#DebateMath Podcast: Recent Episodes
Chris Luzniak & Rob Baier
Text us your thoughts!
In this quick follow-up to last week’s episode, we invited our guests to model a short, fun classroom debate. In just a few minutes, you can hear a sample debate that captures the spirit of productive mathematical argumentation—thoughtful, curious, and includes reasoning. Tune in for a rapid-fire glimpse of what these debates can look like in action as we ask the question: What is the Best Way to Study for a Test?
- You can contact Rev. Jessica Solomon via email: signal@jessicasolomon.co
- You can find Nigel Nisbet via the website STmath.com or on his blog: Visual First Math
- Be sure to check out Jessica’s article Has ‘Brain-Based’ Education Gone Too Far?
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Text us your thoughts!
You’ve probably heard it before—claims about how the brain learns best or teaching moves justified by neuroscience. These ideas have shaped classrooms, professional development, and even policy. But here’s the question we’re asking today: Have we gone too far?
In this Hot Seat, we’re joined by two guests who will be arguing that math education over-relies on brain-based research—and that this reliance may actually be limiting how we think about teaching, learning, and students themselves. So let’s dive into the debate with this resolution:
Math Education Over-Relies on Brain Research.
- You can contact Rev. Jessica Solomon via email: signal@jessicasolomon.co
- You can find Nigel Nisbet via the website STmath.com or on his blog: Visual First Math
- Be sure to check out Jessica’s article Has ‘Brain-Based’ Education Gone Too Far?
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Text us your thoughts!
In this quick follow-up to last week’s episode, we invited our guest (Deborah) to model a short, fun classroom debate. In just a few minutes, you can hear a sample debate that captures the spirit of productive mathematical argumentation. Tune in for a rapid-fire glimpse of what these debates can look like in action as we ask the question:
Which is better: bar graphs or pie charts?
- You can find Dr. Deborah Peart Crayton on social media: @mathersgonnamath
- Check out her website: MathersGonnaMath.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Text us your thoughts!
In our last Hot Seat, our guests challenged the idea that everyone is a math person. Has the idea gone too far? And in today’s Hot Seat, we’re following up on this idea with a subtle but powerful shift in language—and mindset. What if we had a word other than mathematician or math person? Join us as our Hot Seat guest invites us to rethink not just what we call our students, but how those words shape their relationship with mathematics, as our guest argues: We are all born Mathers!
- You can find Dr. Deborah Peart Crayton on social media: @mathersgonnamath
- Check out her website: MathersGonnaMath.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Text us your thoughts!
In this quick follow-up to last week’s episode, we invited our guests (Vanessa & Chris) to model a short, fun classroom debate. In just a few minutes, you can hear a sample debate that captures the spirit of productive mathematical argumentation. Tune in for a rapid-fire glimpse of what these debates can look like in action as we ask the question: Is 100 a Good Approximation for 147?
- You can find Vanessa Vakharia on social media @TheMathGuru and visit her website: MathTherapy.com
- You can find Chris Nho on social media @nhoskee
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Text us your thoughts!
You’ve probably heard it before — maybe from a teacher, a colleague, a speaker at a conference, or even yourself: “Everyone is a math person.” It’s become a kind of rallying cry in math education. A statement of belief. But is it really true? Or are we over-doing it? It came from a place of countering the narrative that we often hear from students, saying “I’m just not a math person” or “I’m just not good at math.” But is everyone really a math person? And is it OK not to be into math? What are the consequences — good or bad — of telling students that everyone is a math person? We wanted to explore this in more detail with our latest Hot Seat debate: Is Everyone Really a Math Person?
- You can find Vanessa Vakharia on social media @TheMathGuru and visit her website: MathTherapy.com
- You can find Chris Nho on social media @nhoskee
- Chris mentioned the TRU Framework (truframework.org)
- Rob mentioned A Mathematician’s Lament by Paul Lockhart
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Text us your thoughts!
In this quick follow-up to last week’s episode, we invited our guests (Jay & Steve) to model a short, fun classroom debate. In just a few minutes, you can hear a sample debate that captures the spirit of productive mathematical argumentation. Tune in for a rapid-fire glimpse of what these debates can look like in action!
- Check out their website: 21stcenturymathassessment.com
- You can find Jay Meadows on exemplars.com or on LinkedIn.
- You can email Steve Leinwand at stevelmath@aol
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Text us your thoughts!
Let’s talk about state assessments. These exams carry enormous weight. They influence school ratings, district decisions, curriculum, teacher evaluations, and often, whether students feel successful or not. They’re designed to measure learning. To provide accountability. To ensure standards are met. But is that what we’re really getting from these tests? Is the way we assess learning narrowing instruction, distorting priorities, and sending the wrong message about what it means to truly understand mathematics? Today’s Hot Seat guests are making a bold argument: that what we are currently doing isn’t what’s best. That we can do better. They are here to argue the resolution: It’s Time to Overhaul Assessments
- Check out their website: 21stcenturymathassessment.com
- You can find Jay Meadows on exemplars.com or on LinkedIn.
- You can email Steve Leinwand at stevelmath@aol
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Text us your thoughts!
This month’s debate is a recording from a LIVE debate that took place at the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (WVCTM) Conference in March of 2026.
In this quick follow-up to last week’s episode, we invited each of our guests to model a short, fun classroom debate. In just a few minutes, you can hear a sample debate that captures the spirit of productive mathematical argumentation—thoughtful, curious, and includes reasoning. Tune in for a rapid-fire glimpse of what these debates can look like in action!
- You can reach Sissy Collins at the Harrison County Board of Education, via email at jecollin@k12.wv.us, or on Facebook.
- You can find Sarah McGivern via Jefferson County Schools or on Instagram: @SSMcGivern
- You can reach Ellen Holt at Summers County HS, via email at eholt@k12.wv.us, or on LinkedIn
- And find Jason Massie via Mountain View School.
- And thanks to the WVCTM Conference for inviting us in!
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Text us your thoughts!
This month’s debate is a recording from a LIVE debate that took place at the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (WVCTM) Conference in March of 2026.
When students don’t have the prerequisite skills, do we hit pause? Or do we stay the course and fix gaps in real time? You’re working on solving equations, but integer operations are falling apart. Or you’re introducing functions, and foundational algebra skills are missing. If you pause grade-level content, are you giving students what they truly need — or widening opportunity gaps by lowering expectations and delaying access to rigorous math? If you push forward, are you maintaining high standards — or setting students up for confusion and frustration?
