Math teacher educator Pam Harris and her cohost Kim Montague answer the question: If not algorithms, then what?Join them for ~15 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.
Listeners of Math is Figure-Out-Able with Pam Harris that love the show mention: math teacher, mathematics, workshop, reasoning, classroom, students, teaching, thinking, inspiration, practical, mind, excited, learning, thought, thanks, love, listen, great, real math, pam and kim.
The Math is Figure-Out-Able with Pam Harris podcast is a must-listen for math teachers and math teacher educators. As someone in the field, this podcast has been a source of excitement and joy during a challenging season of my career. It provides much-needed encouragement and inspiration for teachers of mathematics. The episodes are filled with helpful information, strategies, and insights from Pam and Kim that have helped me improve my instruction and find inspiration to share with my students. Each week, I am blown away by the ideas presented on the show and leave feeling motivated to change the way my students think about mathematics.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is how it engages your math brain, even if you're not a math teacher. Pam and Kim offer new ways of reasoning about common math relationships that can benefit anyone. Their discussions are thought-provoking and invite you to reflect on your own thinking. I always feel compelled to grab a pen and paper while listening so I can jot down ideas and insights that come to mind. The show has made me excited to talk to my middle school students about the reasoning skills needed to truly understand math.
While there aren't many negative aspects of this podcast, one thing worth mentioning is that it may be difficult to follow along while driving or doing other activities that require full attention. The discussions are so engaging that it's easy to get absorbed in them and lose focus on other tasks. Therefore, it's advisable to listen when you can give your full attention or have pen and paper handy for note-taking.
In conclusion, The Math is Figure-Out-Able with Pam Harris podcast is an absolute necessity for math teachers. It offers invaluable professional development opportunities and presents "real math" in a way that is accessible and inspiring. Whether you're new to teaching or have been in the field for years, this podcast will provide you with practical tips, innovative strategies, and a fresh perspective on mathematics education. I highly recommend joining the community and spreading the love for teaching math in a way that truly engages and empowers students.
We've got a lot to say about screeners! In this episode Pam and Kim dig a bit more into why we screen and what we do with the results.Talking Points:Are screeners useful for diagnosing and grouping students?Are assessments important?What would be a helpful way to spend the first few weeks of school with students? What to do with required screenersSome recommended screenersCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 28, 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!
Are Universal Screeners worth the time and effort? What do we gain? In this episode Pam and Kim begin their discussion about using Universal Screeners and raise some wonders for consideration.Talking Points:Defining screenersLimitations of screenersWhat we screen reveals what we valueScreeners don't always reflect the content in the classroomCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 21, 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!
Do Problem Strings and Thin Slicing achieve the same results? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss the differences between Problem Strings and Dr. Liljedahl's Thin Slicing.Talking Points:Different purposes, different facilitationThe importance of recording student thinkingWhen non-permanent surfaces can be helpfulProblem Strings are strategically planned sequences and not always 'easy to more complex'Differences in the teacher's role, questioning, math relationshipsWord problems are natural extensions of Problem StringsProblem Strings and Thin Slicing: Some similarities, but not the same.Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 14, 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!
Are Problem Strings the same thing as Thin Slicing? In this episode Pam and Kim talk about the similarities between Problem Strings and Dr. Peter Liljedahl's Thin Slicing.Talking Points:Example Problem String:Calling on students strategically in a Problem StringStrategic seating arrangements for partner talkSimilarities between Problem Strings and Thin Slicing:Purposefully designed sequence of related problemsProblems given one at a timeIncreasing challengeCritical teacher planningOpen access for all studentsPurposeful variation to keep students challengedCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 7, 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!
You facilitated a Problem String! ... Now what? In this episode Pam and Kim share they think about after facilitating a Problem String and what their next steps for their classroom might be.Talking Points:Ways to up the anteEcho stringsHow much to change at onceNext Step stringsWhen to move onWhen to anchorGet Problem String books here: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/books Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 30, 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!
You've chosen a Problem String to teach, but does it need any preparation? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how they prepare to facilitate a Problem String.Talking Points:Is it ok to adjust a pre-written Problem String?What should you include in your 'Kim's Notes'?What will your final board layout look like?Naming specific teacher moves Practice using models ahead of timeAre pre-created models ok?Where can you find pre-written strings complete with facilitation notes and final display? https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/big Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 23, 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!
Which Problem Strings are appropriate for your students? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss what they consider when choosing a Problem String for a classroom.Talking Points:A fraction addition example stringThings to consider when choosing a Problem String:Prewritten vs write your ownTime of yearStrategies students already ownBuilding a model vs building a strategyOrder of sophistication of strategiesBuilding a model vs strategyNew content versus review/reteachSee episodes 33, 71, 72, 163, 226, 241 for more on Problem Strings!Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 16, 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!
What kinds of tasks help students build multi-digit multiplication and division strategies? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how to sequence tasks to develop the foundational strategies and relationships for multi-digit multiplication and division: Scaling, Over and Adjust, Partial Products, FactoringTalking Points:Benefits of using diverse task typesSample of three "messy" tasks to develop:Ratio tablesArea model2 different kinds of divisionRelationship between multiplication and divisionPractice ideasGet your kit from Hand2mind here: https://www.hand2mind.com/item/foundations-for-strategies-multi-digit-multiplication-division-small-group-kitCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 9, 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!
