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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Want more? Check out the archive of all of...
Mar 20, 2025•5 min
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 bag A proportional reasoning Problem String Trap #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 Trap Read Pam's new book for more information: Devel...
Mar 18, 2025•21 min•Ep. 248
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Want more? Check out the archive of all of...
Mar 13, 2025•5 min
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 strategy Important place value conversations How students can be stuck dealing with only digits rather than magnitude Reasonableness, or "Ish", numbers Parsing out polynomials into too many pieces Check out our social media T...
Mar 11, 2025•24 min•Ep. 247
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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Want more? Check out the archive of all of ...
Mar 06, 2025•6 min
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...
Mar 04, 2025•24 min•Ep. 246
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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Want more? Check out the archive of all...
Feb 27, 2025•4 min
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 metaphor How the distortions are learned How the distortions create frustration How classrooms transform without distortions We want all kids to "see the shark"! Check out our social media Twitter: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Linkedin: Pam Har...
Feb 25, 2025•28 min•Ep. 245
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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Want more? Check out the archive of all...
Feb 20, 2025•5 min
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 development Benefits of multi-day online summits/conferences The 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.c...
Feb 18, 2025•19 min•Ep. 244
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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Want more? Check out the archive of all...
Feb 13, 2025•4 min
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 division An integer division Problem String Teacher move: time to pause and consider Using the quotative meaning of division Thinking about opposites and reflection Using the partitive meaning See episode 64 for the equivalent ratio strategy Check out ou...
Feb 11, 2025•24 min•Ep. 243
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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Want more? Check out the archive of all ...
Feb 06, 2025•4 min
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 context The importance of distance, reflection and opposites The importance of equ...
Feb 04, 2025•30 min•Ep. 242
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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Want more? Check out the archive of all ...
Jan 30, 2025•4 min
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 Talk What do we gain from Problem Talks? Example of a Problem String Problem Strings are more focused conversations Problems Strings allow for constant feedback, a hig...
Jan 28, 2025•24 min•Ep. 241
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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Want more? Check out the archive of all ...
Jan 23, 2025•4 min
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. Check out our social media Twitter: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pa...
Jan 21, 2025•25 min•Ep. 240
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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Want more? Check out the archive of all ...
Jan 16, 2025•3 min
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 everywhere Giving students choice Jo Boaler will be on the January 2025 Math is Figureoutable Challenge! Check ou...
Jan 14, 2025•28 min•Ep. 239
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 everywhere Giving students choice Jo Boaler will be on the January 2025 Math is Figureoutable Challenge! Check ou...
Jan 13, 2025•25 min•Ep. 239
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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Want more? Check out the archive of all o...
Jan 09, 2025•4 min
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 instruction Allowing students to grapple to in order to experience those aha moments Problem String design Check out our social media Twitter: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC...
Jan 07, 2025•27 min•Ep. 238
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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Want more? Check out the archive of all o...
Jan 02, 2025•4 min
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 doing Inversely proportional vs direct variation with non-unit scaling Common misunderstandings Check out our social media Twitter: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC...
Dec 31, 2024•23 min•Ep. 237
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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Want more? Check out the archive of all...
Dec 26, 2024•5 min
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 Here Discovering Negative Exponents Give students experiences first and let them make sense of it Using equivalent expressions to help students visualize and make generalizations What grade levels are these strings for? Check out our social media Twitter: @PWHarr...
Dec 24, 2024•26 min•Ep. 236
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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Want more? Check out the archive of all...
Dec 19, 2024•4 min
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 reasoning Problem String Dividing Exponents "Canceling" vs "Dividing out to equal 1" Focus on left over factors vs mimicking a rule Why start with smaller bases? Check out our social media Twitter: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education Linkedin: P...
Dec 17, 2024•23 min•Ep. 235
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: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education...
Dec 12, 2024•6 min