Listen in as two teams argue their side in a LIVE debate on this resolution: It is better to pause grade-level instruction to rebuild prior skills than to push forward and address gaps as they appear.
- You can reach Sissy Collins at the Harrison County Board of Education, via email at jecollin@k12.wv.us, or on Facebook.
- You can find Sarah McGivern via Jefferson County Schools or on Instagram: @SSMcGivern
- You can reach Ellen Holt at Summers County HS, via email at eholt@k12.wv.us, or on LinkedIn
- And find Jason Massie via Mountain View School.
And thanks to the WVCTM Conference for inviting us in!
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Text us your thoughts!
In this quick follow-up to last week’s episode, we invited each of our guests to model a short, fun classroom debate. In just a few minutes, you can hear a sample debate that captures the spirit of productive mathematical argumentation—thoughful, curious, and includes reasoning. Tune in for a rapid-fire glimpse of what these debates can look like in action!
- You can find Pam Harris on social media: @pwharris or @pamharris_math
- You can find Kim Montague on social media: @kimmontague or @kmont14
- Be sure to check out MathIsFigureOutAble.com
- And the MathIsFigureOutAble Podcast!
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Text us your thoughts!
We throw around many phrases in education. And specifically in math education, we might hear people say some students are “doing real math.” Or we hear educators looking for “authentic math experiences.” On the other hand, we criticize “rote procedures” or “worksheet math.” But underneath all of that is a loaded question: When does math count… and when is it just pretending? Is math about the memorized algorithm? Is it plugging numbers into a formula? Is it word problems that simulate reality? In this month’s debate, we have two friends and colleagues who are stepping into the ring to debate what counts as “doing math” and what doesn’t. Listen in, as we explore the resolution: Is there such a thing as Fake Math?
- You can find Pam Harris on social media: @pwharris or @pamharris_math
- You can find Kim Montague on social media: @kimmontague or @kmont14
- Be sure to check out MathIsFigureOutAble.com
- And the MathIsFigureOutAble Podcast!
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Text us your thoughts!
In this quick follow-up to last week’s episode, we invited each of our guests to model a short, fun classroom debate. In just a few minutes, you can hear a sample debate that captures the spirit of productive mathematical argumentation—thoughful, curious, and includes reasoning. Tune in for a rapid-fire glimpse of what these debates can look like in action!
- You can find Robert Kaplinsky on social media: @RobertKaplinsky and check out more of his work at OpenMiddle.com and GrassrootsWorkshops.com
- Follow Courtney Flessner on Bluesky: @cfless or on Instagram: @MathandOtherThings
- And be sure to check out KeepIndianaLearning.org!
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Text us your thoughts!
Math has often been seen as the universal language — a foundation of science, technology, and problem-solving. But it’s also often a source of struggle, frustration, and even fear for thousands of students. So what’s going on? Is there a problem with how we teach math? Or is this criticism missing the point — overlooking the structure, logic, and discipline that make math so powerful in the first place? Some say we’re losing rigor in the name of relevance; others say we’ve clung too tightly to outdated methods that no longer serve our students.In this episode, we want to explore what’s working, what’s not, and what a truly effective math education might look like in the 21st century, as we debate the resolution: Math Education in the US is Broken.
- You can find Robert Kaplinsky on social media: @RobertKaplinsky and check out more of his work at OpenMiddle.com and GrassrootsWorkshops.com
- Follow Courtney Flessner on Bluesky: @cfless or on Instagram: @MathandOtherThings
- And be sure to check out KeepIndianaLearning.org!
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Text us your thoughts!
In this quick follow-up to last week’s episode, we invited each of our guests to model a short, fun classroom debate. In just a few minutes, you can hear a sample debate that captures the spirit of productive mathematical argumentation—thoughful, curious, and includes reasoning. Tune in for a rapid-fire glimpse of what these debates can look like in action!
- You can find Ed Campos on LinkedIn & Instagram: @edcamposjr and check out his non-profit Campo Creativo (@CampoCreativo559)
- Follow Cal Armstrong on LinkedIn & BlueSky: @calarmstrong.bsky.social
- Check out Jed Williams on BlueSky: @jedediyah.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Text us your thoughts!
Artificial intelligence has exploded onto the scene with promises of personalized learning, instant feedback, and round-the-clock tutoring. Some teachers say it’s transforming how students engage with mathematics. Others worry it’s turning problem-solving into copy-and-paste, eroding reasoning, and creating a generation of students who can “get answers” but can’t explain them. So today, we’re exploring whether AI is a powerful tool that enhances learning? Or just another hindrance for teachers and students? As we explore the question: Is AI helpful in math education?
- Jed mentioned the book Fairness and Machine Learning
- Ed mentioned some resources, including:
- Ed Tech & AI Guidance for Math Leaders - NCSM
- My Notebook LM on AI Guidance- Notebook LM
- Common Sense Media resources for families, students, and teachers on understanding AI’s impact on Education and Kids
- AIedu also has great ‘snapshot’ convos to weave into your classroom
- A former NCTM President’s Message was mentioned as well
- You can find Ed Campos on LinkedIn & Instagram: @edcamposjr and check out his non-profit Campo Creativo (@CampoCreativo559)
- Follow Cal Armstrong on LinkedIn & BlueSky: @calarmstrong.bsky.social
- Check out Jed Williams on online: jedediyah.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Text us your thoughts!
As we’ve done in the past, we wanted to end the year by bringing together a few of our guests from past debates for a roundtable to reflect on the past debates and also engage in a discussion around a central question.
With all the stress put on teachers and all the content we have to teach (not to mention the greater political environment we are currently in), we want to hear from our past guests and discuss: How do we properly support math teachers?
- Learn more about Jodie Bailey on LinkedIn.
- Find Vanessa Vakharia on social media @themathguru, check out her website: MathTherapy.com, or listen to her podcast: Math Therapy.
