Math is Figure-Out-Able!
Education & Explainer
About
Math teacher educator Pam Harris and her cohost Kim Montague answer the question: If not algorithms, then what? Join them for ~15-30 minutes every Tuesday as they cast their vision for mathematics education and give actionable items to help teachers teach math that is Figure-Out-Able. See www.MathisFigureOutAble.com for more great resources!
Episodes
- #MathStratChat - May 13, 2026
Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem from May 3, 2026. The episode encourages listeners to engage with the problem on social media before listening to the hosts' strategies.
- Ep 308: Fraction Multiplication, What?!
In episode 308 of Math is Figure-Out-Able!, Pam and Kim present a Problem String focused on fraction multiplication. They discuss two strategies for this topic and the design process behind the Problem String, emphasizing mathematical reas…
- #MathStratChat - May 6, 2026
This episode of Math is Figure-Out-Able! features Pam and Kim discussing the #MathStratChat problem from May 6, 2026. Listeners are invited to engage with the problem on social media before hearing the hosts' strategies.
- Ep 307: Naming Fractions
This episode of Math is Figure-Out-Able! discusses cultural differences in naming fractions, including how languages like Korean express them with the denominator first. The hosts highlight how these conventions impact students' mathematic…
- #MathStratChat - April 29, 2026
This episode of Math is Figure-Out-Able! features Pam and Kim discussing the MathStratChat problem from April 29, 2026. They suggest trying to solve the problem and engaging with others on social media before listening to their discussion.
- Ep 306: Which Algorithm Would You Use: Fractions?
This episode of Math is Figure-Out-Able! discusses the applicability of algorithms to problem-solving, specifically focusing on fractions. Pam and Kim explore fractional fluency using Problem Strings to build understanding of fraction rela…
- #MathStratChat - April 22, 2026
Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem from April 22, 2026. The episode suggests trying to solve the problem and engaging with others' strategies on social media prior to listening.
- Ep 305: Guiding Principles for What We Recommend
In episode 305 of Math is Figure-Out-Able!, Pam and Kim discuss recommended classroom games and materials. They focus on resources that offer strategy choice and build understanding, highlighting specific examples like Hand2mind, Number Hi…
- #MathStratChat - April 15, 2026
Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem from April 15, 2026. The episode suggests attempting the problem and sharing strategies on social media before listening to the hosts' discussion.
- Ep 304: Context, Models, and Strategy for a Better CRA
In episode 304, Pam and Kim discuss how context and models can be used to build strategy, using area as an example to demonstrate a better approach for developing understanding and abstraction.
- #MathStratChat - April 8, 2026
This episode of Math is Figure-Out-Able! features Pam and Kim discussing the MathStratChat problem from April 8, 2026. Listeners are invited to solve the problem and engage in discussion on social media.
- Ep 303: Product Approach to Multiplication Facts
This episode of Math is Figure-Out-Able! examines why memorizing multiplication facts doesn't always lead to multiplicative reasoning. Hosts Pam and Kim discuss what it means to truly know multiplication facts and how productive practice c…
- #MathStratChat - April 1, 2026
Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 1, 2026. Participants are encouraged to solve, share, and comment on strategies before listening to the hosts'.
- Ep 302: Factor Puzzles 3: Expressions
Pam and Kim adapt factor puzzles to teach students about algebraic concepts like decomposing and combining expressions. The episode discusses helping students understand algebraic expressions, the differences between adding and multiplying…
- #MathStratChat - March 25, 2026
This episode of Math is Figure-Out-Able! features Pam and Kim discussing the MathStratChat problem posted on March 25, 2026. Listeners are invited to participate by solving and sharing their solutions on social media.
- Ep 301: Factor Puzzles 2: Integers
Pam and Kim discuss factor puzzles with integers, addressing challenges students face with multiplication and addition, the significance of absolute value, and the relationship to factoring quadratic trinomials.
- #MathStratChat - March 18, 2026
This episode of Math is Figure-Out-Able! features Pam and Kim discussing the #MathStratChat problem from March 11, 2026. The hosts suggest attempting the problem and sharing solutions on social media prior to listening to their discussion.
- Ep 300: Factor Puzzles 1: Whole Numbers
In episode 300 of Math is Figure-Out-Able!, Pam and Kim explore factor puzzles as a method to enhance students' factor fluency and transition from additive to multiplicative reasoning. They discuss the routine's benefits, including general…
- #MathStratChat - March 11, 2026
Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem from March 11, 2026. Listeners are encouraged to attempt the problem and share their solutions on social media before listening to the hosts' strategies.
- Ep 299: Developing Mathematical Reasoning: The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in 3-5
This episode discusses a new book for teachers of grades 3-5 focused on developing mathematical reasoning. It covers additive and multiplicative reasoning, problem-string walkthroughs, rich tasks, and models, offering next steps for teache…
- #MathStratChat - March 4, 2026
Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem from March 4, 2026. The episode suggests listeners attempt the problem and share their solutions on social media before listening to the hosts' strategies.
