Math is Figure-Out-Able!
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!
Episodes
491 episodes
#MathStratChat - April 22, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 22, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before yo...
Ep 305: Guiding Principles for What We Recommend
Looking for useful games and materials for your classroom? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss some of the classroom materials and games they love and what makes them great.Talking Points:Games and resources that do ...
#MathStratChat - April 15, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 15, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before yo...
Ep 304: Context, Models, and Strategy for a Better CRA
How should context and models be used to build strategy? In this episode, Pam and Kim share a sequence of tasks regarding area to demonstrate a better approach for building understanding, abstraction, and strategy as a natural outcome.<...
#MathStratChat - April 8, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 8, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you...
Ep 303: Product Approach to Multiplication Facts
If multiplication facts are so fundamental, why do students who memorize them struggle with multiplicative reasoning? In this episode, Pam and Kim take a hard look at what students need to succeed multiplicatively.Talking Points<...
#MathStratChat - April 1, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 1, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you...
Ep 302: Factor Puzzles 3: Expressions
How can we prepare students to grapple with algebraic concepts? In this episode, Pam and Kim further adapt factor puzzles for developing understanding of both decomposing and combining expressions. Talking Points:Help...
#MathStratChat - March 25, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 25, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before yo...
Ep 301: Factor Puzzles 2: Integers
Why is practice sometimes not enough for students to become comfortable multiplying and adding integers? In this episode, Pam and Kim explore more with Factor Puzzles, this time with integers!Talking Points:Gaining experienc...
#MathStratChat - March 18, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 11, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before yo...
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Ep 300: Factor Puzzles 1: Whole Numbers
What is a great way for student's to increase their factor fluency and move from additive reasoning to multiplicative reasoning? In this episode, Pam and Kim play with factor puzzles and describe their many benefits.Talking Points:<...
#MathStratChat - March 11, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 11, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before yo...
Ep 299: Developing Mathematical Reasoning: The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in 3-5
What does the day-to-day of a math is figureoutable classroom look like? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss the new book for teachers of Grades 3-5 to transform their teaching. Talking Points:New book release for Grad...
#MathStratChat - March 4, 2026
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...
Ep 298: Who Gets to Math? One thing that Opens or Closes the Gate
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....
#MathStratChat - February 25, 2026
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...
Ep 297: What Makes Good Shifts in a School's Math Teaching?
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:
#MathStratChat - February 18, 2026
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...
Ep 296: Live at NCTM Spring
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 curricu...
#MathStratChat - February 11, 2026
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...
Ep 295: Differentiating Problem Strings for your Grade Level: Over Subtraction
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 subtract...
#MathStratChat - February 4, 2026
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 ...
