Math is Figure-Out-Able!

Beginning the school year with a personal touch is key! Discover the transformative power of using students' names to enhance belonging and community. Hear heartfelt anecdotes about supportive mentors and practical tips for learning names, even in remote settings. Explore engaging strategies like name tents for introductions and personalized screen names to foster connections. Emphasizing inclusion, this discussion highlights how recognizing names can create a welcoming and positive learning environment.

In this episode, Clay, a math enthusiast with a knack for additive reasoning and place value, joins the hosts to explore the nuances of strategies and models in mathematics. Listeners learn how distinguishing between the two can elevate problem-solving skills. Clay shares insights on using area models for multiplication, and the importance of different strategies for understanding concepts like line equations. The conversation also emphasizes how models support students in building strong mathematical relationships, making math more accessible and engaging.

Discover the quirky habits that unite math enthusiasts! The hosts dive into the art of 'noticing and wondering' about numbers. Learn how doubling and halving can transform your approach to math. They emphasize thinking critically rather than relying on calculators. Personal stories add a playful touch, reinforcing that math can be fun and accessible for everyone. Plus, they introduce a community-driven initiative to share math insights. Tune in for a joyful exploration of numeracy!

Pam and Kim dive into the engaging 'I Have, You Need' instructional routine. Discover the magic of number partners like 10, 100, and 1000 and their everyday applications. You’ll hear how this routine transforms math learning and empowers students to conquer tricky subtraction problems. They tackle the concept of being a 'mathy person' and share tips to boost reasoning skills. Plus, there's a useful guide for implementing this fun and interactive activity with friends, colleagues, and learners!

In this enlightening discussion, Pam, an expert in mathematical reasoning, sheds light on Functional Reasoning and its crucial role in helping students grasp complex patterns. She connects it to Proportional Reasoning, explaining concepts like slope and transformations in a relatable way. Kim effectively keeps the conversation grounded, ensuring clarity. Together, they explore how understanding these relationships not only enhances numeracy but empowers students to visualize and analyze mathematical concepts in real-world scenarios.

This episode is so important! Pam and Kim describe the Development of Mathematical Reasoning, and how it transforms our understanding of what it means to learn and teach mathematics. They discuss how freeing it feels to know that everyone can develop their reasoning, and how the Development of Mathematical Reasoning empowers teachers to know how best to help their students. Stay tuned to the end for the big announcement!Talking Points:What is The Development of Mathematical Reasoning and the different kinds of reasoning?We don't need calculators, we need reasonersAre we stuck where we are or can we develop more sophisticated reasoning?Use the free download How Do You Reason guide to know how you, your friends, and students are reasoning.Announcing the new Development of Mathematical Reasoning Workshop!  See episode 61 for more about tools to help students develop reasoningClick here: A new free online workshop. So exciting! Be sure to tell all your colleagues about this amazing opportunity to learn how to help anyone develop reasoning. 

Janie Schielack, an early influencer in math education, joins Kim as they discuss transformative figures in the field. They delve into the impact of foundational practices and how minor teaching tweaks can enhance student engagement. The conversation humorously reflects on mispronounced names at a training event and highlights the revolution brought by graphing calculators. Technology, especially Desmos, is emphasized as a game changer in math education, fostering collaborative learning and innovation in both classroom and remote settings.

Delve into the essence of doing math and its deep connection to understanding rather than rote memorization. Explore the intriguing distinction between 'real math' that fosters genuine reasoning and 'fake math' focused on isolated facts. Discover the unique nature of a mathematician's work and the importance of mentorship in nurturing problem-solving skills among students. The episode sheds light on how mentorship can guide budding mathematicians through the creative and intricate processes of mathematical thinking.

Discover how understanding relationships between numbers can transform math learning. The hosts emphasize that real math isn't about rigid algorithms but about strategies that fit students’ thinking. They explore the 'over strategy' for addition and share insights on fostering number sense. Innovative teaching methods take center stage, highlighting the shift from rote procedures to comprehension. Personal anecdotes illustrate the power of adaptive instruction, showing how listening to students can enhance their mathematical journey.

In this debut podcast, mathematics teacher educator Pam Harris talks with her cohost, Kim Montague, about how they met and the work that they do together now. They set the stage that in this podcast they will talk about Real Mathematics and about how to teach mathematics. They answer the question, "If not algorithms, then what?"