- Follow Phonisha Hawkins on social media @HawksMathaMagic, on LinkedIn, and read her new blog: mathedefficacy.com
- Check out Dan Kaufmann through his website scmath.org, or dan@scmath.org
- Find Brittany Hege on social media @mixandmath and check out her website: mixandmath.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
What are your thoughts about teaching how to read analog clocks? In this month’s debate we’re diving into a question that might seem small at first, but actually gets at some big ideas about education, tradition, and the skills we think are essential for the next generation, especially in light of all the technology available. Since digital clocks can be found all over (including in our pockets), should students still learn how to read an analog clock? (That’s a clock with the minute and hour hands moving in a circle.) As educators, we know that time is precious. There’s a lot of content we need to teach. So we wanted to explore this idea in more detail with our latest debate resolution: Should We Teach Students to Read an Analog Clock?
- You can learn more about both of our guests and their work on the Mix and Math website.
- Follow Christy Harper on Instagram: @mathwithmsharper
- Follow Brittany Hege on all social media: @mixandmath
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our BlueSky: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
Imagine you had a magic wand and could add an extra 30–40 minutes to the school day. How would you use it? Would you dedicate that time to Reading or to Math—and why? That’s the debate we dove into, with two teams facing off in this live debate, answering the big question: Should schools spend more time on Reading or on Math?
This is a recording of a LIVE debate from the Hamilton County ESC Explore Mathematics Conference
- You read more about the work of Carolyn Turner and her colleagues at the ODE Literacy Website
- Feel free to reach out to Chris Irick via email: chris.irick@ohioctm.org
- You can find Dr. Lori Cargile at the Hamilton County ESC
- Follow Dr. Crystal Watson on all social media: @_CrystalMWatson, or email her at watsocr@cpsboe.k12.oh.us
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our BlueSky: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
This is the seventh (and final) episode with our guests demonstrating various classroom debate routines. In this episode, we put everything together: using a discourse routine, modeling listening skills, and preparing both sides of a debate. Tune in as guest debaters Mike and Zak dive into a final example with us!
- Follow Mike Flynn on social media: @mikeflynn55
- Follow Zak Champagne on social media: @zakchamp
- And check out the FlynnEducation website: flynneducation.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our BlueSky: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
This is the sixth of seven episodes where our guests demonstrate various classroom debate routines. In this episode, we see another example of the routine where students have to prepare both sides of an argument ahead of time: a Point-Counterpoint Debate. Tune in as guest debaters Mike and Zak dive into an example of this!
- Follow Mike Flynn on social media: @mikeflynn55
- Follow Zak Champagne on social media: @zakchamp
- And check out the FlynnEducation website: flynneducation.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our BlueSky: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
This is the fifth of seven episodes where our guests demonstrate various classroom debate routines. In this example, we explore a routine where students have to prepare both sides of an argument ahead of time: a Point-Counterpoint Debate. Tune in as guest debaters Mike and Zak dive into an example of this!
- Follow Mike Flynn on social media: @mikeflynn55
- Follow Zak Champagne on social media: @zakchamp
- And check out the FlynnEducation website: flynneducation.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our BlueSky: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
This is the fourth of seven episodes where our guests demonstrate various classroom debate routines. In this example, we dig further into the listening routine of Circle Debates. Tune in as guest debaters Mike and Zak dive into an example of this!
- Follow Mike Flynn on social media: @mikeflynn55
- Follow Zak Champagne on social media: @zakchamp
- And check out the FlynnEducation website: flynneducation.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our BlueSky: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
This is the third of seven episodes where our guests demonstrate various classroom debate routines. In this example, we extend the routine from the previous episodes to really encourage listening. Tune in as guest debaters Mike and Zak dive into an example of this!
- Follow Mike Flynn on social media: @mikeflynn55
- Follow Zak Champagne on social media: @zakchamp
- And check out the FlynnEducation website: flynneducation.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our BlueSky: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
This is the second of seven episodes where our guests demonstrate various classroom debate routines. Tune in to this very brief example, where guest debaters Mike and Zak dive into a more mathy example!
- Follow Mike Flynn on social media: @mikeflynn55
- Follow Zak Champagne on social media: @zakchamp
- And check out the FlynnEducation website: flynneducation.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our BlueSky: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
This is the first of seven episodes where our guests demonstrate various classroom debate routines. Tune in to this very brief debate on pizza, where guest debaters Mike and Zak dive into an example!
- Follow Mike Flynn on social media: @mikeflynn55
- Follow Zak Champagne on social media: @zakchamp
- And check out the FlynnEducation website: flynneducation.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our BlueSky: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
Today we’re diving into one of the most talked-about—and often misunderstood—topics in math education: memorization vs from-memory thinking. At first glance, they might sound like the same thing. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a growing divide among educators, researchers, and even students.
Should we be drilling multiplication tables and formulas until they’re automatic? Or should we be building understanding without having to “memorize” in the traditional sense? Listen in as Graham Fletcher shares his Hot Seat debate: From-memory learning is better than memorizing.
- You can learn more about Graham and his activities on his website: gfletchy.com
- Check out the Building Fact Fluency Kit
- And Graham shard a Fluency Game here!
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our BlueSky: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
Mathematics has often been considered a gateway to opportunity—but some people argue that, too often, it acts instead as a gatekeeper. But why is that? Is it really a barrier for our students’ future successes? And how much of a problem is this? In this episode, we dive deep into this discussion with Pamela Burdman from Just Equations. She will debate our Hot Seat resolution: Math is a Gatekeeper
- You can follow Just Equations on LinkedIn, BlueSky, and Instagram.
- You can read more on the Just Equations website (justequations.org).
- Pam mentioned the movie Counted Out (countedoutfilm.com).
- Read more about the Just Equations report on Math and College Admissions
- Explore Pam’s blog on rigor
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our BlueSky: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
Do you ever find yourself happy with the lessons you are creating, only to have students forget everything a month later? Perhaps we need to slow down more? Or spiral? It’s the constant question in our teacher minds: How do we help students really learn this stuff? As our guest today will argue: We Need to Be Mindful in the Way We Sequence Learning Math!
Follow Dan on BlueSky: @danielk.bsky.social
Or on Twitter: @KauDan721
You can see Dan’s website at: scmath.org
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our BlueSky: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
Discourse routines are a big part of many classrooms (and debates). However, what role does listening play and is there a way to teach it? Our “Hot Seat” guest today is here arguing for the statement: Schools Should Teach Listening Skills
- You can find out more about The Listening Path.
