MathsTalk by AMSI Schools
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Host, Leanne McMahon, dives into the eternal question: "When am I ever going to use this?" by looking at the diverse career paths open to those who choose to study mathematics at school and beyond. We also highlight an exciting opportunity for teachers: the 2024 Teacher Professional Learning in Industry Day, hosted by AMSI and the Australian Centre for Career Education. This event will connect secondary maths teachers and careers advisors with industry experts to showcase the vast array of study and career pathways available to students who continue to study maths. From data science to finance, technology to engineering, Leanne emphasizes the crucial role high school teachers play in guiding students towards rewarding careers in mathematics. Don't miss out on this enriching discussion and the chance to explore the endless possibilities maths has to offer! 2024 Teacher Professional Learning in Industry Day and EOI: Tuesday 21st May 2024 at the University of Melbourne. Expressions of interest close March 1st 2024 https://amsi.org.au/2024-teacher-professional-learning-in-industry-day/ AMSI Careers Information: https://careers.amsi.org.au/ Contact us: MathsTalk@amsi.org.au
In 2020, Special guest Dr Catherine Attard released a blog post looking at how teachers and parents can discern between good and not-so-great mathematics resources in this time of information overload. We felt this was timely with the explosion of questionable quality resources from sites like Teachers-pay-teachers and Twinkle. The highly engaging Marcus Garrett and regular host, Leanne McMahon lead a spirited conversation. They also discuss effective use of technology in Mathematics, the difference between performing and learning in maths and what 'home-schooling' really means. Podcast notes and resources can be found at www.calculate.org.au http://www.calculate.org.au/. Catherine's Blog can be found at https://engagingmaths.com/ Other Links discussed in the episode: Attard, C. (2020), Teaching maths in challenging times: Keep calm and remain critical! Blog post on Engaging Maths. Retrieved from https://engagingmaths.com/2020/03/18/teaching-maths-in-challenging-times-keep-calm-and-remain-critical/. Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), 2010, Mathematics Proficiencies. Retrieved from https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/resources/mathematics-proficiencies/. Boaler, J. (1996), Case Studies of Alternative Approaches to Mathematics Teaching: Situated Cognition, Sex and Setting. Unpublished doctoral thesis, Kings College School of Education, University of London, UK. Retrieved from https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/files/2934023/DX199706.pdf. Garrett, M. (2016), The Problem with Problem Solving. Blog article on Calculate by AMSI. Retrieved from https://calculate.org.au/2016/04/13/problem-with-problem-solving/. Website: Joel Speranza – Leveraging Technology for Learning. www.joelsperanza.com http://www.joelsperanza.com/. YouTube Channel: Joel Speranza Math. https://www.youtube.com/c/JoelSperanzaMath/featured Link to Dr Attard’s Research Project, ‘Investigating the impact of COVID-19 on teachers' technology-related attitudes, beliefs and practices’ (call for survey participants): https://surveyswesternsydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6AmgoLh1N7ZDktn
Host Leanne McMahon welcomes PhD candidate Cassandra Lowry for a lively discussion centred on Cass's presentation at the 2023 Maths Association of Victoria Conference. Formative assessment strategies that are easily implemented in your classroom and can have a huge effect on student learning. Resources: Contact us: MathsTalk@amsi.org.au Twitter (X) @cass_lowry (Cass) @AMSIschools (MathsTalk) LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/cassandra-lowry Ask & Listen vs. Tell & Sell (Article) Ibarra, H. & Scoular, A. (2019). The leader as coach: How to unleash innovation, energy, and commitment. