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 July 8, 2026. 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
7/8/26 • 03:42
We love being with mathematics educators! In this episode Pam and Kim recount their experiences at CAMT 2026.Talking Points:Feeling at home at CAMTExperiencing math at conferencesBullding relationships at conferencesShould a goal be to make math 'easier'?Real world math from real questions from students Language mattersExplicit vs InquiryDMR Registration Link Pam's BooksMath is FigureOutAble BlogCheck out Pam's social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
7/7/26 • 23:31
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 1, 2026. 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.Developing Mathematical Reasoning FREE workshopTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
7/1/26 • 04:02
Shout out to our leaders! Let's take a peek at some important conversations Pam and Kim have had over the years, just for you. Talking Points: Ep 65: The power of shared math and teaching experiencesEp 104: What is Math Is Figure-Out-Able?Ep 165: Caution with manipulativesEp 201: Are algorithms bad?DMR Registration Link Pam's BooksMath is FigureOutAble BlogCheck out Pam's social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
6/30/26 • 22:29
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 24, 2026. 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
6/24/26 • 03:18
Shout out to our 9-12 teacher friends! Let's take a peek at some important conversations Pam and Kim have had over the years, just for you. Talking Points: Ep 294: Introducing LogarithmsEp 69: Equations of Lines are Figureoutable!Ep 6: Developing Functional ReasoningCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC Check out Pam's BooksMath is FigureOutAble BlogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
6/23/26 • 22:23
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 17, 2026. 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
6/17/26 • 03:09
Shout out to our 6-8 teacher friends! Let's take a peek at some important conversations Pam and Kim have had over the years, just for you. Talking Points: Ep 45 - 5 Interpretations of Rational NumbersEp 183 - Integer SubtractionEp 266 - Solving Proportions - Within & BetweenCheck out Pam's BooksMath is FigureOutAble BlogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
6/16/26 • 22:48
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 10, 2026. 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
6/10/26 • 04:17
Shout out to our 3-5 teacher friends! Let's take a peek at some important conversations Pam and Kim have had over the years, just for you. Talking Points: Ep 174 - Double/Half: The Most Sophisticated Multiplication StrategyEp 29 - Ratio Tables!Ep 34 - Knowing vs Memorizing Multiplicaiton FactsCheck out Pam's BooksMath is FigureOutAble BlogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
6/9/26 • 26:04
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 3, 2026. 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
6/3/26 • 04:50
Shout out to our K-2 teacher friends! Let's take a peek at some important conversations Pam and Kim have had over the years, just for you. Talking Points: Ep 16 - Names of TeensEp 85 - Moving Past Counting Ep 195 - Main Strategies for 1st GradeEp 281 - How Strategies Grow UpCheck out Pam's BooksMath is FigureOutAble BlogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
6/2/26 • 24:17
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 27, 2026. 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
5/27/26 • 03:55
How would you describe the difference between a classroom that emphasizes memorization and a classroom that develops mathematical reasoning? In this episode, Pam and Kim wrestle with an analogy for math classrooms. Talking Points:Importance of letting students play with what they know to learn the real game of mathThe significance of choice in math classPitfalls of labeling students Value of providing equal opportunities in math classWhat does "natural talent" mean in math?Math is FigureOutAble Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blogCheck out Pam's BooksCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
5/26/26 • 32:42
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 20, 2026. 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
5/20/26 • 03:22
What benefits have you found from teaching reasoning and mathing in your classroom? In this episode, Pam shares with Kim things she learned in her recent trip to South Korea.Talking PointsLearning with your studentsImportance of turn and talks to capture internal "aha" momentsValue of vulnerability and openness in the classroomMath content vs math content for teachingHow open-ended problems and real math-ing naturally differentiates Math is FigureOutAble Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
5/19/26 • 27:16
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 3, 2026. 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
5/13/26 • 05:01
Can your students confidently reason about fraction multiplication? In this episode, Pam and Kim facilitate a Problem String that develops two strategies for fraction multiplication and discuss the thoughts that went into designing the string.Talking Points:#TryThisTuesday and #TryThisThursdayScaling with fractionsBuilding fraction relationshipsGoal of math is to build mathematical reasoning, not just get answers.Reasoning is the reason!Designing Problem Strings for multiple outcomesMath is FigureOutAble Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
5/12/26 • 20:26
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 6, 2026. 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
5/6/26 • 04:14
Is there a 'correct' way to name math concepts? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss different naming conventions for fractions from different cultures.Talking Points:Cultural difference in how fractions are expressed in Korean, where the denominator is said and written first.Cultural convention influences the way students think about and express fractions.Social conventions can influence mathematical understanding and the importance of being aware of these differences.Many languages use a part-whole approach, while others use a whole-part approach.Importance of being flexible in how we express fractions to support students' understanding and avoid confusion.Math is FigureOutAble Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
5/5/26 • 21:19
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 29, 2026. 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
4/29/26 • 03:27
Can you use an algorithm to solve every type of problem, or are there some problems for which algorithms leave you stranded? In this episode, Pam and Kim answer that question and share a Problem String to build fractional fluency.Talking Points:Importance of understanding the relationships between different fractions.Making sense of equivalent fraction values through experiences rather than memorized procedures.Problem Strings provide continual building and strengthening of relationships and skills.Problems Strings send the message it is not about one and only one way.Math is FigureOutAble Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
4/28/26 • 16:53
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 22, 2026. 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
4/22/26 • 05:01
Looking for useful games and materials for your classroom? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss some of the classroom materials and games they love and what makes them great.Talking Points:Games and resources that do NOT lead towards an algorithmThe value of games with strategy choice and without time/speed Hand2mind Foundations for StrategiesNumber Hive games for differentiation and to practice factsMath For Love gamesNumberClub games to build understanding Wipebooks for Rich TasksMath is FigureOutAble Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
4/21/26 • 16:20
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 15, 2026. 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
4/15/26 • 04:52
How should context and models be used to build strategy? In this episode, Pam and Kim share a sequence of tasks regarding area to demonstrate a better approach for building understanding, abstraction, and strategy as a natural outcome.Talking PointsHand2mind Foundations for StrategiesUse of manipulatives to feel the meaning of areaGuiding students to become more sophisticated, both in models and in strategies The importance of context for clarity and developing strategyMoving from concrete, to representational, to abstract to deepen understanding, strategy, and independence, NOT to apply an algorithmMath is FigureOutAble Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
4/14/26 • 24:56
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 8, 2026. 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
4/9/26 • 06:05
If multiplication facts are so fundamental, why do students who memorize them struggle with multiplicative reasoning? In this episode, Pam and Kim take a hard look at what students need to succeed multiplicatively.Talking PointsWhat does it mean to 'know' multiplication facts?Using multiplication to solve subtraction problemsMemorizing facts doesn't build complex multiplicative reasoningRedefining the mathematical 'basics'Applications to algebraHow "productive practice" engages students in meaningful activities to build knowledge Ep.139: Factor to Add and Subract!?Math is FigureOutAble Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
4/7/26 • 26:44
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 1, 2026. 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
4/1/26 • 04:04
How can we prepare students to grapple with algebraic concepts? In this episode, Pam and Kim further adapt factor puzzles for developing understanding of both decomposing and combining expressions. Talking Points:Helping students understand algebraic expressionsDifferences in adding and multiplying variablesRelationships between terms in algebraic expressionsThe need for multiplicative reasoning in algebraAdvanced Factor Puzzles for high schoolLinks: 1) Ep.139: Factor to Add and Subract!?2) Factor Puzzle BlogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
3/31/26 • 20:23