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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!
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Welcome to Rounding Up, the professional learning podcast brought to you by The Math Learning Center. Two things have always been true in education: Ongoing professional learning is essential, and teachers are extremely busy people. Rounding Up is a podcast designed to provide meaningful, bite-sized professional learning for busy educators and instructional leaders. I'm Mike Wallus, vice president for educator support at The Math Learning Center and host of the show. In each episode, we'll e ...
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Season 4 | Episode 5 - Ramsey Merritt, Improving Students' Turn & Talk Experience
28:25
28:25
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Ramsey Merritt, Improving Students' Turn & Talk Experience ROUNDING UP: SEASON 4 | EPISODE 5 Most educators know what a turn and talk is—but are your students excited to do them? In this episode, we put turn and talks under a microscope. We'll talk with Ramsey Merritt from the Harvard Graduate School of Education about ways to revamp and better sca…
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 5, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the co…
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Ep 281: Developing Mathematical Reasoning: The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in K-2
26:14
26:14
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There's a brand new book for K-2 teachers! In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss how strategies in early mathematics build upon each other and increase in sophistication for future learning. Talking Points: Strategies build on each other, algorithms do not The importance of building relationships and mental actions in students' brains Get to Ten gro…
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 29, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the co…
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Ep 280: Rapid Fire Math Pedagogy Questions
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26:21
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How can we adjust our teaching to meet the needs of our students? In this episode, Pam proposes a series of rapid-fire pedagogical scenarios for Kim to respond to with her best advice. What will Kim say in 90 seconds or less? Talking Points: What to do about a student who only solves addition problems left to right? How to handle a student who alwa…
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Season 4 | Episode 4 - Pam Harris, Exploring the Power & Purpose of Number Strings
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43:48
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Pam Harris, Exploring the Power & Purpose of Number Strings ROUNDING UP: SEASON 4 | EPISODE 4 I've struggled when I have a new strategy I want my students to consider and despite my best efforts, it just doesn't surface organically. While I didn't want to just tell my students what to do, I wasn't sure how to move forward. Then I discovered number …
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 22, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the co…
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NCSM/NCTM Reflections: What We Are Thinking About!
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Pam and Kim went to NCSM and NCTM in Atlanta! In this episode, they share some of their favorite moments, biggest take-aways, and new insights gleaned from the sessions they attended and the people they met. Talking Points: Discussing the meaning of "algorithm" with Sarah Bush and Karen Karp, authors of The Math Pact Importance of talk moves and li…
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 15, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the co…
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Ep 278: Benefit from Solving Equations Graphically
18:09
18:09
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What role can technology play in mathematics education? In this episode Pam and Kim explore a Problem String for solving systems of equations using Desmos. Talking Points: Graphing systems of equations Where lines intersect with different parent functions Using graphing to understand the behavior of a cubic function and more Using technology as a t…
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Season 4 | Episode 3 - Kim Montague—I Have, You Need: The Utility Player of Instructional Routines
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Kim Montague, I Have, You Need: The Utility Player of Instructional Routines ROUNDING UP: SEASON 4 | EPISODE 3 In sports, a utility player is someone who can play multiple positions competently, providing flexibility and adaptability. From my perspective, the routine I have, you need may just be the utility player of classroom routines. Today we're…
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 8, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the con…
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Ep 277: Memorize the Facts - It Makes All the Difference
22:42
22:42
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 1, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the con…
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Ep 276: Facilitating Pam's Favorite Problem String
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Facilitating a Problem String is much more than providing a list of problems. In this episode Pam shares the moment to moment decisions she makes when facilitating a "Sticks of Gum" proportional realtionship building Problem String. Talking Points: Setting the stage How to pull out thinking Using this string to math with teachers in professional de…
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 24, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the …
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Ep 275: Playing with Mathematical Relationships in Life
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19:47
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Mathematics is everywhere, but if students don't know how to reason they may not want to engage and play with numbers or see all the opportunities to do so. In this episode Pam and Kim discuss scenarios where they play with mathematical concepts in their daily lives. Talking Points Playing with numbers...double, half, factors, multiples, etc. What …
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Season 4 | Episode 2 - Dr. Sue Looney - Same but Different: Encouraging Students to Think Flexibly
28:09
28:09
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Sue Looney, Same but Different: Encouraging Students to Think Flexibly ROUNDING UP: SEASON 4 | EPISODE 2 Sometimes students struggle in math because they fail to make connections. For too many students, every concept feels like its own entity without any connection to the larger network of mathematical ideas. On the podcast today, we're talking wit…
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 17, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the …
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Have students that struggle with word problems? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss the best way to help students succeed when faced with a word problem. Talking points: Why mimicking makes word problems harder Reasoners develop greater stamina Developing the feel of actions of the operations Check out our social media Twitter: @PWHarris Instagram:…
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 10, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the …
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Ep 273: Conceptual Understanding... Then Algorithms
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Is the goal of math class all about getting answers? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how their work differs from those who promote traditional math classrooms and even some conceptual inquiry based classrooms. Talking Points: Teaching algorithms as the goal is detrimental What is the goal? Teachers need their own math learning experiences We wa…
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Season 4 | Episode 1 - Dr. Christopher Danielson, Which One Doesn't Belong Routine