- You can contact Christine Miles on her website.
- And check out her book: What is It Costing You Not to Listen?
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our BlueSky: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
It’s time for another round of Summer Hot Seats!
You may have heard talk about math anxiety and helping students to build confidence in math skills. But our guests today want to focus on the idea of math identity. What is it? And how do we foster it? So for this Hot Seat debate, we have two educators here to share why they think:
Teachers MUST cultivate a positive math identity.
- Brian mentioned the book: The Impact of Identity in K-8 Mathematics
- You can find Rolanda Baldwin on LinkedIn, as well as on X: @RoKnowsMath
- Follow Brian Dean on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about Unbound Ed: unbounded.org
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our BlueSky: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
Let’s talk about curriculum resources! Whether you are using a textbook that you chose or your district chose for you, many of you have been asked to use the resource with fidelity. But what exactly is fidelity, and is it a problem to create our own lessons? How much should teachers be expected to use what is included in a curriculum resource? Well that sounds like a great question for debate! So we have a panel of 3 guests today to share their thoughts on the question:
Should we teach a curriculum with fidelity?
- Follow Adrianne Burns on BlueSky: @aburnsy.bsky.social
- Follow Phonisha Hawkins on BlueSky/X: @phonisha.bsky.social and on LinkedIn.
- Follow Bobson Wong on BlueSky/X/Instagram: @bobsonwong.com and on LinkedIn.
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our BlueSky: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
Is teaching math the same as teaching reading? Have you ever attended a PD or read about a strategy that works for teaching both reading and were asked to use it in math as well? There are times when these two pedagogies can overlap…but should they? Today, we have a very special “family” episode for you. We are going to hear a husband and wife debate it out on this very topic, answering the question:
Should We Be Comparing the Teaching of Reading to the Teaching of Math?
- You can find Ryan Flessner on Bluesky: @ryanflessner.bsky.social
- You can find Courtney Flessner on Bluesky: @cfless.bsky.social or on LinkedIn
- Check out Courtney’s podcast: Math and Other Things
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our BlueSky: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
Math is full of algorithms. These are generalized procedures or sets of rules to be followed in solving problems of a given type. From the standard algorithms for subtraction and long division in elementary school all the way to the distance formula and the quadratic formula in high school, algorithms are a part of the mathematics curriculum. However, some may ask: should we be teaching students these methods, or should we Dump the Algorithms?
- Pam Harris’s website: mathisfigureoutable.com
- Follow Pam Harris on social media: @pwharris
- Vanessa Vakharia’s website: maththerapy.com
- Follow Vanessa Vakharia (aka The Math Guru) on social media: @TheMathGuru
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our BlueSky: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
How narrow should we make the grade bands for teacher certification? When teachers get their certification in a state, it is usually for a specific subject and/or grade band. For instance, a teacher may get a certification in K-8 Elementary Teaching or 7-12 Math Instruction. These bands vary by state and change over time. So what is the ideal set of grade bands? Listen in as our debaters take on the resolution: Should We Narrow the Grade Bands?
- Gabriel mentioned the O’Mellan research article.
- You can contact Gabriel via email: gmatney@bgsu.edu
- Follow Jodie on LinkedIn: Jodie Bailey
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our BlueSky: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
As we’ve done in the past, we wanted to end the year by bringing together a few of our guests from past debates for a roundtable to reflect on the past debates and also engage in a discussion around a central question. This year’s question is:
How do we help students feel that they belong in math class?
- Follow Melissa Dean on Twitter & Instagram: @Dean_of_math
- Check out Melissa’s Blog: Dean of Math Blog
- Follow Liesl McConchie on Twitter (and Bluesky): @LieslMcconchie
- Check out Liesl’s Website: lieslmcconchie.com
- Follow Shelby Strong on Bluesky and other Platforms: @Sneffleupagus
- Check out Shelby’s Website: strongermath.com
- Follow Crystal Watson on Twitter and other Platforms: @_CrystalMWatson
- Check out Crystal’s Website: crystalmwatson.com
- Follow Bobson Wong on Twitter and other Platforms: @bobsonwong
- Check out Bobson’s website: bobsonwong.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
At the time of this recording, we are in an election year and political ads are everywhere. As we get closer to November 2024, it is harder and harder to avoid. Now, while you may not think of math as a course that intersects with political topics, teachers may find it coming up in many ways. So for this episode we gathered a panel of educators to give us advice on this, addressing the question: Should politics be avoided in math class?
- Follow Dee Crescitelli on Social Media: @dcrescitelli
- Follow Crystal Watson on Social Media: @_CrystalMWatson
- Check out Crystal’s Website: crystalmwatson.com
- Follow Matt Baker on Social Media: @stoodle (and @mrbakersmathclass on Instagram)
Some resources mentioned include:
- Facing History
- Skew the Script
- Slow Reveal Graphs
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Send us a text
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, or NCTM, is the world's largest mathematics education organization. While many math teachers are members of this organization and may attend its national conference, others do not. Maybe you are someone who has wondered whether or not to join?
We wanted to explore this idea more in our latest debate: Is an NCTM membership worthwhile?
- Follow Desiree Harrison on all platforms: @Kidsmathtalk
- Follow Bobson Wong on Twitter/BlueSky/Instagram: @bobsonwong
- Check out Bobson’s Website: www.bobsonwong.com
- Follow Steve Phelps on all platforms: @MathTechCoach
- Follow Sunil Singh on Twitter: @Mathgarden
- Check out Sunil’s Website: www.mathsings.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
For our final “Hot Seat” of 2024, we wanted to lean into the topic of data science. It’s starting to become a course offered in high schools, but some may wonder if it is a rigorous pathway for students. Is Calculus still the most rigorous course for high school students? We want to hear from our guests from DataScience4Everyone, asking them:
Is Data Science as rigorous as any other advanced math course?
- Follow Lee Ellen Harmer via LinkedIn or on Twitter: @LeeEllenHarmer
- Follow Mahmoud Harding via LinkedIn
- Check out the website: datascience4everyone.org
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Do you know what Problem-Based Lessons are? And more importantly, do you think they are important? For this Hot Seat, we hear from educators Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr on why they think: Problem Based Lessons are Essential.
