Math is Figure-Out-Able!

We love it when students are thinking and reasoning, and it's important to know how best to build and experience sophisticated strategies. In this episode Pam and Kim continue discussing Dr. Peter Liljedahl's work and finetune where it's appropriate to use vertical nonpermanent surfaces, and what other kind of tasks we should be doing whole class with students.Talking Points:Randomized Groups at Vertical Non Permanent Surfaces in random groups are great for Rich Tasks that follow your curriculum Problem Strings are best used whole class to build specific strategies, models, and big ideasSee Episode 157 for Pam and Kim's introductory comments about Dr. Liljedahl's work. Check out Pam's social media (I changed this to "Pam's" since it doesn't include mine)Twitter: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 21, 2023. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.Twitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationWant more? Check out the archive of all of our #MathStratChat posts!

We want our students to be confident problem solvers who can think and reason through complex problems. In this episode, Pam and Kim highlight some of Dr. Peter Liljedahl's work on Building Thinking Classrooms to use student's natural inclinations to help them work better and more collaboratively. Talking Points:It's about thinking, not mimickingThinking Tasks not mimicking tasksVertical Non Permanent SurfacesVisibly random groupsIt takes time for kids to accept working in random groupsPulse of the room: Are student's opting out? What math are groups using?The "how " is important, but so is the "what"Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 14, 2023. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.Twitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationWant more? Check out the archive of all of our #MathStratChat posts!

We've reached our third anniversary of the podcast! There's a lot that's been said, so we thought we'd highlight some of the quintessential Pam Harris topics from previous episodes that you need to transform your math classroom. In this episode Pam and Kim blitz through what makes the Math is Figure-out-able Movement so important and unique. They also list out which episodes you can listen to for more information about these key concepts.Talking Points:The Development of Mathematical Reasoning: Ep 5, 6, 67, 68Models vs Strategies: Ep 9Algorithms Are Not the Goal: Ep 2, 94-99Different Math Perspectives: Ep 24-28Problem Strings: Ep 33, 71, 72Everyone Learns, Everyone Grows: Ep 39Know Your Content, Know Your Kids: Ep 74Do, Say, Represent:  Ep 128Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 7, 2023. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.Twitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationWant more? Check out the archive of all of our #MathStratChat posts!

Can kids reason about fraction division? In this episode Pam and Kim explore the definition of fractions through a Problem String and show how you can help students build experiences so that fraction division is a natural outcome.Talking Points:Can students reason about 1/25 divided by 4?Dividing parts of candy bars Problem String experienceDiscovering the definition of fractionsKids can intuit!See Episodes 142-144 for more about fraction division.Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 31, 2023. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.Twitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationWant more? Check out the archive of all of our #MathStratChat posts!

It's exciting to watch our students gain confidence and mathematize with the best of them, but what about next year? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how you can communicate expectations to students and teachers alike to embolden your students that math will always be figure-out-able.Talking Points:What is your job for this year?What do students need to know leaving your classroom to prepare for them for next year?What does the teacher for next year need to know about your kids coming to them?Communication is the keyCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 24, 2023. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.Twitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationWant more? Check out the archive of all of our #MathStratChat posts!