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
514 episodes
Ep 317: Which Algorithm Would You Use?: Fractions Pt 2
How can we equip students to tackle problems that do not fit a standard algorithm? In this episode, Pam and Kim experience a Problem String intended to engage fraction reasoning without traditional algorithms.Talking Points:...
#MathStratChat - July 8, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 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 316: CAMT 2026
We love being with mathematics educators! In this episode Pam and Kim recount their experiences at CAMT 2026.Talking Points:Feeling at home at CAMTExperiencing math at conferencesBullding relationships at c...
#MathStratChat - July 1, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 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 315: "Best of", for Leaders
Shout out to our leaders! Let's take a peek at some important conversations Pam and Kim have had over the years, just for you. Talking Points: Ep 65: The power of shared math and teaching experiencesEp 104...
#MathStratChat - June 24, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 24, 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 314: "Best of" 9-12
Shout out to our 9-12 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 294: Introducing LogarithmsEp 69: Equations of...
#MathStratChat - June 17, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 17, 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 313: Best of 6-8
Shout out to our 6-8 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 45 - 5 Interpretations of Rational NumbersEp 18...
#MathStratChat - June 10, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 10, 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 312: Best of 3-5
Shout out to our 3-5 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 174 - Double/Half: The Most Sophisticated Multiplication...
#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.
