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
522 episodes
Ep 321: Experiences Get Results
Is improving math education as simple as telling teachers and students what actions to take to achieve the desired results? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss the Results Pyramid and how experiences are what builds beliefs, which inform the a...
#MathStratChat - August 5, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 29, 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 320: Important to Know About Rich Tasks
Rich Tasks are a powerful lesson structure and can be challenging to implement effectively. In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss the preparation and approach needed to facilitate a successful Rich Task.Talking points:...
#MathStratChat - July 29, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 29, 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 319: Building Flexibility
How do you cultivate flexibility in your classroom? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss expectations, perspectives, and techniques that help students develop mathematical flexibility.Talking Points:The subtle messages...
#MathStratChat - July 22, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 22, 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 318: Seeking for Clever Math Strategies
You already know that we seek for flexibility, efficiency, being clever, and owning a variety of mathematical strategies. But what about grading students based on how many strategies they own to solve a problem? And what does "clever" even mean...
#MathStratChat - July 15, 2026
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 15, 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 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