What kinds of tasks help students build multi-digit addition and subtraction strategies? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how to sequence tasks to develop the foundational strategies and relationships for multi-digit addition and subtraction: Friendly numbers, place value, adjusting, the commutative property, decomposingTalking Points:Sequencing tasks is more than just moving from one page to the next in the teacher guideSample of three "messy" tasks to:develop number linesmake connections between addition and subtractionanalyze strategiessolidify a strategyFor more sequences, check out the Foundations for Strategies from Hand2mind!: https://www.hand2mind.com/item/foundations-for-strategies-multi-digit-addition-subtraction-small-group-kitCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 2, 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!
Math class is richer and more fun when the goal is more than answer-getting!In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how to sequence tasks to develop the foundational strategies and relationships for single digit multiplication and division: doubling, making use of ten, and partial products/quotients.Talking Points:Three sample sequence of tasks that use:A product approachStudent exploration of patternsJust in time vocabularyDifferentiation Foundations of multiplicative reasoning, area, geometryContexts to develop 3 major modelsUseful fact practiceAnchoring the learningFor more sequences, check out the Foundations for Strategies from Hand2mind!: https://www.hand2mind.com/item/foundations-for-strategies-multi-digit-addition-subtraction-small-group-kitCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 26, 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!
What should the bulk of math class look like? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss sequencing tasks to build foundational relationships that develop into major strategies.Talking PointsMajor relationships that build the major strategiesProblem Strings are one kind of taskFoundational Relationships for young learnersRich tasks that get kids messing with relationshipsWhat does practice look like? (See Episode 38 for more information on Hint Cards)Check out pre planned sequence of tasks in the Foundation for Strategies small group kit Order information for Foundation for Strategies here: https://www.hand2mind.com/item/foundations-for-strategies-multi-digit-addition-subtraction-small-group-kit Order your copy of Avoiding the Trap of Algorithms here: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/avoidthetrapsCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 19, 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!
Why do students give up on learning math? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how using algorithms as teaching tools is distorting students' perception of what the definition of math is, which results in a poor mathematical identity. Talking Points:A mysterious five pound bagA proportional reasoning Problem StringTrap #1 and #2 (see Ep 246 and 247 for more details)Trap #3 a false definition of math that leads to Identity Definition of Math TrapRead Pam's new book for more information: Developing Mathematical Reasoning: Avoiding the Trap of AlgorithmsPurchase Book here: http://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/avoidthetrapsCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 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!
Why do students not realize their incorrect answers are completely unreasonable? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss another trap students fall into when taught to mimic algorithms as 'the way' to solve problems.Talking Points:The patterns in Remove a Friendly Number Over strategyImportant place value conversationsHow students can be stuck dealing with only digits rather than magnitudeReasonableness, or "Ish", numbersParsing out polynomials into too many piecesCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 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!
If a student can perform an algorithm, have they developed the mathematical reasoning that operation calls for? Or are they answer-getting? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss a major trap students fall into when we teach mathematics as a series of steps to rotely memorize. Talking Points:A closer look at the multiplication algorithm and a major trap.Problem String that helps give students a high does of patterns for a multiplicative strategy.Algorithms disregard reasonableness.Memorizing an algorithm is forgetable but every strategy learned helps build mental maps to the make subsequent strategies easier to develop.Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 26, 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!
If math is figure-out-able why does the world not always teach it that way? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss the three major distortions holding back math education today.Autostereograms as a metaphorHow the distortions are learnedHow the distortions create frustrationHow classrooms transform without distortionsWe want all kids to "see the shark"!Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 19, 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!
There are so many way to participate in math professional learning! In this episode Pam and Kim discuss some benefits of choosing your own learning and engaging in free opportunities. Talking Points:Traditional forms of professional developmentBenefits of multi-day online summits/conferencesThe value of a shared experience Join in on these great math summits from other fantastic educators!Bulid Math Minds Free Virtual Math Summit, sponsored by Christina Tondevold: https://virtualmathsummit.com/Make Math Moments FREE Virtual Summit sponsored by Jon Orr and Kyle Pearse: https://makemathmoments.com/summit/Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
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!
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
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!
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
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!
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 patterningSign up for the Free Math is Figureoutable Challenge: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/challenge Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
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!
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.Sign up for the Free Math is Figureoutable Challenge: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/challenge Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
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!
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! Sign up for the Free Math is Figureoutable Challenge: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/challenge Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
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
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 8, 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!
Are inverse functions figureoutable? In this episode Pam and Kim go more into the nuance of when and how we want students to tackle inverse relationships.Talking Points:When to introduce inverse proportions Experience versus instructionAllowing students to grapple to in order to experience those aha momentsProblem String designCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 1, 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!
What does it mean for something to be an inverse, or to be inversely proportional? In this episode Pam and Kim look at a specific kind of proportional reasoning.Talking Points:It's worth thinking before doingInversely proportional vs direct variation with non-unit scalingCommon misunderstandingsCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 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!
Did you know that students can understand negative exponents without being told what they mean? In this episode Pam and Kim wrap up their series on exponent relationships.Talking Points:New listeners, where to start? Episode 156 Start HereDiscovering Negative ExponentsGive students experiences first and let them make sense of itUsing equivalent expressions to help students visualize and make generalizationsWhat grade levels are these strings for?Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 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!
What if students actually understood using common factors to simplify complex division expressions? In this episode Pam and Kim divide exponents without reciting a rule.Talking Points:Thinking versus reasoningProblem String Dividing Exponents"Canceling" vs "Dividing out to equal 1"Focus on left over factors vs mimicking a ruleWhy start with smaller bases?Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today's MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 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 education
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
