MathsTalk by AMSI Schools

The State of the Mathematical Sciences in Australia 2024

In this episode of MathsTalk, host Sarah Ramantanus welcomes Leanne McMahon to discuss the newly released AMSI Discipline Report 2024. Leanne highlights key findings, including declining student engagement in mathematics, the critical shortage of qualified maths teachers, and the significant equity gaps affecting disadvantaged and regional schools. We discuss actionable steps for educators, such as fostering real-world relevance in maths, upskilling teachers through professional development, and promoting higher-level maths participation to prepare students for STEM careers. Leanne also emphasizes the role of parents and schools in creating a supportive mathematical culture. Tune in for practical insights, inspiring solutions, and a roadmap to improve maths education across Australia.
Discipline Report: https://amsi.org.au/resources/reports/ (Includes all AMSI reports)
Out of Field teaching report (and others): https://schools.amsi.org.au/publications-and-reports/
Maths lessons including career context: https://calculate.org.au/industry-day/ 
EM Maths Consulting: https://www.emmaths.com.au/
Sheila Griffin Maths: https://sheilagriffinmaths.com.au/
Contact Leanne: Leanne@amsi.org.au 
 

AMSI Textbook update with Michael Evans

In this episode, host Leanne McMahon sits down with Michael Evans, a renowned figure in mathematics education, to discuss the AMSI ICE-EM textbooks and their evolution. Michael provides an insightful look into the history of these textbooks, which have been instrumental in Australian classrooms for over 20 years. He highlights their unique development process, the collaborative efforts behind them, and their focus on deep understanding rather than rote learning. The episode also delves into the exciting updates coming with the incorporation of the Australian Curriculum Version 9, including algorithmic thinking, Indigenous perspectives, and enhanced online resources. With a strong emphasis on support for teachers, this episode is a must-listen for educators looking to maximize the potential of these innovative textbooks in their classrooms.
Resources:
Textbook information: https://schools.amsi.org.au/publications_category/publications/textbooks/
Textbook samples and ordering: https://cambridge.edu.au/iceem 
AMSI online resources:
Calculate: https://calculate.org.au/
AMSI student and teacher modules: https://calculate.org.au/amsi-modules/
Classroom resources:
Number and algebra: https://calculate.org.au/number-and-algebra/
Measurement and Geometry: https://calculate.org.au/measurement-and-geometry/
Units of work: https://calculate.org.au/units-of-work/
Games: https://calculate.org.au/games/
 

Identifying Quality Maths Resources

In this episode of MathsTalk, Host, Leanne McMahon speaks with Cass Lowry, a PhD candidate researching the identification of high-quality mathematics resources. Cass shares her experiences at major conferences and discusses the need for a framework to help teachers discern effective math resources in the rapidly expanding online space. She highlights the importance of balancing problem-solving and explicit teaching and mentions her current research efforts, including a survey for Australian teachers. Cass also shares her top three maths websites, books and hands-on resources, :
Please help Cass by completing her survey: https://uninewcastle.questionpro.com.au/QMR-survey 
2024 MANSW Annual Conference
3-day event:  30 September - 2 October
Twin Towns Tweed Heads
Theme: Teaching for, about and through problem solving
Keynote: Amie Albrecht
https://www.mansw.nsw.edu.au/events/category/2024-mansw-annual-conference
Websites:
Steve Wyborney's blog https://www.stevewyborney.com
LoveMaths by Michael Minas: http://www.lovemaths.com.au
OpenMiddle by Robert Kaplinsky. https://www.openmiddle.com 
Books:
Mathematics Assessment for Learning: Rich tasks and Work Samples by Ann Downton, Rose Knight, Doug Clarke and Gerard Lewis
Rosenshine's Principles in Action by Tom Sherington
Chasing Rabbits: A Curious Guide to a Lifetime of Mathematical Wellness by  Sunil Singh
Teaching Mathematics through Story Books byt Sheila Griffin and Dr Paul Swan https://drpaulswan.com.au/shop/teaching-mathematics-through-story-books-1-f-1/ 
EMMaths Virtual Summit: https://www.emmaths.com.au/events 
Amplify Polypad: https://polypad.amplify.com/
Cass's Pattern blocks presentation: https://bit.ly/ICME-15
 

The Value of Maths PhD Internships

An APR Intern Special
Guest Host, Sarah Ramantanis discusses the positive impact of AMSI’s Australian Postgraduate Research Internship program - APR.Intern, Australia’s only national PhD and Masters by Research internship program spanning all sectors and disciplines.
APR.Intern is the industry engagement arm of the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI), and connects postgraduate research students with industry through short-term placements, empowering students to thrive in a practical research environment. For businesses, APR.Intern is a platform to access Australia’s brightest emerging research talent and accelerate innovation.
Today we are joined by APR Intern Alejandro Casar Berazaluce and Angus Maiden, Data Scientist Technical Lead, StrongRoom AI. This episode takes a deep dive into the Alex’s APR internship at Strongroom Ai and discusses the broader impact of completing a PhD internship in mathematical sciences ecosystem. This episode explores mathematics Careers at Strongroom AI for mathematics students, the benefits of a PhD internship and the current state of the Mathematical Sciences Industry.

