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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!
435 Episodes
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
What is the difference between "knowing" and "owning" facts? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how to help all students make the most of multiplication facts. Talking Points: How different people respond when asked to "memorize facts""Own the facts" versus "Know the facts" - Do they mean the same thing?Napkin Math Using Problem Strings to teach facts and moreHow reasoning about facts builds important multiplicative relationshipsHow reasoning in Problem Strings supports reasoning...
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Want more? Check out the a...
Facilitating a Problem String is much more than providing a list of problems. In this episode Pam shares the moment to moment decisions she makes when facilitating a "Sticks of Gum" proportional realtionship building Problem String. Talking Points: Setting the stageHow to pull out thinking Using this string to math with teachers in professional developmentReinforcing mathematical behaviorsStrategically determining wait timeUsing potential misunderstandings as learning opportunitie...
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 24, 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 Want more? Check out th...
Mathematics is everywhere, but if students don't know how to reason they may not want to engage and play with numbers or see all the opportunities to do so. In this episode Pam and Kim discuss scenarios where they play with mathematical concepts in their daily lives. Talking Points Playing with numbers...double, half, factors, multiples, etc.What numbers do they play with? House numbers, license plates, time, prices, interstate signsI Have, You Need with time and distanceWhich is a better de...
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 17, 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 Want more? Check out th...
Have students that struggle with word problems? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss the best way to help students succeed when faced with a word problem. Talking points: Why mimicking makes word problems harderReasoners develop greater staminaDeveloping the feel of actions of the operationsCheck out our social media Twitter: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 10, 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 Want more? Check out th...
Is the goal of math class all about getting answers? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how their work differs from those who promote traditional math classrooms and even some conceptual inquiry based classrooms. Talking Points: Teaching algorithms as the goal is detrimentalWhat is the goal?Teachers need their own math learning experiencesWe want students to own relationships to develop strategies that they will use in math class and throughout lifeCheck out our social media Twitter: @PWHar...
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 3, 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 Want more? Check out the...
How does the definition of fluency change when your goal for math class changes? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss in some areas of mathematics they aim for fluency and how students use those relationships to build from. Talking Points: BuzzwordsWhat are our goals?Does automaticity need to be drilled or can it develop naturally?Strategies are synergistic Fluency with decomposing numbersFunctional fluencyFluency with prime and square numbersFluency in mathematical behaviorsCheck out th...
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 27, 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 Want more? Check out the a...
How can we bridge from proportional reasoning to functional reasoning? In this episode Pam and Kim talk through a Problem String that moves students from proportional reasoning into linear functions. Talking Points: Building Proportions Problem StringThinking about "between" and "within" relationships in a ratio tableSlope, rate of change, similar triangles, equivalence: all figure-out-ableRatios and proportional reasoning to functional reasoningSlope is a ratioCheck out our social media Twi...
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 20, 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 Want more? Check out the a...
How do mathy people approach mathematics? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss different mathematical behaviors and the value of engendering them in students. Talking Points: Reflecting about what else you could have done that might be more sophisticatedSeeking the "ooh" factor or the "aha" momentCompare strategies and make connectionsMaking choices based on numbers or the structureSeeking efficiency and making generalizationsStart with "What do I know?"Seek understanding and asking for moreT...
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 13, 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 Want more? Check out the a...
Does inquiry mean leaving students to their own devices? In this episode Pam and Kim share their thoughts on the debate teaching reasoning vs. teaching procedures. Talking Points: We all want what's best for studentsSometimes educators talk past each other, using words without examples to give meaningExperiencing mathing is different from helping students learn to do the mental actions of mathingIs there a continuum of how to teach?Examples of "direct" and "inquiry based" instructionShould w...
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 6, 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 Want more? Check out the ar...
How can teachers help students be more sophisticated additive reasoners? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss the major addition strategies, what properties they use, and how to model student thinking. Talking Points: Addition strategies and modelsAddition strategies modeled with equationsProporties that the addition strategies are based onWhen manipulatives are appropriateWhy teachers need to own the major strategies additionGet the free ebook of Major Strategies at: https://www.mathisfigure...
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