- Follow the Make Math Moments Podcast
- Check out Problem-Based Lessons on: makemathmoments.com
- Take the report at makemathmoments.com/report
- Follow Kyle on Twitter: @MathletePearce
- Follow Jon on Twitter: @MrOrr_geek
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
For this next Hot Seat debate, we talk about the complicated decision to leave education. With many teachers leaving or considering leaving the profession, we brought on two former educators–Laila Nur & Justin Aion–to debate the question: Is it OK to quit teaching?
- Follow Laila on Twitter: @mslailanur or check out her website: www.mslailanur.com
- Follow Justin on Twitter: @JustinAion
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Welcome to our very first Hot Seat debate! In this debate we hear from Sunil Singh and explore his idea that: Math is Dead!
- Follow Sunil on Twitter: @Mathgarden
- Check out Sunil’s Website: www.mathsings.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
You may have heard news of schools and districts that are switching to a 4 day school week. There are claims of improved teacher retention or reduced costs. However, this is a highly debated topic. So we invited four guests to share their thoughts on the debate: Let's Switch to a 4-Day School Week!
Resources Referenced in this Episode
- Follow Jodie on Twitter or LinkedIn: @BaileyJodie
- Follow Shelby on Twitter or LinkedIn: @Sneffleupagus
- Follow Brandon on Twitter or LinkedIn: @MrRob7234
- Follow Hilary on Twitter or LinkedIn: @Dr_Kreisberg
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Have you heard of the Science of Math? It is a movement in the math education world, which aims to use research to inform best practices. However, there has been some push back to this movement. Critics question what and how research was quoted and used. This controversy sounded like a topic for the Debate Math Podcast. Come hear out both sides!
Resources Referenced in this Episode
- Read more about the Science of Math movement on their website: thescienceofmath.com
- Follow Sarah Powell on Twitter & Instagram: @sarahpowellphd
- Follow Jonathan Regino on Twitter/BlueSky/Mathstodon: @JRED530
- Follow Liesl McConchie on social media: @LieslMcconchie and check out her website: lieslmcconchie.com
- Follow Shelly Jones on Twitter: @ShellyMJones1
- And check out the Benjamin Banneker Association: benjaminbannekerassociation.org
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
This month's episode is a special recording of two LIVE debates at the OMCA 2024 Retreat. Listen as thoughtful math leaders discuss two topics and answer questions from the audience!
The first topic is:
We need to have common evaluations.
The second debate topic is:
Teachers spend too much time on direct instruction.
Follow up with our debaters:
Follow Angela Schaefer on Twitter: @SchaeferAng
Follow Cherry Perentesis on Twitter: @CPerentesis
Follow Kelly Madigan on Twitter: @kmads03
Follow Stephen Monica on Twitter: @stephen_monica
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Let’s talk about textbooks! Some teachers are handed a textbook and are instructed to follow it. Others may have never had a textbook offered to them. If you are given a textbook, should you be following it? And how much? And if you don’t have one, should you start? Tune in as four thoughtful educators debate the resolution: Teachers should follow the textbook.
Resources Referenced in this Episode
- The book Pi of Life was mentioned.
- Graspable Math
- Open Middle Math
- Same But Different Math
- Which One Doesn’t Belong?
- The BEAM Program
- Follow Gabe Davis Twitter: @gdavis451
- Follow Zak Champagne Twitter: @Zakchamp or check out his website: zakchamp.com
- Follow Melissa Dean on Twitter & Instagram: @Dean_of_math, check out her blog: deanofmath.wordpress.com, or read her new book: Unravel School.
- Follow Tim Brzezinski on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube: @TimBrzezinski
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Welcome to Season 3!
Listen in as Chris & Rob talk about the upcoming season!
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
We wanted to end the year by bringing together a few of our guests from past debates for a roundtable to reflect on the past debates and also engage in a discussion around the question: How do we bring joy to math class? With politics around education and teaching so often turning negative in the news, we wanted to talk more about joy with our guests. And we hope it will lead to an enlightening discussion with our group today.
Resources Referenced in this Episode
- Essay: The Having of Wonderful Ideas
- Book: Table Talk math
- Website: Yummy Math
- Mathematician’s Lament mentioned by Kit can be found at: worrydream.com/refs/Lockhart-MathematiciansLament.pdf
- Book: Math Games with Bad Drawings
- Book: Building Thinking Classrooms
- Book: Math Mindsets
- Blog: Math Equals Love
- Website: Youcubed
- Follow Kit on Social Media: @MrKitMath or bring Kit to your school for PD.
- Follow Phil on Social Media: @phildituri, Website: dituriconsulting.com
- Find out more about FiCycle at ficycle.org
- Follow Farshid Safi on Social Media: @FarshidSafi
- Follow Kathy Henderson on Social Media: @kathyhen_
- Follow Patricia Vandenberg on Social Media: @VbergMath or at her Blog: patriciavandenberg.com
- Follow Ed Campos Jr. on Social Media: @edcampOSjr and check out his Website: edcamposjr.com and his new non-profit: campocreativo.org
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
If you know the Common Core, then you have probably seen the 8 Standards of Math Practice (or SMPs as we refer to them). Here at the DebateMath podcast, we are HUGE fans of SMP#3 - Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. But we wanted to take some time to highlight some of the other SMPs. So we reached out to educators asking for their favorites, asking: What is the best SMP?
Resources Referenced in this Episode
- Follow Paige on Twitter & Mathstadon: @MrsSheehanMath
- Follow Damion on Twitter & Mathstadon: @DamionBeth
- Follow Fawn on Twitter: @fawnpnguyen
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Earlier this season we had a lovely debate on whether or not to Ditch Algebra 2. During that debate, our four guests tangentially expressed four very different viewpoints on Geometry. We thought it would be a great idea to get these guests back together to hear more of their thoughts on Geometry. Should we keep it? Is it important? We want to dig deeper into this with our debate. So, we have 2 teams of 2 debating the resolution: Ditch Geometry.
Resources Referenced in this Episode
- Follow Kit on Twitter: @MrKitMath, Email: mrkitmath@gmail.com.