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2019/11/the-leader-as-coach Rosenshine’s Principles (Book) Sherrington, T. (2019). Rosenshine’s Principles in Action. John Catt: Melton, Woodbridge. Checking for Understanding (Blog) Tom Sherrington - 5 ways to check for understanding https://teacherhead.com/2021/12/02/five-ways-to-check-for-understanding/ Questioning (YouTube Video) Dylan Wiliam – Questioning https://youtu.be/y8bHMd3PosM Diagnostic Questions (Website) Craig Barton (from Mr Barton Maths Podcast) developed site that includes 25 thousand questions and quizzes to help diagnose student misconceptions https://diagnosticquestions.com/ Contact Info MAV Conference 30 Nov - 1 Dec 2023 https://www.mav.vic.edu.au/Conference/Annual-Conference
Welcome to the latest episode of MathsTalk by AMSI schools. In this conversation, Leanne McMahon, the Schools Maths Advisor at AMSI, discusses the vital aspect of great mathematics teaching, making connections. Leanne is joined by Michaela Epstein, the founder and director of Maths Teacher Circles, who challenges conventional thinking in maths education. They explore the importance of focusing on the "big ideas" in maths and how to help students make connections between different mathematical concepts. Michaela provides practical strategies for educators to implement in their classrooms and encourages a more creative and connection-based approach to teaching mathematics. To stay updated and get access to valuable resources, you can subscribe to Michaela's email newsletter, follow her on social media, and explore her professional learning program for teachers. Join this engaging conversation to discover new ways to foster mathematical understanding and encourage your students to connect the dots in maths. Resources: Mathstalk@amsi.org.au @AMSISchools Juggling As A Way of Building Deep Understanding: https://www.mathsteachercircles.org/blog/juggling/ (blog post related to our conversation) Charles, R.I. (2005). ‘Big Ideas and Understandings as the Foundation for Elementary and Middle School Mathematics’, Journal of Mathematics Education Leadership, Vol.7 (3). Siemon, D. (2022). ‘Teaching with the Big Ideas in Mathematics’, Issues in the Teaching of Mathematics. State of Victoria (Department of Education and Training). Bransford, J., Derry, S., Berliner, D., Hammerness, K., & Beckett, K. (2005). Theories of learning and their roles in teaching. In L. Darling-Hammond & J. Bransford (ed.), Preparing teachers for a changing world: What teachers should learn and be able to do. Jossey-Bass. (quiz questions re Easter Bunny etc came from) Cryptoshifts: https://www.engagememathematics.com/product/cryptoshifts/ Contact Michaela: My email newsletter: https://www.mathsteachercircles.org/amsi Twitter: https://twitter.com/MathsCirclesOz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maths-teacher-circles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MathsTeacherCircles
In case you missed it last year, we have rereleased the very popular episode in which Vicky Kennard discusses how students can best use the last few weeks before exams to maximise their chances of success. She highlights where students should be aiming to be at this stage and importantly, what to do if they're not there yet. Share this with every senior maths student, teacher and parent you know! ICE-EM Textbooks: https://schools.amsi.org.au/ice-em-mathematics-textbooks/ Neuroscience and education: https://www.youcubed.org/neuroscience-education-article/ Interleaving: https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-use-interleaving-foster-deeper-learning https://www.retrievalpractice.org/ Pomodoro Method: https://todoist.com/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique
🎙️ Looking for insightful discussions on the role of calculators in middle school mathematics education? Join us on MathsTalk, hosted by Leanne McMahon. In this episode, Leanne is joined by mathematics education expert Nadia Abdelal to explore the pros and cons of using calculators for students in years 5 to 8. Gain valuable insights into how calculators can enhance understanding and problem-solving skills, as well as the concerns surrounding their potential overreliance. Discover practical strategies for striking the right balance between technology and traditional maths methods. Tune in to MathsTalk, where maths is not just about numbers; it's a journey of discovery! Subscribe and leave a review to stay mathematically inclined. 🧮🔍 #MathsTalk
