Dave Coffey and Kathy Coffey from Grand Valley State University discuss their new book, Designing Math Adventures: Using Design Thinking to Support the Teaching and Learning of K-8 Mathematics, available through Amazon. Book URL: https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Math-Adventures-Thinking-Mathematics/dp/B0D36HKT3X/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2 Dave's Delta Scape …

Travis Weiland from the University of Houston (but soon to be at UNC-Charlotte) discusses the chapter "Preparing teachers of statistics: A critical read of standards, review of past research, and future directions" published in The AMTE Handbook of Mathematics Teacher Education (Vol. 5), with chapter co-authors Chris Engledowl and Susan Cannon. Boo…

Zandra de Araujo (University of Florida), Amber Candela (University of Missouri, St Louis), and Paul Wonsavage (University of Florida) join Sam Otten (University of Missouri, Columbia) to discuss their NSF-funded project entitled Practice-Driven Professional Development (PDPD). They share thoughts on why they are pursuing an incremental approach ra…

Luis Leyva from Vanderbilt University discusses his article, "Queer of Color Justice in Undergraduate Mathematics Education," published in the Notices of the American Mathematical Society, Volume 71. Article URL https://doi.org/10.1090/noti2875 Episode 1701 with Luis https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/mathed/episodes/2017-01-04T12_03_01-08_00 Other…

Melissa Gallagher from the University of Houston (soon to be at U.S. Math Recovery Council) discusses the article, "Adaptive teaching in mathematics: A review of the literature," published in Educational Review, Volume 7. Co-authors: Parsons and Vaughn. Article URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00131911.2020.1722065 Math with Melissa…

Nathalie Sinclair from Simon Fraser University in Canada discusses her article, "Knowing as remembering: Methodological experiments in embodied experiences of number," published in Digital Experiences in Mathematics Education. Article URL https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40751-023-00132-7 Nathalie's professional webpage https://www.sfu.ca…

In this digest episode we hear summaries from Kelly Demirjian, Joshua Pope, Loella Lapat, and Samuel Otten about the following articles: [01:00] Stephan, M., Register, J., Reinke, L., Robinson, C., Pugalenthi, P., & Pugalee, D. (2021). People use math as a weapon: Critical mathematics consciousness in the time of COVID-19. Educational Studies in Ma…

Higinio Dominguez from Michigan State University discusses the article, "Young philosophers: Fifth-grade students animating the concept of space," published in ZDM Mathematics Education. Co-authors: Abreu and Peralta. Higinio's professional webpage https://education.msu.edu/people/dominguez-higinio/ List of episodes…

Paul Cobb from Vanderbilt University discusses his career in mathematics education research. Paul's Google Scholar page https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=7bcDRVEAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra List of episodes

Christa Jackson from Saint Louis University discusses the book series that she is editing for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Powerful Mathematicians Who Changed the World. Christa's professional webpage https://www.slu.edu/education/faculty/christa-jackson.php NCTM's bookstore https://www.nctm.org/Search/?query=powerful%20mathemat…

Robert Q. Berry III from the University of Arizona delivers his plenary at PME-NA in Reno, NV. "Preparing teachers to engage students for equitable mathematics education." Robert's Professional Webpage https://provost.arizona.edu/person/robert-q-berry-iii YouTube video of this presentation https://youtu.be/jb9iPyalz4E?si=PEiPzb79rzlbBMre PME-NA Pro…

Kathy Sun from Santa Clara University and Jennifer Ruef from the University of Oregon discuss their article, "Examining and conceptualizing the relationship between teacher praise and the co-construction of mathematical competence in classrooms," published in the Journal of Mathematical Behavior, Volume 71. Article URL https://www.sciencedirect.com…

This episode includes information about the 3 plenary presentations at the 2023 NCTM Annual Meeting and 2 summaries from presenters -- Gail Burrill from Michigan State University, Amanda Huffman-Hayes from Purdue University, and Lindsay Gold from the University of Dayton. The NCTM Annual Meeting and Research Conference were held in Washington, DC. …

Dr. Valentina Wheeler of University of Wollongong, Australia, shares how her work influences efforts to understand wildfires and red blood cells. In Australia, where bushfires are a concern year-round, researchers have long tried to model these wildfires, hoping to learn information that can help with firefighting policy. Mathematician Valentina Wh…

Summaries of PME-NA presentations by Mitch Nathan, James Middleton, Lisa Lunney Borden, José Luis Cortina, Theodore Chao, Amy Parks, Melissa Gresalfi, Nathaniel Bryan, Naomi Jessup, Tran Templeton, and others. PME-NA 2023 was held in Reno, NV, led by Teruni Lamberg. http://www.pmena.org/ http://www.pmena.org/proceedings/ List of episodes…

Dr. Stan Wagon of Macalaster College discusses the mathematics behind rolling a square smoothly. In 1997, inspired by a square wheel exhibit at The Exploratorium museum in San Francsico, Dr. Stan Wagon enlisted his neighbor Loren Kellen in building a square-wheeled tricycle and accompanying catenary track. For years, you could ride the tricycle at …