- Follow Mimi on Twitter: @untilnextstop, Blog: untilnextstop.blogspot.com
- Follow Rachael on Twitter: @rachaelhgorsuch
- Follow Phil on Twitter/LinkedIn: @phildituri, Website: dituriconsulting.com
- Find out more about FiCycle at ficycle.org
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Join us as we take a break from our usual format for a special Back to School episode! Here at the DebateMath podcast, we highly value discourse in math. On the podcast, we want to elevate the voices of teachers and students in our episodes, and we also want that for our classrooms. We want to encourage student discourse in math class. So for this special episode, we asked a handful of educators for their “quick advice” on how to get students talking in math class. We did a handful of five minute interviews with several educators, asking: What is Your Best Advice to Get Students Talking in Math Class?
Resources Referenced in this Episode
- Follow Marcia Marbury Kilpatrick on Twitter: @MsResource or on LinkedIn: Marcia Marbury Kilpatrick
- Follow Rachel Wiemken on Twitter: @MissWiemken or contact her via email: rachel.wiemken@hcesc.org
- Follow Dan Finkel on Twitter: @MathforLove via his website: MathForLove.com or Email: Dan@mathforlove.com
- Follow Elizabeth Statmore on Twitter/Mathstadon/BlueSky: @cheesemonkeysf or read her blog: cheesemonkeysf.blogspot.com
- Follow Pam Harris on Twitter: @pwharris on Instagram: @pamharris_math or on her website: mathisfigureoutable.com
- Follow Dr. Allison Hintz on Twitter: @allisonhintz124 or via Email: ahintz@uw.edu
- Dr. Hintz mentioned the article: Three Strategies for Opening Curriculum Spaces
And be sure to join the DebateMath Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/debatemath
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Math class is so often associated with pencil and paper work–students working through steps of symbolic manipulation. But what role does or should technology have in math class? Our world is constantly changing, and how do we adapt to that? From calculators, to apps, to ChatGPT, the resources available keep growing. So how or what should we allow? How can we help students use technology wisely? In our latest episode, we are not debating the inclusion of technology, but we are discussing how best to utilize it. We are asking: What is the most important thing to keep in mind about technology in math class?
Resources Referenced in this Episode
- More on the Math Technology for Equity framework that Ed mentioned here.
- Follow Karen Campe on Twitter & Mathstodon: @KarenCampe and read her Blog: karendcampe.wordpress.com
- Follow Ed Campos Jr. on Twitter & Instagram: @edcampOSjr and check out his Website: edcamposjr.com and his new non-profit: campocreativo.org
- Follow Kyne on Twitter/Instagram/TikTok/YouTube: @onlinekyne
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Math exams are the typical culminating assessment at the end of the unit or the end of a semester, but what if we didn’t give exams? What if we instead spent that time on an alternative form of assessment. What would that look like? What are the options? In this episode, we have 3 awesome educators each sharing a different way to alternatively assess students.
Resources Referenced in this Episode
- More on Dr. Gholdy Muhammad's can be found here
- Follow Coach Victor Hicks on Twitter: @CodingWCulture, on other social media: @CodingWithCulture, or check out his Website: codingwithculture.com
- Follow Joshua Bean on Twitter: @MrJoshuaBean or Email: wakingbean@gmail.com
- Follow Nolan Fossum on Twitter: @NolanFossum or Email: nolanfossummath@gmail.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
It’s final exam season! So we thought it would be a good time to get into a debate about tests. Should we continue using paper tests, or is it time to give tests on computers? Which way is easier? Which method is best for teaching and learning? Should we stick with paper or is it time to say: Let’s Get Digital! Tune in as four educators share their thoughts on this debate!
Resources Referenced in this Episode
- More information Common Core Standards of Math Practice (including #5) can be found here.
- The study that Kathy mentions can be found at this link.
- Follow Julie Reulbach on Twitter: @jreulbach or at her Blog: ispeakmath.org
- Follow Eli Luberoff on Twitter: @eluberoff or Email: eli@desmos.com
- Follow Kathy Henderson on Twitter: @kathyhen_
- Follow Patricia Vandenberg on Twitter: @VbergMath or at her Blog: patriciavandenberg.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Let’s talk about pacing guides. What are they? Why do we have them? How much should we follow them? This topic has caused quite the stir in many schools among colleagues. Some educators believe pacing guides may not be effective, or even necessary! While others believe pacing guides are needed so we stay on track to cover all of our grade-level content. Check out this great debate about pacing guides, featuring Hilary Kreisberg, Farshid Safi, Kwame Sarfo-Mensah and Berkeley Everett.
Follow People in this Episode
- Follow Hilary Kreisberg on Twitter: @Dr_Kreisberg
- Follow Farshid Safi on Twitter: @FarshidSafi
- Follow Kwame Sarfo-Mensah on Twitter: @identityshaper or via his Website: identitytalk4educators.com
- Follow Berkeley Everett on Twitter: @BerkeleyEverett or via his Website: berkeleyeverett.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Have you heard that there’s is a new AP math exam: AP PreCalc. Yes, the College Board is planning to offer an AP PreCalc exam, starting in the spring of 2024. So should you offer an AP PreCalculus course next school year? What is on the test? What’s more, the College Board has been involved in some controversial headlines lately. The politics of the College Board are intertwined with our discussion about offering an AP PreCalc course. Join us as three passionate educators share their thoughts on offering AP PreCalculus.
Resources Referenced in this Episode
- Read more about the College Board in the news recently in this article (NY Times)
- Follow Dr. Kristopher J. Childs on Twitter (and all social media): @DrKChilds, Website: kristopherchilds.com
- Follow Joelle Cooper on Twitter: @JoelleCooper15
- Follow Steve Leinwand via email: sleinwand@air.org, on Twitter: @steve_leinwand, Website: steveleinwand.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Suppose some students do not do well on a test or a quiz. What’s the best way for students to improve and then show their improved understanding? They could correct their mistakes for credit or set a date for a retake. Which way do you want students to show mastery? Listen in as our teams discuss what they think is the best way forward in this month’s debate!
Connect with People from This Episode:
- Follow Julie Saller on Twitter: @edtechmathteach, or search for Julie Ann on Facebook.
- Follow May Vang on Twitter: @vangmay1, or find May Vang Swanson on Facebook.
- Follow Amanda Jansen on Twitter: @MandyMathEd, and find Mandy’s book: “Rough Draft Math” on the Stenhouse website.
- Follow Richard Velasco on Twitter: @rclvelasco.