In this much-anticipated episode, host, Leanne McMahon sits down with world-famous maths educator Eddie Woo to try to harness his enthusiasm to inspire us all to be the best maths teacher we can. We discuss what inspires Eddie, how he moved from feeling ‘on the outside’ to where he is today and what he has learned along the way (and from whom). We touch on the perceived dichotomy between direct instruction and learning through problem solving and mention other pedagogies that may have been set up as dichotomous, but that all contribute to the rich tapestry of Maths teaching. Finally, we look at the importance of mentoring for all teachers and where Eddie would go for professional learning. Please pass on some of the maths love by rating and sharing our podcast and check out some of the back catalogue of other brilliant guests and topics the MathsTalk podcast has covered. Resources: Contact us: MathsTalk@amsi.org.au Eddie’s website and links to TV shows and books: __ __ A profile of Eddie: https://careers.amsi.org.au/eddie/ The NSW Mathematics Growth team: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/strategies-and-reports/nsw-mathematics-strategy/initiatives/10-mathematics-growth-team Teacher social networks: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249795726_District_Policy_and_Teachers%27_Social_Networks Dan Meyer – Fake world math: https://blog.mrmeyer.com/2015/fake-world-math-when-mathematical-modeling-goes-wrong-and-how-to-get-it-right/ Logarithmic graphs and Covid-19: https://www.socialsciencespace.com/2020/06/people-do-not-understand-logarithmic-graphs-used-to-visualize-covid-19/ Direct Instruction or Inquiry-Based Learning?: https://www.edutopia.org/article/direct-instruction-inquiry-based-learning/ ICE-EM Textbooks: https://schools.amsi.org.au/ice-em-mathematics-textbooks/ AMSI Resources: https://calculate.org.au/
Host Leanne McMahon is so excited to announce our latest guest, Eddie Woo! This is just a taster of what is to come in the first week of August 2023! Check out https://misterwootube.com/ and https://misterwootube.com/2020/03/18/books-tv-2/ https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/dTq6CMwvygs5DO5Eofw_KQY?domain=misterwootube.com to get ready for the discussion ahead.
Host, Leanne McMahon welcomes Maths consultant and PhD candidate, Lynelle Campbell to the podcast this week. Lynelle is looking at numeracy intervention strategies for young children and has come up with a list of 7 strategies that can help students who are struggling to get maths. The importance of 'Number Sense' is reiterated many times and the ideas are easily used in classrooms from early years right through to secondary. Lynelle's website: https://lynzeducation.com.au/ Contact us: MathsTalk@amsi.org.au The Number Sense Podcast: https://mathstalk.podbean.com/e/developing-number-sense-in-young-children/ A visual summary of Lynelle's 7 strategies: https://calculate.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/07/7-high-impact-strategies-that-help-students-get-maths.pdf AMSI ICE-EM textbooks: https://schools.amsi.org.au/ice-em-mathematics-textbooks/ Twitter: @AMSISchools Facebook: MathsTalk by AMSI Schools
It's time to revisit the importance of using games in maths classes, even when we're not locked up! This was a podcast originally released in the thick of home based learning in 2020. Marcus Garrett speaks with popular educator and ChooseMATHS award winner, Michael Minas about games and strategies that make maths classes fun and educational. Michael provides parents, caregivers and teachers with both encouragement and some great, practical tips about how to engage - and focus - children and young people. Related Links: __ __