Jeffrey Choppin from the University of Rochester discusses the article, "The role of instructional materials in the relationship between the official curriculum and the enacted curriculum," published by Mathematical Thinking and Learning, Volume 24. Co-authors: Amy Roth McDuffie, Corey Drake, Jon Davis Article URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/f…

Dr. Rekha Thomas from the University of Washington discusses three-dimensional image reconstructions from two-dimensional photos. The mathematics of image reconstruction is both simpler and more abstract than it seems. To reconstruct a 3D model based on photographic data, researchers and algorithms must solve a set of polynomial equations. Some sol…

Michael Little-Crow from Arizona State University discusses his dissertation study, "Professional Development for Math Educators Podcast: Amplifying, Hearing, and Understanding the Voice of Community Educators," under the direction of Andrea Weinburg. Mike's Professional Webpage https://search.asu.edu/profile/1722986 As the Little Crow Flies podcas…

Julie Nurnberger-Haag discusses the article "Simplest shapes first! But let's use cognitive science to reconceive and specify what "simple" means," co-authored with Clarissa Thompson and published in Mind, Brain, and Education, Volume 17. Article URL (open access) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mbe.12338 Julie's ResearchGate Reach out …

Record a 3-6 minute audio summary of some math ed research, either your own or something you've read that you think is worth sharing. Send your audio file to ottensam@att.net and put Math Ed Digest in the subject line. Within your audio summary, please introduce yourself and also give credit to all co-authors of the work. To hear examples of past d…

Imelda Flores Vazquez from Econometrica, Inc. explains how economists use mathematics to evaluate the efficacy of health care policies. When a hospital or government wants to adjust their health policies — for instance, by encouraging more frequent screenings for certain diseases — how do they know whether their program will work or not? If the ser…

Anne-Sophie Supply from the University of Leuven (Belgium) discusses the article, "It is probably a pattern: Does spontaneous focusing on regularities in preschool predict reasoning about randomness four years later?" published in Educational Studies in Mathematics, Volume 112. Co-authors: Wijns, Van Dooren, & Onghena Article URL: https://link.spri…

Gladys Krause from William & Mary, Melissa Adams-Corral from U Texas Rio Grande Valley, and Luz Maldonado Rodríguez from Texas State discuss their article, "Developing awareness around language practices in the elementary bilingual mathematics classroom," published by the Journal of Urban Mathematics Education, Volume 15. Article URL (free): https:…

Egan Chernoff from the University of Saskatchewan discusses the special issues of The Mathematics Enthusiast that feature reviews by math educators of books related to the popularization of mathematics. Egan also turns the tables and asks Sam some questions about the Math Ed Podcast. The Mathematics Enthusiast special issues: https://scholarworks.u…

Stacey Finley from University of Southern California discusses how mathematical models support the research of cancer biology. Cancer research is a crucial job, but a difficult one. Tumors growing inside the human body are affected by all kinds of factors. These conditions are difficult (if not impossible) to recreate in the lab, and using real pat…

Julie Nurnberger-Haag discusses the article "Gameplay in perspective: Applications of a conceptual framework to analyze features of mathematics classroom games in consideration of students' experiences," published in the International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science, and Technology. Co-authors: Jamie Wernet and Judy Benjamin. IJEMST ar…

Rodney Kizito from U.S. Department of Energy discusses solar energy, mathematics, and microgrids. When you flip a switch to turn on a light, where does that energy come from? In a traditional power grid, electricity is generated at large power plants and then transmitted long distances. But now, individual homes and businesses with solar panels can…

Chris Jett from Georgia State University discusses his book Black Male Success in Higher Education: How the Mathematical Brotherhood Empowers Collegiate Community to Thrive, from Teachers College Press. Chris's Professional Webpage Book from TCPress Episode 1911 with Chris discussing his JRME article on Black male persistence List of episodes…

In honor of the life and work of Jeremy Kilpatrick, this is a rebroadcast of the episode that was originally posted October 1, 2014. Jeremy Kilpatrick from the University of Georgia discusses his career in mathematics education, including his work on curriculum and the history of the field as well as the landmark report Adding It Up. Jeremy's Profe…

Fran Arbaugh from Pennsylvania State University discusses the article, "Investigating secondary mathematics preservice teachers' instructional vision: Learning to teach through pedagogies of practice," published in the Journal of Teacher Education, Volume 72. Co-authors: Graysay, Freeburn, and Konuk. Article URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/fu…

Christa Jackson from Saint Louis University discusses the article, "Equity-oriented conceptual framework for K-12 STEM literacy," published in the International Journal of STEM Education, Volume 8. Co-authors: Mohr-Schroeder, Bush, Maiorca, Roberts, Yost, and Fowler Article URL (open access): https://stemeducationjournal.springeropen.com/articles/1…

