MathsTalk by AMSI Schools

Misconceptions in Geometry with Sheila Griffin

Dealing with Misconceptions in Geometry
This is the first episode in Series 4 for MathsTalk, in Term 3 of 2020 and in this series, we are focusing on Geometry. Host, Leanne McMahon chats with 2018 CHOOSEMATHS Teacher Award winner Sheila Griffin and fellow AMSI Schools Outreach Officer Anna Bock, about common student - and sometimes teacher - misconceptions in Geometry. We discuss how they can be tackled in the maths classroom in ways that engage students and really encourage them to think.
Head to www.Calculate.org.au for resources and links

Keep Calm & Remain Critical with Dr Catherine Attard

Special guest Dr Catherine Attard discusses her latest blog post with AMSI Outreach Officers Marcus Garrett and Leanne McMahon. In a spirited conversation, they look at how teachers and parents can discern between good and not-so-great mathematics resources in this time of information overload. 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 Unpublished doctoral thesis, Kings College School of Education, University of London, UK.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

Developing Number Sense in Young Children

This episode looks at the importance of developing number sense in small children and how this can be done by both teachers and parents. Hosts Leanne McMahon and Marcus Garrett speak with AMSI CHOOSEMATHS award winner, Sarah Rose from the Hunter Valley in NSW. Sarah shares her early experiences with Maths and how these have shaped her attitude to Maths teaching now. She gives some great ideas for the development of number sense in children from babies to later primary years. All resources are listed on the AMSI Schools site, www.calculate.org.au Comment or contact us on Twitter @AMSISchools, join us for the #MathsTalk every Thursday night at 8pm AEST or fill in the form on the podcast page https://calculate.org.au/mathstalk-podcast/
Please excuse the recording quality. It was a very early attempt at Zoom and we are ironing out a few bugs.

Listening to Students’ Voices in Mathematics

In this episode of MathsTalk, Leanne and Marcus chat to recent CHOOSEMATHS Schools Outreach Officer and current secondary mathematics teacher Jacinta Blencowe about why allowing students to talk about their mathematical working and understanding is such a critical element in their maths education. They discuss the ways in which parents and teachers can develop children’s mathematical language and vocabulary and also provide some practical tips, resources and strategies for encouraging useful and productive discourse around mathematical working and problem solving.

Tips and Tricks Compilation

Host, Leanne McMahon introduces her fellow Outreach Officers from AMSI Schools and asks them what is their go-to Mathematics activity for children at home. We cover ages 5-16 and give some fun, practical tips for making Maths interesting and relevant for your house-bound mini mathematicians.
See www.calculate.org.au for links and information

Using Maths Games and Activities During Home Learning

In this Episode, Marcus Garrett speaks with mathematics education guru Michael Minas about using maths games and activities to engage students during home based learning, precipitated by the Covid-19 crisis during which most Australian classrooms are operating via distance learning. Michael provides parents, caregivers and teachers with both encouragement and some great, practical tips about how to engage - and focus - children and young people during this challenging time. 
Please note that due to remote recording under the sudden circumstances of work-from-home arrangements during the Covid-19 crisis, the recording sound quality for this and last episode is not to our usual standard. We are working on gaining access to equipment to ensure future from-home recordings are at the best sound quality possible. Thanks for your understanding.

Maths at home - for Parents & Teachers

In our special 'Social Isolation' Episode, Host, Marcus Garrett, talks to AMSI Schools Program Manager and CHOOSEMATHS Project Director, Janine Sprakel about what we should be doing to help children of all ages with their Mathematics at home. We look at the expectations on parents at this crazy time and how to manage them. We then examine some of the fantastic resources, ideas and games that can be found on the Calculate website (https://calculate.org.au/) and on other websites from around the world.
Learn how to enjoy this time with your children, with tips to find curriculum-linked games and activities, all designed to increase confidence and joy in students, parents and teachers alike.

Pi Day Special - Making Maths Real

In a special episode to celebrate International Maths Day, host Leanne McMahon talks to AMSI CHOOSEMATHS award winners Elizabeth Dewar and Ryan Jellie. We discuss the changes that they've made to the teaching of Maths at Boneo Primary School and how these changes have affected their students. AMSI Outreach Officer Marcus Garrett joins Leanne in a road trip to Boneo to talk to the students and hear about their interpretation of 'Maths is everywhere.'