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Let’s talk about Algebra 2! What is it? Why is it important? And most importantly, should we continue to require it? Plenty of high school students struggle in what we call Algebra 2, and many ask the question “when are we ever going to use this?” Some schools and districts now offer alternative pathways for students in their high school math options. So, that leads us to this month’s debate resolution: Ditch Algebra 2
Resources Referenced in this Episode
- More information on Ohio’s Math Modeling and Reasoning course.
- Read more about the work of Bob Moses and The Algebra Project.
- Mathematician’s Lament mentioned by Kit.
- Follow Kit on Twitter: @MrKitMath, Email: mrkitmath@gmail.com.
- Find more info about Lesley University’s Center for Math Achievement.
- Follow Rachael on Twitter: @rachaelhgorsuch
- Information about the new PreCalculus book that Rachael mentioned (and is an author on).
- Follow Phil on Twitter: @phildituri, Email: phildituri@gmail.com, Website: dituriconsulting.com.
- Find out more about FiCycle at ficycle.org
- Follow Mimi on Twitter: @untilnextstop, Blog: untilnextstop.blogspot.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
We’ve heard the question of the relevance of high school math come up in both our podcast and in many conversations with educators. Do our students need high school math? Is it important to their future careers? What topics should we really emphasize or focus on? In this episode, we speak with four young professionals who are not math educators and ask them the question: Is the math we learn in high school relevant to their future?
- Follow Alex on Instagram: @alex_hansen17
- Follow Emily on Instagram: @eaw1029
- Follow Chanelle on Instagram: @nellyloves2write Website: nellyloves2write.com
- Follow Megan on Instagram: @missmlearns
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Chris and Rob take a moment to reflect on the first season of the DebateMath Podcast. Tune in to peek behind the curtain and learn how these debate episodes come together.
Listened to the episode? Share your thoughts! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
In the DebateMath Podcast season finale, we invited back a few of our guests from past debates for a roundtable discussion to engage in a discussion around the question: What is the purpose of math class?
Resources Referenced in this Episode:
- Follow Zak on Twitter: @zakchamp, Website: www.zakchamp.com
- Follow Dr. Raj Shah on Twitter:@drrajshah, Websites: DrRajShah.com & Math Plus Academy
- Follow Nolan Fossum on Twitter:@NolanFossum
- Follow Leigh Nataro on Twitter: @mathteacher24, Blog: mathteacher24.blogspot.com
- Follow Dr. Kristopher Childs on Twitter: @DrKChilds, Website: http://kristopherchilds.com
- Follow Kristen Acosta on Twitter: @KristenMAcosta. Book: Hanging Math Out to Dry. Website: kristenacosta.com.
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
A LIVE debate on Homework! We are so excited to share the recording of our first-ever live debate at the @PCTMpctm math conference. Listen in as two teams of two debate the resolution: Students Should Have Math Homework. This episode includes live voting and Q&A from the audience.
Connect with People in this Episode:
- Follow Shelby on Twitter: @StrongerMath or @Sneffleupagus. Website: www.strongermath.com
- Follow Rachel on Twitter: @rayieko1
- Follow Crystal Watson on Twitter: @_CrystalMWatson, Website: crystalmwatson.com
- Follow Justin on Twitter: @JustinAion
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to vote! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to cast a vote.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Calculus is often seen as an important course for competitive college admissions. Some call Calculus the “gold standard.” Should students push to take Calculus? Do colleges want incoming students to have Calculus on their transcript? How might teachers guide students best? Listen in as we debate the hot topic of Calculus and College Admissions.
Connect with People in this Episode:
- Resources Mentioned:
- Follow Robert on Twitter: @robertkaplinsky, Website: robertkaplinsky.com
- Follow Rachel on Twitter: @rayieko1.
- Follow Darnell and her team on Instagram: @Vikes2College.
- Follow Beth on Twitter: @beth_wiser.
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to vote! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to cast a vote.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Should elementary teachers be content specialists? In most high schools, we are used to teachers being content specialists–in math or history or art etc. Students have a different teacher for each subject. Elementary students typically have one teacher for all content. Teachers are responsible for all subjects at that grade level. Some have said that elementary schools should have some teachers that specialize in content. Others push back on that idea. So let’s hear from both sides in our latest debate!
Resources Referenced in this Episode:
- Resources Mentioned: Building Thinking Classrooms, Classroom Chef, Dr. Jo Boaler, Learning Trajectories, Graham Fletcher Progression Videos, Figuring Out Fluency
- An article from NCTQ cited by Amanda
- Follow Kristen Acosta on Twitter: @KristenMAcosta. Book: Hanging Math Out to Dry. Website: kristenacosta.com.
- Follow Dr. Mike Flynn on Twitter: @MikeFlynn55 or on YouTube. Book: Beyond Answers.
- Follow Amanda Beeler on Twitter: @AmandaBeeler314.
- Follow Mario Valdez on Twitter: @mvaldez_mario. Podcast: Math Unmuted.
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to vote! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to cast a vote.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
You may have heard it by a couple different names: I Do, We Do, You Do or the Gradual Release of Responsibility. Some are for it. Some are against it. We often see it debated about on social media and in person. So, we thought it would be a great topic for debate! Listen in as four passionate educators engage in a rich and fiery debate about whether or not we should embrace I Do, We Do, You Do.
Resources Referenced in this Episode:
- Molly mentioned the book: Reading To, With, and by Children
- Dr. Childs mentioned the book: The Crest of the Peacock
- Follow Crystal Watson on Twitter: @_CrystalMWatson, Website: http://crystalmwatson.com
- Follow Dr. Kristopher Childs on Twitter: @DrKChilds, Website: http://kristopherchilds.com
- Follow Liesl McConchie on Twitter: @LieslMcconchie, Website: Math with the Brain in Mind
- Follow Molly Daley on Twitter: @mdaley15, Websites: https://www.mathanywhere.org, https://www.public-math.org
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to vote! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to cast a vote.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Quadratics: a staple of high school algebra. From factoring to the quadratic formula, quadratics can span multiple units. Some see quadratics as the building blocks of higher level math. Others ask why we teach it. So let’s talk about quadratics! What is good, bad, or ugly about quadratics? Why are the valued so highly? And most importantly: Should We Cut Quadratics?
