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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!
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 4, 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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Using strategies to solve problems sounds good, but what if my students don't know the basics? In this episode, Pam and Kim dispel the myth that "the basics" needed for mimicking algorithms are the same as the fundamentals for math-ing. Talking Points The limitations of rote memorization and the benefits of strategic thinkingThe challenges of shifting away from traditional math teaching methodsRedefining what constitutes "basic math knowledge""The basics" needed for mimicking algorithms are ...
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 25, 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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
What does it take to make real change in a school's math program? In this episode, Pam and Kim share what does and doesn't work to make lasting, systemic change in mathematics teaching for schools and school districts. Talking Points: Teachers should not have to be expert teachers and expert curriculum writers at the same time.Good curriculum change alone is not enoughLock-step plans backfire Teachers need math-ing experiencesTeachers need to analyze mathematics for teachingTeachers nee...
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 18, 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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
It's great to learn from other educators. In this episode, Pam and Kim relay their experience at NCTM Spring 2026, giving their unique perspective of modern teaching trends. Talking Points: The need to define the terms curriculum, resources, scope and sequence, standards, contentClarity before competence Mathematics as both a noun and a verbCaution around "research" and the "science of math" The micro-routine "Interpret with Intention"Different types of strategiesCheck out our soci...
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 11, 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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
How can you tweak a Problem String to work perfectly for your class? In this episode, Pam and Kim share a subtraction Problem String, and then unpack what changes they'd make for different audiences. Talking Points: A subtraction Problem String with the Over strategyThe purpose of "what could a Helper be"?When to provide a Helper problemAdult-ish Problem Strings can cover more contentMaking a Problem String appropriate for your grade levelLink to blog: Differentiating Problem Strings for You...
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 4, 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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Introducing new math concepts can be tricky. In this episode, Pam and Kim do a Problem String to introduce logarithms in a natural, figureoutable way. Talking Points Problem String to introduce students to logarithmsDifferences between logarithms and algorithmsRelationship between logarithms and exponentsDeveloping exponential equations Check out our social media Twitter: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting ...
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 28, 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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Are your Number Talks purposeful? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss the when, how, and why of Number Talks, which they call Problem Talks. Talking Points: Problem Talk vs. Problem StringWhen and why to use a Problem TalkExample Problem Talk of 15 x 36Deciding whose strategy to representProblem Talks are still instructionalHow many students to chooseChoosing a rich problem For more about Problem Talks and Problem Strings, check out episodes 33 and 241. Episode 33 , Episode...
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 21, 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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
There is much more to fractions than "cross multiply and divide". In this episode, Pam and Kim facilitate a Problem String to explore the partitive meaning of fractions. Talking Points: Fractions and divisionThe partitive meaning of fractionsEquivalent fractionsRelational reasoning in understanding fractionsScaling up or down to find equivalent, simpler problems Check out our social media Twitter: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Linked...
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 14, 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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Part of being a good teacher is teaching with integrity and consistency. In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss the importance of knowing your beliefs about teaching and learning math to guide your choices and decision making. Talking Points: Mathematics is hierarchical Development of Mathematical Reasoning frameworkKnow your content, know your kidsSuccess Map frameworkDeveloping a cohesive vision for math and math teachingDecision making about the what and how of teaching mathCheck out o...
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 7, 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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
How did you grow in 2025? What are your goals for 2026? In this podcast, Pam and Kim reflect on 2025 and share the exciting things they are working towards in 2026. Talking Points: Recapping highlights of 2025Problem String book series completedDevelopment of Mathematical Reasoning anchor and companion booksFoundations for StrategiesNew workshops in 2025 and 2026 Free opportunities in 2026Conferences in 2026Check out our social media Twitter: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Faceboo...
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 31, 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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
All teachers are different, but we should all teach intentionally. In this episode, Kim surprises Pam with a collection of favorite "Pam-isms" and asks Pam to elaborate on whether each one is an intentional teacher move and why it is important, or if it is just her personality. Talking Points Ninety-niiiiiiiiine...Is that legal?Isn't it nice, when the answer is the question?Sit up tall, you just mathed!Math is Figure-Out-Able!Bam!Could I invite you to consider...I know you didn't, but could ...
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