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
503 episodes
#MathStratChat - June 3, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 3, 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 311: Best of K-2
Shout out to our K-2 teacher friends! Let's take a peek at some important conversations Pam and Kim have had over the years, just for you. Talking Points: Ep 16 - Names of TeensEp 85 - Moving Pa...
#MathStratChat - May 27, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 27, 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 310: More On Letting The Students Play
How would you describe the difference between a classroom that emphasizes memorization and a classroom that develops mathematical reasoning? In this episode, Pam and Kim wrestle with an analogy for math classrooms. Talking Points...
#MathStratChat - May 20, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 20, 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 309: Classroom Takeaways: Aha Moments, Math Trauma, Differentiation, Tasks
What benefits have you found from teaching reasoning and mathing in your classroom? In this episode, Pam shares with Kim things she learned in her recent trip to South Korea.Talking PointsLearning with your students
#MathStratChat - May 13, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 3, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you l...
Ep 308: Fraction Multiplication, What?!
Can your students confidently reason about fraction multiplication? In this episode, Pam and Kim facilitate a Problem String that develops two strategies for fraction multiplication and discuss the thoughts that went into designing the string.<...
#MathStratChat - May 6, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 6, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you l...
Ep 307: Naming Fractions
Is there a 'correct' way to name math concepts? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss different naming conventions for fractions from different cultures.Talking Points:Cultural difference in how fractions are ...
#MathStratChat - April 29, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 29, 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 306: Which Algorithm Would You Use: Fractions?
Can you use an algorithm to solve every type of problem, or are there some problems for which algorithms leave you stranded? In this episode, Pam and Kim answer that question and share a Problem String to build fractional fluency.
#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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