In this must-listen episode, host Leanne McMahon talks to Professor Chris Matthews from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance (ATSIMA) about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural cross-curriculum priority inclusion in the new Maths Curriculum in Australian schools. Chris shares his mathematical and cultural history and challenges teachers to examine how the concept of Terra Nullius has affected the role of both indigenous and non-indigenous Australians today. He discusses the importance of culture to all students and looks at some relevant contexts and ways in which teachers can include the cultural priority in their planning. Contact Chris: https://atsima.com/ MathsTalk Feedback: MathsTalk@amsi.org.au Chris's talk - AMSI Summer School (Maths & Culture): https://ss.amsi.org.au/public-lecture/ (click on watch recording link) Teacher Magazine Link: https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/authors/chris-matthews The Orb: https://www.theorb.tas.gov.au/ ACARA Priority description: https://tinyurl.com/ATSIpriority
Welcome to MathsTalk, the podcast hosted by Leanne McMahon, with special guest, the ever popular Nadia Abdelal, a highly respected Maths consultant from EM Maths Consulting. In this episode, Nadia shares insights on assessment, including triangulation, great assessment tasks, rubrics, and more. As educators, we know that assessment is not just about testing, but also about gathering meaningful data to inform our instructional practices. Nadia will shed light on how triangulation, which involves using multiple sources of evidence to assess student learning, can provide a more comprehensive picture of students' mathematical understanding. She will also discuss the importance of well-designed assessment tasks that align with learning goals and engage students in deep mathematical thinking. Whether you're a maths teacher or passionate about mathematics education, this episode provides valuable insights into assessment strategies for better understanding students' mathematical learning. Let's dive into the world of assessment with Nadia Abdelal on MathsTalk! Resources: To contact Nadia: https://www.emmaths.com.au/about To contact us: MathsTalk@AMSI.org.au or our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/amsischools Triangulation: Oliver-Hoyo, M., & Allen, D. (2006). The use of triangulation methods in qualitative educational research. Journal of College Science Teaching, 35(4), 42–47. https://www.madlylearning.com/assessment-and-the-triangulation-of-data/ Number talks: https://www.emmaths.com.au/post/number-talks https://books.google.com.au/books/about/Number_Talks.html?id=p4B9F1u2T4kC&redir_esc=y NAPLAN Spreadsheet: Contact Nadia and she will pass on the link to the spreadsheet https://www.emmaths.com.au/about Formulating an expression (Year 7) https://acaraweb.blob.core.windows.net/acaraweb/docs/default-source/assessment-and-reporting-publications/e6-naplan-2016-final-test-numeracy-year-7-(non-calc).pdf?sfvrsn=2 (Question 15) Fraction Strips: https://www.math-salamanders.com/printable-fraction-strips.html Trading game: See the classroom activity using place value houses http://amsi.org.au/teacher_modules/Using_place_value4-7.html Michael Minas: Podcast - MathsTalk Episode 10 Love Maths website: https://www.lovemaths.me/ Rob Vingerhoets: http://robvingerhoets.com.au/maths/ Victorian Department of Education: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/maths/Pages/maths-and-numeracy-assessment.aspx NSW Department of Education: https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/understanding-the-curriculum/assessment
A replay of the special episode to celebrate International Maths Day. Host Leanne McMahon talks to AMSI CHOOSEMATHS award winners Elizabeth Dewar and Ryan Jellie. We discuss the changes that they've made to the teaching of Maths at Boneo Primary School and how these changes have affected their students. Former AMSI School Advisor Marcus Garrett joins Leanne in a road trip to Boneo to talk to the students and hear about their interpretation of 'Maths is everywhere.'