Reshaping Maths Education: Lessons from Australia's Educational History

In this episode of MathsTalk, Leanne interviews Nadia Abdelal, Director of EM Maths Consulting, about her latest blog post that traces two centuries of maths education in Australia. Nadia discusses how Australia's educational reforms were initially influenced by Britain and how certain methodologies, such as the use of concrete manipulatives like Cuisenaire rods, the implementation of entrance and matriculation exams, and open-plan learning spaces, were integrated and evolved over time. The conversation highlights various educational initiatives and the professional development needed for effective teaching. Nadia emphasizes the importance of continuous professional learning and teacher development to improve maths education.
Contact us: MathsTalk@amsi.org.au
Contact Nadia: https://www.emmaths.com.au/
Blog post: https://www.emmaths.com.au/blog/tracing-two-centuries-of-maths-education-in-australia
Cuisenaire activities: https://calculate.org.au/2020/01/21/cuisenaire-rods/
 

Out of Field Maths Teaching - What can we do?

In this episode of MathsTalk, host Leanne McMahon discusses the pressing issue of out-of-field teaching in mathematics education. With recent media attention on AMSI's analysis of out-of-field secondary maths teaching and upskilling initiatives in Australia, Leanne explores the complexities of defining out-of-field teaching and its various dimensions, including qualification, specialism, workload, and capability. Drawing from extensive research and insightful anecdotes, she discusses the impact of out-of-field teaching on student learning and offers practical strategies for upskilling teachers, emphasizing the importance of government funding for retraining initiatives. Through engaging discussions and resource recommendations, including the invaluable Out of Field Teaching Toolkit podcast, McMahon aims to ignite a conversation and provide actionable solutions to enhance the quality of mathematics education across Australia.
Resources:
AMSI Paper: https://amsi.org.au/?publications=relieving-out-of-field-teaching-in-australian-secondary-mathematics 
Podcast Out-of-Field Toolkit: Margaret Paton: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ktSjWBqd3SgmeuInYtzGx?si=fb4ffc1419e64407
Hobbs, L., Campbell, C., Delaney, s., Speldewinde, C. & Lai, J. (2020). Defining and mapping out-of-field teaching in Victorian government schools. Deakin University Retrieved from https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57f5c6e0414fb53f7ae208fc/t/61727df5c5216e3ba4565c48/1634893310963/TOOF+Mapping+Report+Hobbs+et+al+2020_Definitions+only.pdf
Ní Ríordáin, M., Paolucci, C., & O' Dwyer, L. M. (2017). An examination of the professional development needs of out-of-field mathematics teachers. Teaching and Teacher Education, 64, 162-174. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2017.02.001
Beswick, K. (2014). What teachers' want: Identifying mathematics teachers' professional learning needs. The Mathematics Enthusiast, 11(1), 83-108.
Desimone, L. M., & Garet, M. S. (2015). Best practices in teachers' professional development in the United States/Mejores practicas de desarrollo profesional docente en Estados Unidos. Psychology, Society, & Education, 7(3), 252-278.
 Du Plessis, A. (2016). Leading teachers through the storm: Looking beyond the numbers and turning the implications of out-of-field teaching practices into positive challenges. International Journal of Educational Research, 79, 42-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2016.06.010
Goos, M., O’Donoghue, J., Ní Ríordáin, M., Faulkner, F., Hall, T., & O’Meara, N. (2020). Designing a national blended learning program for “out-of-field” mathematics teacher professional development. ZDM, 52(5), 893-905. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-020-01136-y
Contact us: mathsTalk@amsi.org.au
Twitter (X): @AMSIschools
 

Why Choose Maths? Careers in Mathematics

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/ https://ss.amsi.org.au/careers-day-2024-optiver/ 
Contact us: MathsTalk@amsi.org.au

Choosing good resources: Re-release of Dr Catherine Attard’s discussion

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. 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.
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