

Math is Figure-Out-Able!
Pam Harris, Kim Montague
Math teacher educator Pam Harris and her cohost Kim Montague answer the question: If not algorithms, then what? Join them for ~15-30 minutes every Tuesday as they cast their vision for mathematics education and give actionable items to help teachers teach math that is Figure-Out-Able. See www.MathisFigureOutAble.com for more great resources!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 13, 2025 • 3min
#MathStratChat - February 12, 2025
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 12, 2025. 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!

Feb 11, 2025 • 23min
Ep 243: Integer Division
In this episode Pam and Kim use what students know about integer multiplication to tackle integer division (without mismatching rules or randomly switching signs).Talking Points:Reasoning about integer multiplication is ground work for integer divisionAn integer division Problem StringTeacher move: time to pause and considerUsing the quotative meaning of divisionThinking about opposites and reflectionUsing the partitive meaningSee episode 64 for the equivalent ratio strategyCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

Feb 6, 2025 • 3min
#MathStratChat - February 5, 2025
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 5, 2025. 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!

Feb 4, 2025 • 29min
Ep 242: Integer Multiplication
One of our most requested topics! In this episode Pam and Kim discuss integer multiplication without mismatching rules or randomly switching signs. Talking Points:Whole number multiplication strategies + meaning of integers leads to integer multiplication.The meaning of integers (See episodes 169, 181, 182, 183, 186)An integer multiplication Problem String and how to model Important noticings about modeling and contextThe importance of distance, reflection and oppositesThe importance of equivalence and commutative propertyFree downloads!https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/factsps https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/big Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

Jan 30, 2025 • 3min
#MathStratChat - January 29, 2025
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 29, 2025. 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!

Jan 28, 2025 • 23min
Ep 241: Algorithm vs Problem Talk vs Problem String
Is mathing just about allowing students to solve problems their way? Aren't Probem Strings and Problem Talks really just the same routine? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how Problem Strings move beyond Problem Talks to develop student's mathematical reasoning at a more sophisticated level.Talking Points:Example of a Problem TalkWhat do we gain from Problem Talks?Example of a Problem StringProblem Strings are more focused conversations Problems Strings allow for constant feedback, a high dose of patterningCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

Jan 23, 2025 • 3min
#MathStratChat - January 22, 2025
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 22, 2025. 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!

Jan 21, 2025 • 24min
Ep 240: Real Math, Fake Math?
Math may be figureoutable, but communication can be tricky! In this episode Pam and Kim discuss things to consider in order to be clear in the message we send when we speak about mathematics education.Talking Points:Duking it out!Are algorithms fake math?A better word than mathing?What do mathematicians think about algorithms?Do the math in mathematics education discussions so we have a common experience.Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

Jan 16, 2025 • 2min
#MathStratChat - January 15, 2025
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 15, 2025. 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!

Jan 14, 2025 • 27min
Ep 239: Counted Out
People across the world are changing math education. In this episode Pam and Kim discuss the documentary Counted Out that they were fortunate to see. They spotlight some of the thoughts of a few of the great researchers and add their thoughts about affecting change.Talking Points:Spoilers! The effects of algorithms today What needs to change?How do we contribute to change?Math is everywhereGiving students choiceJo Boaler will be on the January 2025 Math is Figureoutable Challenge! Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC


