MathsTalk by AMSI Schools

What's in store for the remainder of 2026? A plethora of exciting and engaging podcasts for you mathematical pleasure. Contact us for more ideas: [email protected]

In this episode of MathsTalk, Leanne McMahon is joined by mathematics educator Nadia Abdelal to explore the role of calculators in Years 7–8. This re-released episode tackles a question many schools still debate: when do calculators support learning, and when do they risk getting in the way? Leanne and Nadia discuss how calculators can reduce cognitive load, improve access to new concepts, and support students who are still building number sense. They also highlight the importance of intervention, estimation, and equity — reminding us that calculators can help students engage in richer mathematical thinking, but should sit alongside strong teaching of foundational skills. Relevant links MathsTalk podcast: https://calculate.org.au/mathstalk-podcast/  Texas Instruments Australia: https://education.ti.com/en-au/teachers?category=professional-development  AMSI maths careers: https://careers.amsi.org.au/  AMSI Industry Day resources: https://amsi.org.au/amsi-industry-day-for-teachers/ 

Host Leanne McMahon is joined by AMSI Outreach Officer and MathsTalk Twitter chat host, Cass Lowry to discuss the idea of Mathematical Fluency. This conversation stems from a #MathsTalk Twitter chat on the same topic held on November 12th 2020 that led to spirited debate and some great ideas. Links and resources can be found  below and at www.Calculate.org.au Wakelet Collection #MathsTalk Fluencyhttps://wke.lt/w/s/x92941 Jo Boaler (@joboaler) article: Fluency without Fear https://www.youcubed.org/evidence/fluency-without-fear/ Katherin Cartwright (@kath_cartwright) research paper: Analyzing students’ communication and representation of mathematical fluency during group tasks https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0732312320300857?dgcid=author Primary Learning Website: https://primarylearning.com.au/ Greg Fletcher (@gfletchy): Developing Fact Fluency Through Context https://summit.makemathmoments.com/talks/developing-fact-fluency-through-context/ Dan Finkel (@MathforLove): Number Talks https://mathforlove.com/lesson/number-talks/ Ollie Lovell (@ollie_lovell) book: Cognitive Load Theory in Action https://www.amazon.com.au/Oliver-Lovell/e/B08HRPFLDP/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1 Calculate resources to help build mathematical fluencyBead Strings: https://calculate.org.au/2018/12/10/bead-strings/ See & Say: https://calculate.org.au/2018/10/03/see-say/ ROWCO: https://calculate.org.au/2018/09/26/rowco/ Bunny Ears: https://calculate.org.au/2018/09/24/bunny-ears/

Have you ever felt the urge to dip your toe in the murky waters of Twitter? In this episode, host, Leanne McMahon talks to Outreach Officer Cass Lowry about how to get started on Twitter and how it can be used as a part of your professional learning. We look at setting up your account, lurking, liking and finally getting involved in Twitter Chats - Especially ours! #MathsTalk 8pm AEST every Thursday. If you'd like further information, drop us an email at [email protected] or get onto our website www.calculate.org.au. Check out the following resources: Teachers on Twitter – Why you should join and how to get started: https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2017/apr/20/teachers-on-twitter-why-join-get-started-social-media EduTwitter Chats #TLAPdownunder – Sunday 8pm AEST #aussieED – Sunday 8.30pm AEST #MathsTalk – Thursday 8pm AEST #PrimarySTEMChat – Thursday 8.30pm AEST #whatisschool – Friday 9am AEST Tips for managing a fast-paced Twitter chat (Craig Kemp): http://mrkempnz.com/2015/02/5-tips-for-managing-a-fast-paced-twitter-chat.html Why you should switch from Twitter to Tweetdeck: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q1dKe891pw

Hosts Leanne McMahon and Michael O’Connor are  joined by Mike Clapper, former Executive Director and Chief Mathematician at the Australian Mathematics Trust, to talk about geometry and its importance in the Australian Curriculum. We cover everything from why we teach geometry and how to develop geometric reasoning in our students to packing your car boot on camping holidays. Mike has kindly provided some accompanying episode notes which will be available to download through our www.calculate.org.au website along with some links to other related resources.