Host Leanne McMahon has a long awaited discussion with Maths educator and former AMSI Schools Mathematics Advisor Cass Lowry about great Maths activities that are flexible enough to be done in the classroom, in hybrid mode or via remote learning. This conversation took place when schools were moving to remote learning daily and teachers needed to be able to switch easily and without taking hours in preparation. The activities are as timely today as they were then and Cass gives some fabulous ideas on how they can be used in both primary and secondary settings. Cass can be contacted via Twitter @Cass_Lowry Contact us on MathsTalk@amsi.org.au with any comments, queries or suggestions Remote and Classroom Learning Resources Which one doesn’t belong? A shapes book ~ Christopher Danielson (2016) Stenhouse Publishers __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Great Maths Instructional Videos __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Host, Leanne McMahon catches up with highly experienced mathematics educator and founder of Maths Teacher Circles https://mathsteachercircles.org/ in Australia, Michaela Epstein to discuss how Problem Solving in classrooms of all year levels can be effective and collaborative. We discuss how teachers can go about incorporating problem solving into their classroom practice and how to structure these activities. We also look at the false dichotomy between problem solving and explicit instruction and why each of these has its place in the contemporary Maths classroom. Resources: Michaela's website: https://www.michaelaepstein.com.au/ Other links discussed by Michaela: __ __ __ Some good sources of Problems: __ __ Contact us on MathsTalk@amsi.org.au or Twittter @AMSIschools or Facebook MathsTalk by AMSI Schools
The Grattan Institute recently released a report looking at the benefits of a coordinated, whole-school approach to planning – which carefully sequences learning of key knowledge and skills across subjects and year levels. In this episode, Leanne McMahon (AMSI) and Nadia Abdelal from EM Maths discuss the significance of this report and how the recommendations would play out in schools. Naturally we focus on Mathematics, but this is a discussion that belongs across all learning areas. The report can be found here: https://grattan.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Ending-the-lesson-lottery-Grattan-Report.pdf Nadia can be contacted here: https://www.emmaths.com.au/ Leanne can be contacted here: mathstalk@amsi.org.au Find resources and ICE-EM Books at https://calculate.org.au/
After feedback from our audience, we have cleaned up the audio for this episode to make it infinitely more listenable! Host Leanne McMahon sits down to talk with Kerryn Sandford, a mathematics educator and principal of a secondary school in Melbourne, about her thoughts on how we can ensure our students achieve success in mathematics. This episode sponsored by AMSI's own ICE-EM textbook range: https://schools.amsi.org.au/ice-em-mathematics-textbooks/ We cover all manner of topics that she mentions in her article in the latest edition of MAV's "Common Denominator" which can be accessed here: https://www.mav.vic.edu.au/Services-and-News/Common-Denominator-Magazine Other topics covered are: Out of Field Maths teachers: https://tinyurl.com/AMSIOoF Also keep an eye out for the Report from the National Summit on Teaching Out-of-field: Synthesis and Recommendations for Policy, Practice and Research. Due end of June 2022. Year 12 mathematics participation report: https://tinyurl.com/AMSIMathsChoices Explicit Instruction: https://tinyurl.com/ExplicitInstructionVicEd Twitter: @AMSIschools Contact us: mathstalk@amsi.org.au
Host Leanne McMahon talks to Teacher education expert and former AMSI Outreach Officer, Helen Booth about the 'elephant in the room' for many primary teachers, Maths Anxiety. We look at its origins, how it may manifest itself and the effect it can have on our students. Secondary school maths teachers will also be interested in this topic, as they may have remnants of MA themselves, or could be asked to work with out of field colleagues who carry the burden. Resources: ICE-EM Textbooks: https://schools.amsi.org.au/ice-em-mathematics-textbooks/ Maths Anxiety paper used for stimulation: Gerardo Ramirez, Stacy T. Shaw & Erin A. Maloney (2018) Math Anxiety: Past Research, Promising Interventions, and a New Interpretation Framework, Educational Psychologist, 53:3, 145-164, DOI: 10.1080/00461520.2018.1447384 AMSI Research into MA: https://schools.amsi.org.au/2019/01/14/choosemaths-days-2018-report-3-2/ Maths Anxiety and Gender: https://schools.amsi.org.au/2019/06/21/choosemaths-gender-report-2019/ Calculate: https://calculate.org.au/ Contact us at: MathsTalk@amsi.org.au
