

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

Oct 22, 2024 • 29min
Ep 227: Solving Equations Pt 1
Do we need to memorize a bunch of rules to solve linear equations or can we reason about them? In this episode Pam and Kim use a model to make thinking visible and keep students reasoning! Talking Points: Modeling on a double open number lineFinding where x lies on a double open number line.Grappling with the opposite of x Building integer sense as well as building equation solving senseReasoning about an equation versus balancing an equationCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

Oct 17, 2024 • 2min
#MathStratChat - October 16, 2024
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 16, 2024. 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 education

4 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 22min
Ep 226: Choosing Problem Strings
This discussion delves into transforming rote learners into reasoners by utilizing problem strings in math education. The hosts highlight strategies to inspire deeper comprehension while maintaining confidence among students. They emphasize the balance between reviewing past materials and introducing new concepts, ensuring engagement. Effective teaching is framed around gradual complexity, accommodating diverse learning needs, and implementing consistent strategies. The conversation reflects on the importance of planning with an entire year in mind to enhance educational outcomes.

Oct 10, 2024 • 2min
#MathStratChat - October 9, 2024
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 9, 2024. 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 education

Oct 8, 2024 • 21min
Ep 225: Place Value Tasks
Do your students struggle with place value? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss great tasks to build real place value understanding for students of all ages.Talking Points:"Adding a zero" vs shifting place valuePlace Value versus Place LabelingAvoiding rules that expireBuild a Number activityPlace Value Mini-Workshop!Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

Oct 3, 2024 • 4min
#MathStratChat - October 2, 2024
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 2, 2024. 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!

4 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 26min
Ep 224: NCTM NCSM Takeaways
We love the math teaching community! In this episode Pam and Kim are live from NCTM and discuss the many things they are learning from other math teaching educators at NCSM and NCTM in Chicago.Talking Points:Too many great sessions to list! But here are a few.Announcing: Developing Mathematical Reasoning: Avoiding the Trap of AlgorithmsAnnounced: Foundations for Strategies Small Group LessonsPre order Developing Mathematical Reasoning: Avoiding the Trap of Algorithms here: https://us.corwin.com/books/dmr-289132?srsltid=AfmBOor-iPP6FJaP0vQS7MWXGMzv6U6psI-ZbqBwxYbE_y4rGgPHU4fU Pre order Foundations for Strategies Small Group Lessons here: https://www.hand2mind.com/supplemental-curriculum/math/math-fluency/daily-math-fluency-foundations-for-strategies-small-group-lessons Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

Sep 26, 2024 • 3min
#MathStratChat - September 25, 2024
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 25, 2024. 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!

4 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 20min
Ep 223: Foundations for Strategies
Discover the power of task sequencing and effective modeling in transforming math education. The hosts delve into a new resource designed to enhance mathematical reasoning and problem-solving. They share inspiring stories of teachers gaining confidence and success through structured approaches. The focus on foundational strategies, like number lines and arrays, brings innovative ways to engage young learners. Tune in to find out how community and creativity can revolutionize the teaching of mathematics!

Sep 19, 2024 • 4min
#MathStratChat - September 18, 2024
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 18, 2024. 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!