources, fully adapted to the Bulgarian curriculum. As a partner, the Municipality of Burgas continues to support its schools to walk the path to more modern and accessible education, proving that with the right tools, every child can develop their potential.