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Making Math Moments That Matter

Latest episodes

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Jun 3, 2024 • 55min

Rethinking Math: Conrad Wolfram on Revolutionizing Education for the Digital Age

Conrad Wolfram discusses revolutionizing math education by prioritizing computational thinking over manual calculation. He emphasizes the need to align education with modern technology, reshaping the curriculum to focus on problem-solving. The podcast explores the shift towards conceptual understanding, challenging traditional math education practices and advocating for a reasoning-focused approach.
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May 27, 2024 • 53min

How To Coach Math Teachers Through Questioning: A Math Mentoring Moment

As a math coach, how do you get teachers to open up to you so you can best serve them? What purposeful questions can you put in your “back pocket” to keep the coaching alive instead of just turning the session into “show and tell” ? Listen in to this episode as we chat with first year math coach Connor Wagner from Pittsburg. Connor has had great success as a classroom teacher and coach, but sometimes struggles with how to keep the teacher reflecting and holding back on advice giving. You’ll Learn: How to utilize and tweak techniques like the "Pebble in Your Shoe" to identify subtle yet significant challenges in teaching practices. This strategy prompts reflective thinking and continuous improvement among teachers.Insights into the critical role of listening and asking open-ended questions in coaching. Improving these skills can lead to better support and deeper insights into the needs and successes of teachers.How to apply the "Magic Wand" approach for practical goal setting. This method emphasizes identifying small, actionable changes that can lead to significant improvements in the classroom.A variety of prompts and questions to keep the coaching alive and not rush to answer giving. This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them. Resources: Crafting Mentoring Moments: Episode 204 with Jim StrachanThe Coaching Habit [Book]Assessment For Growth: A Blueprint Course For Standards Based Grading in Math ClassMake Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short converLove the show? Text us your big takeaway! Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/ Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.
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May 20, 2024 • 33min

Unintended Consequences in Math Assessments in K-12 Classrooms: Balancing Fairness & Growth

Do we know what we are really measuring in our math assessments? What unintended thoughts are we conveying to our students when we pass the test back? How can we as parents and math professionals navigate complex relationships between teacher, parent, and student? This episode delves into the complex dynamics of math assessment, addressing a universal concern among parents and educators about how best to support and evaluate students' understanding without creating undue pressure or conflict.What you’ll learn: Gain insights from real-life experiences on navigating disputes over grades and the implications these have on students' confidence and advocacy skills.Learn about the challenges and strategies in developing fair and effective assessment and evaluation practices in mathematics that respect both the educators' workload and the learners' true capabilities.Discover the importance of a growth mindset and how a collaborative, vulnerable approach to educational assessment can foster a constructive learning environment.Tune into this enlightening discussion to enhance your understanding and approach to math assessments—available now for deeper learning and practical insights.Resources: Assessment For Growth [A course on Assessment in Mathematics]District Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Love the show? Text us your big takeaway! Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/ Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.
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May 13, 2024 • 38min

Transforming A Math Program: The Journey of Two Dedicated Math Coordinators

Can you see the light at the end of the tunnel? Can you feel the change that is happening in your district’s math program? Are you on the right pathway to improve math instruction and ultimately student success in your school or school district? These are all questions our guests, Michael Scott and Morgan Siler have asked themselves (and us) on their journey to transforming their math district’s math program from the inside out. Michael and Morgan are two math coordinators from Ohio and their district has partnered with us in the Make Math Moments District Improvement Program and have had a “night and day” experience from where they were to where they are now on achieving their goals. This podcast episode dives into the real-world experiences and strategies of Michael & Morgan who are navigating the complexities of supporting math teachers in their district, focusing on developing depth of understanding for their educators, effective coaching methods, and vision and goal alignment. Stick around and you’ll:Discover effective strategies for supporting students and educators in grasping the "why" behind math concepts, fostering a deeper comprehension.Learn about the transformative impact of consistent and structured professional development in mathematics.Gain insights into the personal and professional growth journeys of educators transitioning into coaching roles, and the tools they use to succeed.Listen to this insightful episode to learn how you can implement these transformative strategies in your educational practice and start making a significant difference in how you lead or will lead math educators today. Resources: Make Math Moments District Improvement ProgramDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Love the show? Text us your big takeaway! Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/ Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.
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May 6, 2024 • 47min

The Secrets of Engagement Through Timing - A Math Mentoring Moment

Are you ready to transform your math classroom into a hub of student engagement and participation?If you're a math teacher or educator striving to maintain sustained student engagement and lead effective, captivating lessons, this episode is crafted for you.We caught up with 2-time mentoring moment guest Jeremy Sarzana, a high school teacher in Boston.  Together we dive into nuanced strategies to engage the varying level of audiences we see during our day using timing, cadence, and the art of “reading the room”. This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them.Don’t miss out on these transformative insights – listen to this episode now to elevate your teaching and make every math moment matter in your classroom!You’ll Learn: Discover the effectiveness of the think-pair-share strategy in stimulating student participation in group discussions.Understand the challenges of sustaining student engagement day-to-day and learn techniques to overcome them.Learn the art of 'Reading the Room' and the critical role of timing and cadence in keeping students engaged throughout the lesson.Resources: Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Love the show? Text us your big takeaway! Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/ Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.
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Apr 29, 2024 • 32min

Guided Independence For Math PD: How Much Hand Holding Is Too Much When Providing Support In Math Classes?

