MathsTalk by AMSI Schools

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 Unpublished doctoral thesis, Kings College School of Education, University of London, UK.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

Ask and Listen: Strategies to improve student understanding

Host Leanne McMahon welcomes PhD candidate Cassandra Lowry for a lively discussion centred on Cass's presentation at the 2023 Maths Association of Victoria Conference. Formative assessment strategies that are easily implemented in your classroom and can have a huge effect on student learning.
Resources:
Contact us: MathsTalk@amsi.org.au
Twitter (X) @cass_lowry (Cass)  @AMSIschools (MathsTalk)
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/cassandra-lowry
Ask & Listen vs. Tell & Sell (Article)
Ibarra, H. & Scoular, A. (2019). The leader as coach: How to unleash innovation, energy, and commitment. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2019/11/the-leader-as-coach 
Rosenshine’s Principles (Book)
Sherrington, T. (2019). Rosenshine’s Principles in Action. John Catt: Melton, Woodbridge.
Checking for Understanding (Blog) Tom Sherrington - 5 ways to check for understanding https://teacherhead.com/2021/12/02/five-ways-to-check-for-understanding/
Questioning (YouTube Video) Dylan Wiliam – Questioning https://youtu.be/y8bHMd3PosM 
Diagnostic Questions (Website)
Craig Barton (from Mr Barton Maths Podcast) developed site that includes 25 thousand questions and quizzes to help diagnose student misconceptions https://diagnosticquestions.com/ 
Contact Info 
MAV Conference 30 Nov - 1 Dec 2023 https://www.mav.vic.edu.au/Conference/Annual-Conference 

Connections in Maths with Michaela Epstein

Welcome to the latest episode of MathsTalk by AMSI schools. In this conversation, Leanne McMahon, the Schools Maths Advisor at AMSI, discusses the vital aspect of great mathematics teaching, making connections. Leanne is joined by Michaela Epstein, the founder and director of Maths Teacher Circles, who challenges conventional thinking in maths education. They explore the importance of focusing on the "big ideas" in maths and how to help students make connections between different mathematical concepts. Michaela provides practical strategies for educators to implement in their classrooms and encourages a more creative and connection-based approach to teaching mathematics. To stay updated and get access to valuable resources, you can subscribe to Michaela's email newsletter, follow her on social media, and explore her professional learning program for teachers. Join this engaging conversation to discover new ways to foster mathematical understanding and encourage your students to connect the dots in maths.
Resources:
Mathstalk@amsi.org.au
@AMSISchools
Juggling As A Way of Building Deep Understanding: https://www.mathsteachercircles.org/blog/juggling/ 
(blog post related to our conversation)
Charles, R.I. (2005). ‘Big Ideas and Understandings as the Foundation for Elementary and Middle School Mathematics’, Journal of Mathematics Education Leadership, Vol.7 (3).Siemon, D. (2022). ‘Teaching with the Big Ideas in Mathematics’, Issues in the Teaching of Mathematics. State of Victoria (Department of Education and Training).Bransford, J., Derry, S., Berliner, D., Hammerness, K., & Beckett, K. (2005). Theories of learning and their roles in teaching. In L. Darling-Hammond & J. Bransford (ed.), Preparing teachers for a changing world: What  teachers should learn and be able to do. Jossey-Bass. (quiz questions re Easter Bunny etc came from)
Cryptoshifts: https://www.engagememathematics.com/product/cryptoshifts/ 
Contact Michaela:
My email newsletter: https://www.mathsteachercircles.org/amsiTwitter: https://twitter.com/MathsCirclesOzLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maths-teacher-circlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MathsTeacherCircles

Rerelease - Senior Maths Revision with Vicky Kennard

In case you missed it last year, we have rereleased the very popular episode in which Vicky Kennard discusses how students can best use the last few weeks before exams to maximise their chances of success. She highlights where students should be aiming to be at this stage and importantly, what to do if they're not there yet.
Share this with every senior maths student, teacher and parent you know!
ICE-EM Textbooks: https://schools.amsi.org.au/ice-em-mathematics-textbooks/
Neuroscience and education: https://www.youcubed.org/neuroscience-education-article/
Interleaving: https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-use-interleaving-foster-deeper-learning
https://www.retrievalpractice.org/ 
Pomodoro Method: https://todoist.com/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique

Using calculators in years 7 and 8 with Nadia Abdelal

🎙️ Looking for insightful discussions on the role of calculators in middle school mathematics education? Join us on MathsTalk, hosted by Leanne McMahon. In this episode, Leanne is joined by mathematics education expert Nadia Abdelal to explore the pros and cons of using calculators for students in years 5 to 8. Gain valuable insights into how calculators can enhance understanding and problem-solving skills, as well as the concerns surrounding their potential overreliance. Discover practical strategies for striking the right balance between technology and traditional maths methods. Tune in to MathsTalk, where maths is not just about numbers; it's a journey of discovery! Subscribe and leave a review to stay mathematically inclined. 🧮🔍 #MathsTalk 

Eddie Woo and the joy of teaching Mathematics

In this much-anticipated episode, host, Leanne McMahon sits down with world-famous maths educator Eddie Woo to try to harness his enthusiasm to inspire us all to be the best maths teacher we can. We discuss what inspires Eddie, how he moved from feeling ‘on the outside’ to where he is today and what he has learned along the way (and from whom). We touch on the perceived dichotomy between direct instruction and learning through problem solving and mention other pedagogies that may have been set up as dichotomous, but that all contribute to the rich tapestry of Maths teaching. Finally, we look at the importance of mentoring for all teachers and where Eddie would go for professional learning.
Please pass on some of the maths love by rating and sharing our podcast and check out some of the back catalogue of other brilliant guests and topics the MathsTalk podcast has covered.
Resources:
Contact us: MathsTalk@amsi.org.au 
Eddie’s website and links to TV shows and books:
https://misterwootube.com/
https://misterwootube.com/2020/03/18/books-tv-2/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXwStduNw14&ab_channel=TEDxTalks
A profile of Eddie: https://careers.amsi.org.au/eddie/
The NSW Mathematics Growth team: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/strategies-and-reports/nsw-mathematics-strategy/initiatives/10-mathematics-growth-team
Teacher social networks:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249795726_District_Policy_and_Teachers%27_Social_Networks
Dan Meyer – Fake world math: https://blog.mrmeyer.com/2015/fake-world-math-when-mathematical-modeling-goes-wrong-and-how-to-get-it-right/
Logarithmic graphs and Covid-19: https://www.socialsciencespace.com/2020/06/people-do-not-understand-logarithmic-graphs-used-to-visualize-covid-19/
Direct Instruction or Inquiry-Based Learning?: https://www.edutopia.org/article/direct-instruction-inquiry-based-learning/
ICE-EM Textbooks: https://schools.amsi.org.au/ice-em-mathematics-textbooks/
AMSI Resources: https://calculate.org.au/

Preview - Eddie Woo will be our guest next week!

Host Leanne McMahon is so excited to announce our latest guest, Eddie Woo!
This is just a taster of what is to come in the first week of August 2023!
Check out https://misterwootube.com/
and https://misterwootube.com/2020/03/18/books-tv-2/
to get ready for  the discussion ahead.
 

7 High Impact Strategies that help students ’get’ Maths

Host, Leanne McMahon welcomes Maths consultant and PhD candidate, Lynelle Campbell to the podcast this week. Lynelle is looking at numeracy intervention strategies for young children and has come up with a list of 7 strategies that can help students who are struggling to get maths. The importance of 'Number Sense' is reiterated many times and the ideas are easily used in classrooms from early years right through to secondary.
Lynelle's website: https://lynzeducation.com.au/
Contact us: MathsTalk@amsi.org.au
The Number Sense Podcast: https://mathstalk.podbean.com/e/developing-number-sense-in-young-children/
A visual summary of Lynelle's 7 strategies: https://calculate.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/07/7-high-impact-strategies-that-help-students-get-maths.pdf
AMSI ICE-EM textbooks: https://schools.amsi.org.au/ice-em-mathematics-textbooks/
Twitter: @AMSISchools
Facebook: MathsTalk by AMSI Schools