In our special episode aimed at Senior Mathematics students and their teachers, host, Leanne McMahon talks to the highly respected mathematics educator Vicky Kennard about how these students can use the last few weeks before the exams to maximise their chances of success. We look at where you should be at this stage and very importantly what to do if you're not there yet. ICE-EM Textbooks: https://schools.amsi.org.au/ice-em-mathematics-textbooks/ Neuroscience and education: https://www.youcubed.org/neuroscience-education-article/ Interleaving: https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-use-interleaving-foster-deeper-learning Pomodoro Method: https://todoist.com/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique
This is the first in a two part series, directed at all who teach and learn Mathematics. Host, Helen Booth talks with respected educator Vicky Kennard about the science of learning maths and how this can be put into practice by both teachers and students. They delve into study methods, learning theories, growth mindset and a plethora of other aspects of Maths learning. This will be a great episode to listen to before next week's podcast that will be directed at senior students and how they can best use the last couple of months before exams. Resources: ICE-EM Textbooks: https://schools.amsi.org.au/ice-em-mathematics-textbooks/ Neuroscience and education: https://www.youcubed.org/neuroscience-education-article/ Interleaving: https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-use-interleaving-foster-deeper-learning Pomodoro Method: https://todoist.com/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique
Host, Leanne McMahon welcomes Marcus Garrett, former MathsTalk host and current Learning Solutions Designer at RMIT Online to discuss the idea that digital mindsets which are underpinned by mathematics, are the key to unlocking opportunities for young people in the jobs market, opportunities in life and also opportunities for the Australian economy. Deloitte Access Economics and RMIT Online concluded in a report that one of the biggest emerging skill needs for the Australian economy remains digital skills, meaning the data and data interpretation skills that give people the confidence and the capacity to use digital technologies to make sound data-driven decisions when faced with complex problems. We look at how teachers can facilitate the development of these skills throughout school and how the RMIT Online team enable teachers and other professionals to build their data interpretation skills and maybe even increase their income in the process. Resources: ICE-EM textbooks: https://schools.amsi.org.au/ice-em-mathematics-textbooks/ RMIT Online: https://online.rmit.edu.au/ Ready, set, upskill: Effective training for the jobs of tomorrow: https://online.rmit.edu.au/insights/2021 Contact us: https://calculate.org.au/contact-schools/
Popular demand sees us re-releasing part 2 of our conceptual understanding podcast, one of the most downloaded of all of our episodes. In it, Nadia and Leanne continue their discussion about teaching mathematics for conceptual understanding. Today they delve into how Patterns and Algebra can be taught conceptually and then they get practical; discussing the thought process that goes into planning units. For suggestions comments and ideas, please contact us at @AMSISchools on Twitter or Choosemaths@amsi.org.au Resources from the podcast: Nadia's website (EM Maths): https://www.emmaths.com.au/ www.calculate.org.au http://www.calculate.org.au Patterns Lesson: https://calculate.org.au/year7/ https://calculate.org.au/year7/ Supporting Australian Mathematics Project: http://www.amsi.org.au/ESA_middle_years/Year7/Year7_md/Year7main.html Geometry: https://calculate.org.au/measurement-and-geometry/ Algebra tiles: https://calculate.org.au/2019/03/27/algebratiles/
By popular demand, we bring you Maths consultant Nadia Abdelal, talking in 2021 about the importance of teaching for conceptual understanding, and why it needs to be extended into secondary classes. This is a must-listen for primary and secondary teachers alike and will hopefully stimulate some real discussion in staffrooms across Australia and the world. It was the first in a 2-part series on conceptual understanding in Mathematics and you can continue our discussion with a dive into teaching algebra for conceptual understanding by going to the episode from March 2021, clicking here https://open.spotify.com/episode/42tZlWUtCozw6wTyHbDNza?si=7c9da64eb9a44914 or waiting until next week, when we will rerelease it. Contact us at www.calculate.org.au https://www.calculate.org.au/ Nadia’s website: https://emmaths.com.au https://emmaths.com.au/ An NCTM article about teaching Maths for conceptual understanding: https://www.nctm.org/Publications/Mathematics-Teaching-in-Middle-School/2018/Vol24/Issue1/Promoting-a-Conceptual-Understanding-of-Mathematics/ Marcus discusses the importance of Context in Mathematics: https://calculate.org.au/2016/02/19/2498/ Jo Boaler highlights that learning number facts is not all about procedure, and in fact a conceptual approach is more effective: https://www.youcubed.org/evidence/fluency-without-fear/
