MathsTalk by AMSI Schools
MathsTalk by AMSI Schools – where conversations in maths become part of your professional learning practice.
Podcast Description
MathsTalk by AMSI Schools – where conversations in maths become part of your professional learning practice.
Episodes

Nov 21, 2023
Nov 21, 2023
35 min
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

Oct 18, 2023
Connections in Maths with Michaela Epstein
Oct 18, 2023
Oct 18, 2023
33 min
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

Sep 25, 2023
Sep 25, 2023
26 min
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

Sep 20, 2023
Sep 20, 2023
25 min
🎙️ 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

Aug 7, 2023
Aug 7, 2023
34 min
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/

Jul 26, 2023
Preview - Eddie Woo will be our guest next week!
Jul 26, 2023
Jul 26, 2023
1 min
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.

Jul 20, 2023
Jul 20, 2023
39 min
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

Jun 30, 2023
Michael Minas with Maths games (Covid or not!)
Jun 30, 2023
Jun 30, 2023
14 min
It's time to revisit the importance of using games in maths classes, even when we're not locked up! This was a podcast originally released in the thick of home based learning in 2020.
Marcus Garrett speaks with popular educator and ChooseMATHS award winner, Michael Minas about games and strategies that make maths classes fun and educational. Michael provides parents, caregivers and teachers with both encouragement and some great, practical tips about how to engage - and focus - children and young people.
Related Links:
Download Transcript
AMSI Schools ‘Calculate’ site – “Games”
Article: ‘Want Your Child to succeed in mathematics? Play with them’
Michael Minas’s ‘LoveMaths’ website
Michael Minas’s LoveMaths ‘Games’ web page







