MathsTalk by AMSI Schools – Details, episodes & analysis

In this special Pi Day episode of MathsTalk, host Leanne McMahon, AMSI’s school maths advisor, takes listeners on an engaging journey into the world of Pi. She explains what Pi is and how it is used in basic geometry, explores its irrational and transcendental nature, and discusses its importance in both mathematics and real-world applications. Leanne also shares fun facts about Pi—from ancient approximations to modern Pi recitation contests—and offers a variety of creative activities for teachers and parents to celebrate Pi Day in the classroom.

In this episode of MathsTalk, host Sarah Ramantanis 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, up-skilling teachers through professional development, and promoting higher-level maths participation to prepare students for STEM careers. Leanne also emphasises 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 

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/amsi Twitter: https://twitter.com/MathsCirclesOz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maths-teacher-circles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MathsTeacherCircles

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

🎙️ 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 

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/

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.

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

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

In this must-listen episode, host Leanne McMahon talks to Professor Chris Matthews from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance (ATSIMA) about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural cross-curriculum priority inclusion in the new Maths Curriculum in Australian schools. Chris shares his mathematical and cultural history and challenges teachers to examine how the concept of Terra Nullius has affected the role of both indigenous and non-indigenous Australians today. He discusses the importance of culture to all students and looks at some relevant contexts and ways in which teachers can include the cultural priority in their planning.

Contact Chris: https://atsima.com/

MathsTalk Feedback: MathsTalk@amsi.org.au

Chris's talk - AMSI Summer School (Maths & Culture): https://ss.amsi.org.au/public-lecture/ (click on watch recording link)

Teacher Magazine Link: https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/authors/chris-matthews

The Orb: https://www.theorb.tas.gov.au/

ACARA Priority description: https://tinyurl.com/ATSIpriority