Host Leanne McMahon sits down to talk with Kerryn Sandford, a mathematics educator and principal of a secondary school in Melbourne, about her thoughts on how we can ensure our students achieve success in mathematics. This episode sponsored by AMSI's own ICE-EM textbook range: https://schools.amsi.org.au/ice-em-mathematics-textbooks/ We cover all manner of topics that she mentions in her article in the latest edition of MAV's "Common Denominator" which can be accessed here: https://www.mav.vic.edu.au/Services-and-News/Common-Denominator-Magazine Other topics covered are: Out of Field Maths teachers: https://tinyurl.com/AMSIOoF Also keep an eye out for the Report from the National Summit on Teaching Out-of-field: Synthesis and Recommendations for Policy, Practice and Research. Due end of June 2022. Year 12 mathematics participation report: https://tinyurl.com/AMSIMathsChoices Explicit Instruction: https://tinyurl.com/ExplicitInstructionVicEd Twitter: @AMSIschools Contact us: https://calculate.org.au/mathstalk-podcast/
Happy New year and welcome to 2022! In our first episode for the year, host Leanne McMahon talks to educator and digital guru Greg O'Connor from Texthelp. Greg poses some of the problems he sees in how our students are learning maths and suggests some solutions for overcoming these issues. Contact us at www.calculate.org.au http://www.calculate.org.au or https://www.facebook.com/amsischools Resources: Contact Greg: Email: g.oconnor@texthelp.com Twitter @gregoconnor Webpage: gregoryoconnor.com https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/3FhPC81ZRAS61GVRZtnJ_Dk?domain=gregoryoconnor.com Texthelp www.texthelp.com https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/J7SLC91ZVBSkQ0yBgFECKUv?domain=texthelp.com EquatIO https://www.texthelp.com/en-au/products/equatio/ https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/7v_MC0YZJpCGVxO3Du2xtZg?domain=texthelp.com EquatIO - Free for Teachers http://text.help/freeforteachers https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/w_gmCgZolKFA93X2xh33Tfc?domain=text.help EquatIO For Schools/Universities - contact asiapac@texthelp.com Other resources: Early math skills predict later academic success https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/oI3VCjZroMFn8rLqMh1qh6V?domain=phys.org Australia’s Chief Scientist 2020 Australia's STEM Workforce Report https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/egVvCk8vpKsO9EVQ6T8Xhoe?domain=chiefscientist.gov.au A couple of posts by Greg: Literacy the real barrier to STEM uptake https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/BawbClxwqLc2xrJZ5CV3npv?domain=educationtoday.com.au Can educational technologies help to reverse Australia’s maths slump? https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/rk8DCmOxr6sjzxwnKs3_O4o?domain=theeducatoronline.com How should schools tackle the maths slump? https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/FkKbCnxyvXc7vE0oqcv3f9l?domain=theeducatoronline.com Research has shown that mathematics textbooks contain more concepts per sentence and paragraph than any other type of text. Joan M. Kenney (2005) Literacy Strategies for Improving Mathematics Instruction, ASCD, 2005 STEM texts are often written above the grade level for which they are intended Barton, M. L., Heidema, C., & Jordan, D. (2002). Teaching Reading in Mathematics and Science. Educational leadership, 60(3), 24-28. PDF https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/ZyUbCoVzwKhrEnNzLs5otpy?domain=valees.org Does reading *really* matter in mathematics? https://www.theconfidentteacher.com/2021/04/does-reading-really-matter-in-mathematics/ https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/O0uGCp8AxKsnm2r8NhVHLOU?domain=theconfidentteacher.com Readability with Rewordify https://rewordify.com/ https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/Ez_FCq7By5s8ZQA5PcoZIkt?domain=rewordify.com