Are you struggling to find the perfect balance between knowing what is enough guidance and structure you need to effectively teach your grade level or course? If you’re a district leader of math programming and struggling to figure out this same balance? How much is too much hand-holding? For math educators, coaches, and administrators, the challenge often lies in equipping teachers with the right tools without overshadowing their unique teaching styles while at the same time trying to create “buy-in” with what is effective. This episode delves into this common dilemma, offering insights and strategies for those in educational leadership roles. It's tailored to help you empower teachers while ensuring that they remain motivated and innovative in their approach to teaching math.Tune in to gain valuable insights into striking the right balance in supporting math teachers, and take the first step towards transforming the way you approach teacher development in your institution!Learn how to provide effective guidance without stifling teachers' creativity, mirroring the journey from following a recipe to creating one's own culinary masterpieces.Understand how to tailor support to meet each teacher's individual needs, acknowledging that their professional development journey is as unique as their teaching style.Discover the essential elements that should be included in teaching resources to foster teacher growth, confidence, and the ability to make independent pedagogical decisions.Resources: Take the classroom or district program screener to learn which of the 6 areas of an effective math program you can strengthen.Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Love the show? Text us your big takeaway! Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/ Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.
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Apr 22, 2024 • 46min

Teach Your Math Class Using Puzzles & Games - An Interview with Gordon Hamilton from Math Pickle

How can we engage our students for the entire class with grade level content? Puzzles aligned to grade level standards is one answer. In this episode we speak with Gordon Hamilton from Mathpickle.com who designs mathematical puzzles for K-12 classrooms. Stick with us and you’ll learn How to use puzzles to teach grade level standards, how to challenge students who tend to move through problems faster than others, and why games are important for mathematical thinking.  You’ll Learn: How to challenge students who complete “the work” early.How to use puzzles to teach grade level standards; Where do I find gems to use in my math class; How to use a puzzle in my math class that can be used for all grade levels; How you can use the content standards to focus on the practice standards;How you can use puzzles to create math moments in our classroom;Why games are important for mathematical thinking; Resources: Math Pickle WebsiteLove the show? Text us your big takeaway! Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/ Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.
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Apr 15, 2024 • 51min

Help! My Curriculum Resource Is Being Pulled Away. What Do I Do Now? - A Where Are They Now Math Mentoring Moment

It can feel frustrating and overwhelming and you’ll feel like you’re forced to “go back to the drawing board” when your curriculum resource is pulled away from you. What do we consider when trying to select a new curriculum resource?Are we supposed to create our own resources from scratch? As educators, we are constantly facing the challenge of adapting our teaching methods to improve student understanding and engagement. This often involves exploring new pedagogies, such as problem-based learning, and selecting the right curriculum resources that align with our teaching goals. In this episode we speak with long-time friend of the show Katrien Vance, a middle school math teacher in Virginia. Katriene is trying to decide how to transition to a new curriculum resource and feels overwhelmed with the work ahead. Stick around and you’ll hear how together we make a plan for next steps. What you’ll learnInnovative Teaching Strategies: Discover the effectiveness of problem-based learning and how it can enhance your students' understanding of mathematics.Navigating Curriculum Transitions: Gain insights on transitioning between different curricula, managing costs, and finding the right resources for your classroom.Building Confidence in Educational Choices: Learn how to confidently communicate your curriculum choices to parents and evaluate the effectiveness of educational tools and resources for your specific teaching needs.Resources: Connected Mathematics Project from Michigan State University. Illustrative Math Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Love the show? Text us your big takeaway! Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/ Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.
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Apr 8, 2024 • 1h 15min

Designing Effective Math Professional Development in 4 Stages

Each and every year, district and school mathematics leadership teams spend countless hours crafting lofty goals and monitoring plans, but struggle to state measurable improvement in effective teacher practice and student gains. If you’ve ever wondered: How can I create a pd action plan that teachers view as useful and not “just adding to their plates”?We feel like we have many of the necessary pieces, but we aren’t clear on how to put them together to form an effective math program.How can I structure my PD so that I reach more teachers on a limited budget?How can I get my educators to “buy-in” to using research based teaching methods routinely?How can I get my teachers to become lifelong learners and take more ownership in their professional development?Then this is the episode for you!In this episode you’ll learn the 4-stage process to craft pd action plans that bring alignment to fractured organizations, highlights bright spots to spread effective math teaching practices more quickly, and inspires more teachers to become lifelong learners. You’ll Learn:A clear step by step process to craft and create a unified vision for mathematics and PD action plan for your district so you can stop throwing spaghetti at the walls each year to see what sticks.A systematized approach to rolling out your action plan on a limited budget so you can hit your key results by your due dates.The most important component your PD action plan needs to include so that students can maximize their reach and how to embed that component in your action plans.Essential components of how to build a team of educators who care as much about improving their craft as you doTune into this enlightening episode now and equip yourself with the tools to make a lasting impact in your educational community!Resources: Learn the 4 Stages of Math PD For Improved Results Webinar District Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional leaLove the show? Text us your big takeaway! Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/ Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.
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Apr 1, 2024 • 37min

Beyond Fairy Dust: A Math Consultant's Journey to Making Impactful Change

Ever felt like you're just "sprinkling fairy dust" in your educational role without making a real impact?This Math Mentoring is for every educator leader, math coach, or math coordinator grappling with the challenge of supporting teachers making meaningful changes in their teaching methods. It delves into the real-world struggles and victories of a math consultant navigating the complexities of influencing educational practices across multiple districts.You’ll Learn:Discover practical strategies for transforming classroom experiences, focusing on student engagement and empowerment in mathematical thinking.Learn how to build teachers' confidence and competence in new pedagogical approaches, ensuring that change is not just sustainable but also embraced.Gain insights into aligning teachers' goals with administrative objectives, ensuring a cohesive and supportive environment for educational reform.Tune into this enlightening episode now and equip yourself with the tools to make a lasting impact in your educational community!Resources: Learn the 4 Stages of Math PD For Improved Results Webinar District Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Love the show? Text us your big takeaway! Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/ Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

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