Math is Figure-Out-Able!

What are some examples of rich tasks that are designed to intrigue and engage students? In this episode Pam and Kim give some specific examples and describe why they are so rich.Talking Points:Relatable to students not just real worldAn eye towards equityLead to the mathematicsPacked with patternsNatural extensionsMake the math realizableBuilding Powerful Linear Functions coming Fall 2022See Ep 47: Fractions as Fair Sharing where we explored the Sub Sandwich rich task!

Let's talk rich tasks! On Twitter we enjoyed a great conversation about what makes a rich task rich. We thought we'd comment on some great suggestions from Professor Tad Watanabe, inspired from his mentor Dr. Grayson Weatley.Talking Points:Invite students to make decisionsReplete with patternsPromote discussion and communicationTasks should lead somewhereBe extendableHave an Element of SurpriseAnd More!

Dive into the fascinating world of mathematical strategies! The hosts explore various interpretations of 'strategy' in teaching, highlighting how different approaches can shape learning outcomes. Discover effective teaching tactics that boost student engagement and comprehension. Learn about numeracy strategies and problem-solving techniques that move beyond rote memorization. With an emphasis on the importance of a solid foundation in math, the discussion reveals how strategic thinking transforms classroom dynamics.

We love that we've been able to make 100 episodes! We also love that 1 hundred is 10 tens, so let's talk place value! In this episode Pam and Kim discuss why students struggle with place value, and suggest some of their favorite place value activities.Talking Points:Why 'place labeling' is ok, but not enoughCount AroundsMultiple TowersBase 10 materialsUsing correct place value language

In the last 5 episodes we've laid out the most important strategies for students to be able to solve for all four operations. So what? In this episode Pam and Kim solve a gnarly problem to demonstrate how mathematizing can empower you and your students, and open up to the world of Real Math.Talking Points:How to use the BIG downloadable e-bookA gnarly problem solved using Real MathIt's all about efficiency and developing more sophisticated reasoningPartial strategies are a great starting point but not the ending placeKudos to Pam's research and thoughtfulnessWhy does Pam seem to focus on computation?What believers are sayingOther ways to learn with PamWe can make higher math more accessibleBONUS: Kim's failed attempt at the standard algorithmGet the BIG download here! https://mathisfigureoutable.com/big

This discussion dives deep into the struggle with long division and the switch to more intuitive strategies. Listeners will discover the power of partial quotients and techniques like ‘over-under’ estimation. They explore how ratios and equivalent fractions can simplify division. The hosts emphasize thinking in larger chunks and mastering foundational math knowledge to boost confidence in solving division problems. With playful approaches, they inspire a calculator-free mindset in tackling math challenges.

What are the five major strategies for multiplication? In this episode Pam and Kim name and give examples of each of the five major multiplication strategies. If students own these strategies they should be able to solve any multiplication problem that is reasonable to solve without a calculator. They will be able to solve it as efficiently as a traditional algorithm and most of the time more efficiently than the traditional algorithm. But even more important than that, they will be developing Multiplicative Reasoning! Talking Points:Smart Partial ProductsOver/Under5 is Half of 10How are these strategies related to the distributive property?Doubling/HalvingHow is this strategy related to the associative property?Using Quarters & Scaling Bonus! Flexible FactoringGet a download of all the major strategies here: www.mathisfigureoutable.com/big

It's time for subtraction! In this episode Pam and Kim name and give examples of the four main subtraction strategies students need to own to solve any subtraction problem that is reasonable to solve without a calculator.Talking Points:Remove a Friendly NumberRemove a Friendly Number - OverRemove to a Friendly NumberConstant DifferenceHow do students choose which one to use?Get the download! www.mathisfigureoutable.com/big

What are the major strategies students need to know to solve any addition problem that is reasonable to solve without a calculator? In this episode Pam and Kim list them out, give examples, and some insights into how they choose which strategy to use for any given problem. Talking Points: Splitting by Place Value (a precursor strategy)Add a Friendly Number Add a Friendly Number - Over Get to a Friendly Number Give and Take When do you use each strategy?Get our download of all the major strategies here! mathisfigureoutable.com/big

We want students to be real problem solvers, and we know that means much more than helping them get correct answers. But we never want to put students in a position where they are disadvantaged because they don't know the traditional algorithms. We actually want them to have a much deeper and richer understanding of mathematical relationships. In this episode Pam and Kim begin a series exploring the major strategies for each operation that students need so that they can solve ANY problem that's reasonable to solve without a calculator. Talking Points:Pam's journey from learning only step by step procedures to mathematizingHow this series can take Pam's published books a step furtherHow Kim, and many other mathematicians approach problemsOwnership of the major relationships empowers students with choiceHonor students thinking, but don't leave students where they areGet the download!: mathisfigureoutable.com/big