MathsTalk by AMSI Schools

Talking Geometry with Mike Clapper

Hosts Leanne McMahon and Michael O’Connor are  joined by Mike Clapper, former Executive Director and Chief Mathematician at the Australian Mathematics Trust, to talk about geometry and its importance in the Australian Curriculum. We cover everything from why we teach geometry and how to develop geometric reasoning in our students to packing your car boot on camping holidays. Mike has kindly provided some accompanying episode notes which will be available to download through our www.calculate.org.au website along with some links to other related resources.

Twitter for Maths Education

Have you ever felt the urge to dip your toe in the murky waters of Twitter? In this episode, host, Leanne McMahon talks to Outreach Officer Cass Lowry about how to get started on Twitter and how it can be used as a part of your professional learning. We look at setting up your account, lurking, liking and finally getting involved in Twitter Chats - Especially ours! #MathsTalk 8pm AEST every Thursday.
If you'd like further information, drop us an email at choosemaths@amsi.org.au or get onto our website www.calculate.org.au.
Check out the following resources:
Teachers on Twitter – Why you should join and how to get started: https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2017/apr/20/teachers-on-twitter-why-join-get-started-social-media
EduTwitter Chats
#TLAPdownunder – Sunday 8pm AEST
#aussieED – Sunday 8.30pm AEST
#MathsTalk – Thursday 8pm AEST
#PrimarySTEMChat – Thursday 8.30pm AEST
#whatisschool – Friday 9am AEST
Tips for managing a fast-paced Twitter chat (Craig Kemp): http://mrkempnz.com/2015/02/5-tips-for-managing-a-fast-paced-twitter-chat.html
Why you should switch from Twitter to Tweetdeck: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q1dKe891pw

Geometry and Reasoning

Host, Marcus Garrett talks to two members of the AMSI Outreach team, Cass Lowry and Michael O'Connor about the important proficiency of reasoning and how we can develop this in students of all ages, from pre-primary to later secondary. Contact us if you have comments or suggestions. ChooseMaths@amsi.org.au
Head to www.Calculate.org.au for resources, links, further information and to give feedback.

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