Karen Rios Soto explains how mathematics illuminates the link between air pollution from motor vehicle emissions and asthma. Air pollution causes the premature deaths of an estimated seven million people each year, and it makes life worse for all of us. People with asthma can experience chest tightness, coughing or wheezing, and difficulty breathin…

Malena Espanol explains how she and others use linear algebra to correct blurry images. Imagine snapping a quick picture of a flying bird. The image is likely to come out blurry. But thanks to mathematics, you might be able to use software to improve the photo. Scientists often deal with blurry pictures, too. Linear algebra and clever numerical met…

Siddhi Desai, Sarah Bush, and Farshid Safi from the University of Central Florida discuss their article, "Mathematical representations in the teaching and learning of geometry: A review of the literature from the United States," published in the Electronic Journal for Research in Science & Mathematics Education, Volume 25. Article URL (free): https…

Hollylynne Lee from North Carolina State University discusses articles from the Journal of Statistics and Data Science Education and CHANCE about Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics. Lee, H. S., & Harrison, T. (2021). Trends in teaching Advanced Placement Statistics: Results from a National Survey. Journal of Statistics and Data Science Education, 2…

Zandra de Araujo from the University of Florida and Erin Smith from the University of Southern Mississippi discuss their article, "Examining English language learners' learning needs through the lens of algebra curriculum materials," published in Educational Studies in Mathematics (Vol. 109). Article URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s…

Tim Chumley explains the connections between random billiards and the science of heat and energy transfer. If you've ever played billiards or pool, you've used your intuition and some mental geometry to plan your shots. Mathematicians have gone a step further, using these games as inspiration for new mathematical problems. Starting from the simple …

Bima Sapkota from Purdue University discusses her article, "Preservice teachers' conceptualizations of mathematical tasks," published in The Mathematics Educator. Bima on ResearchGate The Mathematics Educator journal website List of episodes

Summaries from Investigations in Mathematics Learning 13(1) (01:50) Frances K. Harper, Eryn M. Maher & Hyunyi Jung—Whiteness as a Stumbling Block in Learning to Teach Mathematics for Social Justice (09:52) Christopher C. Jett—The Qualms and Quarrels with Online Undergraduate Mathematics: The Experiences of African American Male STEM Majors (14:10) …

Jane-Jane Lo from Western Michigan University discusses her career in mathematics education. Jane-Jane's professional webpage List of episodes

Ian Stewart from the University of Warwick discusses his book, What the Use? How Mathematics Shapes Everyday Life (Basic Books). Ian's Website: https://ianstewartjoat.weebly.com/ Book URL: https://www.basicbooks.com/titles/ian-stewart/whats-the-use/9781541699496/ Complete list of episodes

Mandy Jansen from the University of Delaware discusses her book, Rough Draft Math: Revising to Learn (Stenhouse). Mandy's Professional Webpage and Website Book URL: https://www.stenhouse.com/content/rough-draft-math @MandyMathEd on Twitter Complete list of episodes

Ronnie Karsenty from the Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel) discusses her article, "Implementing professional development programs for mathematics teachers at scale: What counts as success?", published in ZDM Mathematics Education (Vol. 53). Ronnie's professional webpage: https://www.weizmann.ac.il/ScienceTeaching/Karsenty/ Article URL: https:/…

Bill Zahner from San Diego State University discusses the article, "Examining the Recruitment, Placement, and Career Trajectories of Secondary Mathematics Teachers Prepared for High-Need Schools," published in Teachers College Record, Volume 121. Co-authors: Chapin, Levine, He, Afonso Bill's professional webpage: https://crmse.sdsu.edu/members/zahn…

Lorin Crawford explains how he uses math to analyze interactions between genes. Your DNA (the biological instruction manual in all of your cells) contains a mind-boggling amount of information represented in roughly 20,000 genes that encode proteins, plus a similar number of genes with other functions. As the cost of analyzing an individual's DNA h…

Cheng-Yao Lin from Southern Illinois University discusses the article, "Preservice teachers' understanding of decimals using standard algorithm and alternative strategies," published in the International Journal of Mathematics Teaching and Learning (Vol. 22). Co-authors: Joung & Kim. We also discuss his work on the Growing Problem Solvers departmen…

Angela Robinson explains the math behind the next generation of cryptographic algorithms. Whenever you log in to a website, send an email, or make an online purchase, you're counting on your data being sent securely, without hackers being able to crack the code. Our standard cryptographic systems hinge on mathematical problems that stump present-da…

Originally posted August 26, 2018. Herbert "Bheki" Khuzwayo from the University of the Western Cape (South Africa) discusses his chapter, "'Occupation of our minds': A metaphor to explain mathematics education in South Africa in the apartheid era," published in Numeracy as social practice (Yasukawa, Rogers, Jackson, & Street, Eds.). WARNING: This e…

Ricardo Bermudez-Otero and Tobias Galla discuss the mathematics describing the evolution of human languages. The sounds and structures of the world's approximately 7,000 languages never stop changing. Just compare the English in Romeo and Juliet or the Spanish in Don Quixote to the modern forms. But historical records give an incomplete view of lan…