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!
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 27, 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
11/28/24 • 05:19
Can we prepare students for really hairy exponent problems without resorting to memorized rules? In this first episode of a series, Pam and Kim share a task that could get kids and teachers thinking more and more multiplicatively and understandably about exponents.Talking Points:Can a task have too many layers for students to be successful?Can we sequence a task that works for 3rd grade to Algebra?Problem String to connect prime factorization to exponents.Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
11/26/24 • 26:18
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 20, 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
11/21/24 • 03:54
Should high school mathematicians be given choice of which strategy to use? In this episode Pam and Kim wrap up their exploration of systems of equations.Talking Points:What is needed to understand 3x?Where students mess up using substitution How do different systems lend themselves to different strategies?Ketchup problemsNext step Problem Strings and comparing strategiesGiving students choiceCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
11/19/24 • 22:01
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 13, 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
11/14/24 • 04:08
Don't you think math needs more cookies in it? In this episode Pam and Kim use Desmos graphing calculator to go through a routine to make sense of systems of equations before doing any elimination or substitution.Talking Points:Kim going to a Cafe for sandwiches and cookiesGraphing on Desmos graphing calculatorUnderstanding x and y interceptsUnderstanding where the lines intersect Relating systems of equations to each otherLink to Desmos Graphing Calculator: https://www.desmos.com/calculator/qq59ey0bub Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
11/12/24 • 24:46
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 6, 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
11/7/24 • 03:35
Do we flip the sign when its negative? Or is it we keep the sign and flip the minus? I'm confused! In this episode Pam and Kim avoid all that confusion and make solving inequalities figureoutable!Talking Points:Open Number Lines for InequalitiesUsing "Reflecting the inequality" vs "flipping the sign"Reasoning about balancing the equationCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
11/5/24 • 23:14
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 30, 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
10/31/24 • 04:11
Solving equations is figureoutable! In this episode Pam and Kim do a follow up string to last week's episode to further develop algebraic reasoning.Talking PointsUsing a double open number line to build proportional reasoningUsing what you know to find x and explore multiple relationshipsUnderstanding equations vs mimicking stepsSimultaneity can be trickyAdditive vs Multiplicative thinking showing upOperator meaning of fractions comes into playCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
10/29/24 • 26:55
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 23, 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
10/24/24 • 03:51
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
10/22/24 • 29:32
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
10/17/24 • 03:29
How can we help students who have always mimicked learn to reason through the content we need to teach? In this episode Pam and Kim lay out their approach to getting students up to speed while preparing them for the content of the day.Talking Points:How to avoid students feeling belittled Using a 1/3, 2/3 mindest to planning Planning with the entire year in mindLayering in complexity to build a single strategyOnly change one thing at a timeIt may take longer in the beginning or when you switch a strategyCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
10/15/24 • 23:11
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
10/10/24 • 03:22
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
10/8/24 • 21:43
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!
10/3/24 • 04:59
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
10/1/24 • 27:10
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!
9/26/24 • 03:49
How do you plan for the content you teach? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss task sequencing and a new resource for every classroom.Talking Points: Determining the big ideas, strategies, modelsAlternating between instructional routinesLeading into and getting out of a rich taskIntroducing Foundations For Strategies Small Group Lessons a collaboration with hand2mind! Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
9/24/24 • 21:03
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!
9/19/24 • 04:40
You all know we love playing games in the classroom. In this episode Pam and Kim discuss the advantages of playing games to change students attitudes and beliefs about math, and just have some fun.Talking Points:The benefits of gamesThey don't even have to be math gamesMultiple Machine by Michael MinasCheck out more of Michael Minas' games at Love Maths: https://www.lovemaths.me/games Other Games: Cubit, Balance Beans, Quarto, Dimension, BlockusCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
9/17/24 • 18:08
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 11, 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!
9/12/24 • 04:02
In this episode Pam and Kim discuss a fun way for students to practice their geometry vocabulary and relationships.Talking Points:Geometry riddlesHierarchies of polygonsPractice vocabulary in a meaningful way, in contextCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
9/10/24 • 18:48
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 4, 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!
9/5/24 • 04:31
How can you intentionally build a Math is FigureOutAble culture in your classroom? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss Pam's recent month long trip to Australia and the important teacher moves she showcased in the lab lessons while she was there. Talking Points:Pam's time Down UnderWait timePrivate SignalFocus on thinking verses focus on the answerA challenge for some students: What hint could you give?Teacher engaged with students the entire timeDoes every kid need to finish the problem?Do you need more time or help?Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
9/3/24 • 28:26
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 28, 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!
8/29/24 • 03:18
Statistics Problem Strings? Yes Please! In this episode Pam and Kim demonstrate a Problem String that helps students develop intuition for the meanings of mean, median, and mode.Talking Points:Names are social knowledge, but the feel for what they mean in the data is logical mathematical knowledgeExperience with data helps students develop real understanding of mean, median, mode Changing the data values and comparing how that affects the measures of central tendency deepen understandingCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
8/27/24 • 30:49
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 21, 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!
8/22/24 • 07:19
Is statistics figureoutable? In this episode Pam and Kim explore a Problem String to build logical mathematical sense for the meaning of mean.Talking Points:What is the mean?Just in time vocabularySocial vs Logical Mathematical knowledgeUnderstanding mean/average is much more than performing an averaging procedureCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
8/20/24 • 20:56