19:29
19:29
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Christopher Danielson, Which One Doesn't Belong? Routine: Fostering Flexible Reasoning ROUNDING UP: SEASON 4 | EPISODE 1 The idea of comparing items and looking for similarities and differences has been explored by many math educators. Christopher Danielson has taken this idea to new heights. Inspired by the Sesame Street song "One of These Things …
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 3, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the c…
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How does the definition of fluency change when your goal for math class changes? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss in some areas of mathematics they aim for fluency and how students use those relationships to build from. Talking Points: Buzzwords What are our goals? Does automaticity need to be drilled or can it develop naturally? Strategies are …
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 27, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the con…
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How can we bridge from proportional reasoning to functional reasoning? In this episode Pam and Kim talk through a Problem String that moves students from proportional reasoning into linear functions. Talking Points: Building Proportions Problem String Thinking about "between" and "within" relationships in a ratio table Slope, rate of change, simila…
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 20, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the con…
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How do mathy people approach mathematics? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss different mathematical behaviors and the value of engendering them in students. Talking Points: Reflecting about what else you could have done that might be more sophisticated Seeking the "ooh" factor or the "aha" moment Compare strategies and make connections Making choi…
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 13, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the con…
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Ep 269: Why the Debate between Inquiry and Direct Instruction, Developing Reasoning and Teaching Procedures.
28:11
28:11
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Does inquiry mean leaving students to their own devices? In this episode Pam and Kim share their thoughts on the debate teaching reasoning vs. teaching procedures. Talking Points: We all want what's best for students Sometimes educators talk past each other, using words without examples to give meaning Experiencing mathing is different from helping…
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 6, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conv…
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Ep 268: Connecting Strategies, Properties, and Models in Addition
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How can teachers help students be more sophisticated additive reasoners? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss the major addition strategies, what properties they use, and how to model student thinking. Talking Points: Addition strategies and models Addition strategies modeled with equations Proporties that the addition strategies are based on When m…
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 30, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conve…
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Ep 267: Connecting Strategies, Properties, and Models in Multiplication
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26:59
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If your only focus is answer getting, students may never experience and grapple with and understand multiplicative properties. In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how to use models to help students progress to more sophisticated strategies using multiplicative properties. Talking Points: Modelling different strategies on area models, ratio tables, …
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 23, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conve…
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Ep 266: Solving Proportions - Within & Between
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How does proportional thinking prepare students for reasoning with variables? In this episode Pam and Kim explore the transition from proportional reasoning to functional reasoning. Talking Points: Connecting proportional reasoning to linear functions Scaling triangles Proportions "within" and "between" Introducing tricks stifles students' opportun…
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 16, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conve…
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Should you require student's to show their work in mathematics? Whose work? When? How much work? For what purpose? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss classroom culture and the importance of communication in mathematics, diving into these questions and more. Talking Points: Whose work are you asking student to show? Motivations for showing work Don…
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 9, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conver…
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Ep 264: Facilitating an Equivalence Structure Problem String - Multiplicative Reasoning
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How can Problem Strings help build big ideas? In this episode Pam and Kim walk through a Problem String that helps students dig into area and multiplicative equivalence and help you know how to expertly facilitate. Talking Points: Facilitating the string Teacher moves during the string Modeling the string Equal products means total area is the same…
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 2, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conver…
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Ep 263: Facilitating an Equivalence Structure Problem String - Additive Reasoning
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How does a Problem String look in front of real students? In this episode Pam and Kim give a play by play for how a Problem String could be facilitated. Talking Points: When to circulate and when to ask for choral response Helping students communicate thinking How and when to engage students in conversations When to anchor strategies When to be int…
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 25, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conve…
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What if finding equivalence between fractions, decimals, and precents wasn't just a task for students to do, but a tool making them more efficient in rational number computations? In this episode Pam and Kim talk about code switching with rational numbers to make complex problems more figure-out-able. Talking Points: What is code switching in ratio…
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 18, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conve…
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Five years of important conversations, lots of laughs and a blooper every once in a while. In this episode Pam and Kim revisit some important moments of the podcast from the last 5 years. Talking Points: Clips from the past 5 years! Types of questioning Student compliance Problem Strings vs Problem Talks Math distortions Wait time and Private signa…
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 11, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conve…
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Ep 260: Refining And Extending I Have, You Need
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How can you get the most out of I Have, You Need in your classroom? In this podcast Pam and Kim answer some common questions and dig deeper into one of their favorite routines, I Have You Need. Talking Points: Do cars speak the language of fractions? I Have, You Need (See also Ep 7 and 164) Why it is helpful to know partners of 1, 10, 100, 1000, et…
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 4, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conver…
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