- Follow William Mealey on Twitter: @unprocast, Podcast: Unprofessional Development
- Follow Brenden Rawls on Twitter: @sumofangles
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to vote! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to cast a vote. Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
AP Stats–the final high school math course for some students. Is it a great course as it is? Or does it need some updating? Who would you recommend to take this course? In this episode, four veteran AP Stats teachers discuss the attributes of AP Stats that they appreciate or wish would change, as we tackle the question: Is AP Stats great?
Resources Referenced in this Episode:
- Resources Mentioned: AP Stats Course & Exam Description & 2020 GAISE Report
- Websites mentioned: Art of Stat, Stapplet, Stats Medic, Skew the Script,
- Book: Statistical Reasoning in Sports
- Follow Bill Thill on Twitter: @roughlynormal.
- Reach Corey Andreasen via Email: coreyandreasen@gmail
- Follow Leigh Nataro on Twitter: @mathteacher24, Blog: mathteacher24.blogspot.com
- Follow Bob Lochel on Twitter: @bobloch, Blog: mathcoachblog.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to vote! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to cast a vote.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
What is the future of grading? Debate this episode’s resolution: Who Sets the Standards in Grading? In this episode, we have a philosophical discussion with two veteran math teachers, on alternatives to traditional grading. Carl Oliver and Nolan Fossum discuss the difference between learning and performance, how feedback can be more beneficial than traditional grades, and how both their approaches would impact teachers and students and much more!
Resources Referenced in this Episode:
- Follow Carl Oliver on Twitter: @carloliwitter. Website: https://www.coast2coast.me/carl/
- Follow Nolan Fossum on Twitter:@NolanFossum
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to vote! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to cast a vote.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Should students be asked to memorize in math class? We followed up with three of our guests from Episode 2 Dr. Mandi Tolen, Dr. Raj Shah, and Liesl McConchie, and asked them questions from our listeners!
Resources Referenced in this Episode:
- Get Out of My House game from Michael Minas
- Follow Dr. Mandi Tolen on Twitter: @MandiTolenEDU. Websites: Make Math Not Suck & Infinitely Teaching
- Follow Dr. Raj Shah on Twitter:@drrajshah, Websites: DrRajShah.com & Math Plus Academy
- Follow Liesl McConchie on Twitter: @LieslMcconchie, Website: Math with the Brain in Mind, Book: Brain-Based Learning
- Follow Geoff Krall on Twitter: @geoffkrall, Website: Emergent Math
- Both Raj & Liesl have online workshops on Grassroots Workshops
Listened to the episode? Share your thoughts! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to continue the conversation.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Is a hotdog a sandwich? Does it matter what is inside? What if there is only one piece of bread? Is a hug a sandwich? Listen as our two father-daughter teams hope to sway you on the definition of a sandwich as they debate: Is a Hotdog a Sandwich?
Resources Referenced in this Episode:
- Kyle and Jon created Make Math Moments
- Kyle and Jon host Making Math Moments podcast
- Makemathmoments on twitter
- Follow Jon on Twitter: @MrOrr_geek
- Math Before Bed - https://mathbeforebed.com/
- Mr Orr is a Geek - https://mrorr-isageek.com/
- Follow Kyle on Twitter: @MathletePearce
- Math is Visual - https://mathisvisual.com/
- Tap into Teen Minds - https://tapintoteenminds.com/
- Make Math Moments Facebook Group
- Justin Aion (@JustinAion)
- and Shelby Strong (@Sneffleupagus)
- Christopher Danielson @Trianglemancsd and Megan Parise Schmidt @Veganmathbeagle often seen in #sandwichchat
- Examples on luzniak.com
- Learn more about Chris’s debates from his Grassroots Workshops
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to vote! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to cast a vote.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
**Go to luzniak.com/podcast to get information about how to make debate a part of your math classroom!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Should students be allowed to use notes on a math test? Listen as two teams of students debate the pros and cons of using notes on tests. What is fair to have on a notecard? What types of assessments should have notes? Our guests hope to help you answer these questions as they debate this episode’s resolution: Let Them Use Notes!
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to vote! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to cast a vote.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Should students be asked to memorize in math class? Listen as two teams of two–with Dr. Mandi Tolen, Dr. Raj Shah, Liesl McConchie, and Geoff Krall–debate the purpose and reality of memorization. How much or what should you have your students memorize? Our guests hope to help you answer that question as they debate this episode’s resolution: Stop making students memorize math!
Resources Referenced in this Episode:
- Building Fact Fluency by Graham Fletcher and Tracy Johnston Zager
- Prime Climb game - Math for Love
- Follow Dr. Mandi Tolen on Twitter: @MandiTolenEDU. Websites: Make Math Not Suck & Infinitely Teaching
- Follow Dr. Raj Shah on Twitter:@drrajshah, Websites: DrRajShah.com & Math Plus Academy
- Follow Liesl McConchie on Twitter: @LieslMcconchie, Website: Math with the Brain in Mind
- Follow Geoff Krall on Twitter: @geoffkrall, Website: Emergent Math
- Both Raj & Liesl mentioned their courses on Grassroots Workshops
- Geoff Krall mentioned his book Necessary Conditions
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to vote! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to cast a vote.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Welcome to the Great Trapezoid Debate! Listen as Zak Champagne and Shelby Strong debate the definition of a trapezoid. Are you #TeamInclusive or #TeamExclusive? Our guests dive into the details of the geometric definitions of quadrilaterals and discuss the importance of spending time in the nuance.
See our YouTube Channel for the video version of this episode!
Resources Referenced in this Episode:
- Chris Luzniak’s book Up for Debate!
- An explanation of Oxford Style debate structure
- Berkeley Everett and his #TeamInclusive/#TeamExclusive shirts.
- NCTM Trapezoid Debate Session
- Follow Shelby on Twitter: @StrongerMath or @Sneffleupagus. Website: https://www.strongermath.com/
- Follow Zak on Twitter: @zakchamp, Website: www.zakchamp.com
Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to vote! Go to our Twitter: @DebateMathPod to cast a vote.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Welcome to the #DebateMath Podcast! Before our first episodes air, we wanted to take a moment to introduce ourselves and share the ideas behind this podcast. Tune in to hear all about our plans and goals. We have an exciting season ahead!
Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMathPod or going to debatemath.com.
Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak.