Making Math Moments That Matter Helping Teachers Move Beyond the Algorithm in Math Instruction: Resistance to Teaching Multiple Strategies in Math
Are your teachers reluctant to move beyond the standard algorithm—even when it clearly isn’t working for their students?
In this episode, we explore a real-world example of a school trying to shift toward computational fluency—but getting stuck. The teachers agree that students need more accurate and efficient methods, but many still believe offering multiple strategies only adds confusion. Instead of pushing a solution, the school’s principal is taking a different approach: creating space for math epiphanies, building content knowledge, and shifting belief through structured staff learning.
If you're a school leader or coach supporting math fluency in your school or district, this episode unpacks what it really takes to create shared commitment—not through mandates, but through deep learning.
Listeners Will:
- Learn how one school is building teacher buy-in for strategy-based fluency
- Understand why resistance to multiple strategies often stems from gaps in math content knowledge
- See how protected staff time is being used to shift beliefs and build instructional confidence
- Discover practical moves (like ICQ protocols and fluency-focused video routines) that create space for reflection and dialogue
- Reflect on the dual role school leaders must play—as both facilitators and math thinkers
If your school or district is working toward stronger fluency and deeper math learning, press play to explore what it really takes to lead that shift.
Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/
Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com
Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units
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Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.