Host Leanne McMahon talks all things tutoring with a 'maths education novice.' We discuss the options available for tutoring from a parental perspective and then look at how teachers (and parents) can use the Tutor learning initiative in Victorian schools (and also available in other states) As a spoiler, we came to a conclusion that private tutoring should probably be sought out as an option only if the student is prepared to take an active part in their classes and seek help from their teacher or school-based programs. We discuss the difficulty that parents have in finding a good tutor and make some suggestions. (another spoiler: It's difficult and expensive in an unregulated industry.) Resources mentioned in this episode: Tutor Learning Initiative resources: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/tutor-learning-initiative/resources Determining the impact of TLI : https://lens.monash.edu/@education/2021/11/05/1384024/the-tutor-learning-initiative-needs-be-open-to-learning-but-not-just-by-students Assessment for common misunderstandings: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/maths/assessment/Pages/misunderstandings.aspx English research into the use of teaching assistants in the classroom: https://www.evidenceforlearning.org.au/assets/Guidance-Reports/Teaching-Assistants/E4L-Guidance-Report-Teaching-Assistants-Sep-WEB.pdf *Note that this deals with teaching assistants - not trained teachers. In fact it highlights the need for trained teachers and reinforces the value of the TLI
MathsTalk returns with a two-part podcast featuring host, Leanne McMahon talking to maths leader and classroom teacher Cass Lowry about the proposed changes to the Australian Curriculum. In today's teabreak, we discuss the rationale behind the changes and the 'core concept organisers.' As usual, the discussions centre around our classroom and consultancy experience and we certainly welcome your input and insights. The ACARA Maths Curriculum review documentation: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/consultation/mathematics/ AMSI's response to the draft Curriculum: https://amsi.org.au/2021/07/08/amsi-responds-to-the-acara-australian-curriculum-review-consultation/ Open letter to ACARA organised by Greg Ashman (signatories included) https://mathematicalcrap.com/2021/06/02/open-letter-to-acara-and-the-acara-board/ Twitter: @AMSISchools Facebook: @amsischools CRA Model (discussed in Multiplication Matters podcast): https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-t28tv-1091dc2 Number Sense Podcast: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-fwt6r-dffa7f
Host Leanne McMahon and guest Cass Lowry talk about one of the most asked questions on Maths Education Social Media, "What intervention program is best?" We discuss the value of intervention in general and look at a couple of specific examples that we have used. Resources: English Research into the best use of Teaching assistants: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/tools/guidance-reports/making-best-use-of-teaching-assistants/ PISA and TIMMS Data: https://www.acer.org/au/timss https://www.acer.org/au/pisa Parent Information: https://calculate.org.au/ 18 x 5 video: https://www.youcubed.org/resources/stanford-onlines-learn-math-teachers-parents-number-talks/ Number Sense Podcast: https://mathstalk.podbean.com/e/developing-number-sense-in-young-children/ MAI: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/maths/assessment/Pages/mathsgrowthpoints.aspx
The release of the draft of the new Australian Curriculum in Mathematics has caused quite a stir. While this will be discussed in our next episode, we thought it timely to rerelease one of our most popular podcasts (edited for a quicker listen). It looks at why 'learning your tables' is not enough and how teachers can become more familiar with multiplicative thinking. Host Marcus Garrett and AMSI Schools Outreach Officer Leanne McMahon discuss the difference between ‘knowing multiplication facts’ and ‘multiplicative thinking’. They chat about the developmental sequence of multiplication-related concepts from the early years through to the middle years in the Australian maths curriculum. RELATED LINKS: __ __ __ __
With all the talk about NAPLAN, it seems like a great time to revisit the idea of fluency. Mathstalk will be back with new episodes in 2 weeks. Host Leanne McMahon is joined by AMSI Outreach Officer and MathsTalk Twitter chat host, Cass Lowry to discuss the idea of Mathematical Fluency. This conversation stems from a #MathsTalk Twitter chat on the same topic held on November 12th 2020 that led to spirited debate and some great ideas. Links and resources can be found below and at www.Calculate.org.au http://www.Calculate.org.au __ __ __ Calculate resources to help build mathematical fluency __ __ __