- Ep 298: Who Gets to Math? One thing that Opens or Closes the Gate
In episode 298, Pam and Kim challenge the idea that basic math knowledge is solely for mimicking algorithms, arguing that true math-ing requires understanding underlying properties and relationships. They discuss the limitations of rote me…
- #MathStratChat - February 25, 2026
This episode of Math is Figure-Out-Able! features Pam and Kim discussing the MathStratChat problem from February 25, 2026. Listeners are invited to solve and share their strategies on social media before tuning in.
- Ep 297: What Makes Good Shifts in a School's Math Teaching?
This episode explores the requirements for successful, long-term improvements in school mathematics teaching. Pam and Kim share insights on what strategies are effective and which are not for creating lasting change in educational math pro…
- #MathStratChat - February 18, 2026
This episode of Math is Figure-Out-Able features Pam and Kim discussing the #MathStratChat problem from February 18, 2026. Listeners are invited to attempt the problem and engage in online discussions before hearing the hosts' strategies.
- Ep 296: Live at NCTM Spring
Pam and Kim recount their experience at NCTM Spring 2026, discussing modern teaching trends, the definitions of curriculum and resources, and strategies for mathematics education.
- #MathStratChat - February 11, 2026
Pam and Kim review the MathStratChat problem from February 11, 2026. The episode suggests listeners attempt the problem and share their solutions on social media prior to listening to the hosts' strategies.
- Ep 295: Differentiating Problem Strings for your Grade Level: Over Subtraction
In episode 295 of Math is Figure-Out-Able!, Pam and Kim discuss adapting subtraction Problem Strings for various grade levels. They explore using the Over strategy and the role of "Helper" problems.
- #MathStratChat - February 4, 2026
This episode of Math is Figure-Out-Able features Pam and Kim discussing the #MathStratChat problem from February 4, 2026. It suggests participants attempt to solve and share their strategies on social media prior to listening to the hosts'…
- Ep 294: Introducing Logarithms
In episode 294 of Math is Figure-Out-Able!, Pam and Kim use a Problem String to naturally introduce logarithms. The discussion covers the differences between logarithms and algorithms, the relationship between logarithms and exponents, and…
- #MathStratChat - January 28, 2026
This episode of Math is Figure-Out-Able! features Pam and Kim discussing the #MathStratChat problem from January 28, 2026. Listeners are encouraged to attempt the problem and share their solutions on social media before hearing the hosts'…
- Ep 293: What Makes a Good Number Talk?
Pam and Kim explore the purpose and practice of Number Talks, or Problem Talks. They discuss when to use them, how to choose which student strategies to represent, and how to select a rich problem.
- #MathStratChat - January 21, 2026
Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem from January 21, 2026. Listeners are encouraged to attempt the problem and share their strategies on social media prior to listening to the hosts
- Ep 292: Playing With Division and Fractions
Pam and Kim explore the partitive meaning of fractions and relational reasoning through a Problem String. The discussion covers fractions and division, equivalent fractions, and scaling to find simpler problems.
- #MathStratChat - January 14, 2026
This episode of Math is Figure-Out-Able! features Pam and Kim discussing the #MathStratChat problem shared on January 14, 2026. The hosts suggest listeners attempt to solve the problem and share their strategies on social media prior to li…
- Ep 291: Starting the Year Grounded
Pam and Kim explore how to teach math with integrity and consistency by understanding personal beliefs about math education. They touch upon the hierarchical nature of mathematics, reasoning development, and creating a cohesive vision for…
- #MathStratChat - January 7, 2026
Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on January 7, 2026. The episode encourages listeners to engage with the problem on social media before listening to the hosts' strategies.
- Ep 290: Looking Ahead to 2026
In episode 290, Pam and Kim review 2025 accomplishments like the completion of the Problem String book series and new workshops. They also discuss their forward-looking plans for 2026, including new book developments and educational opport…
- #MathStratChat - December 31, 2025
This episode of Math is Figure-Out-Able! features a discussion with Pam and Kim about the MathStratChat problem posted on December 31, 2025. They encourage listeners to engage with the problem on social media before listening to their stra…
- Ep 289: Pedagogical Moves vs Personality
In this episode, Kim presents Pam Harris with various "Pam-isms" to analyze whether they represent intentional teaching strategies or simply personality traits in mathematics education.
- #MathStratChat - December 24, 2025
This episode of Math is Figure-Out-Able features a discussion of the MathStratChat problem from December 24, 2025. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with the problem on social media, sharing their own solutions and commenting on othe…
- Ep 288: 12 Days of Free Part 2
In episode 288, Pam and Kim of Math is Figure-Out-Able! present free resources for teachers. They highlight opportunities such as the Teacher Facebook Group, specific podcast episodes, a blog, videos, a webinar, and a workshop on developin…
- #MathStratChat - December 17, 2025
Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem from December 17, 2025. The episode encourages listeners to attempt the problem and share their solutions on social media before listening.
- Ep 287: 12 Days of Free, Pt 1
Pam and Kim begin the "12 Days of Free" series, highlighting six free resources for math educators. These include an ebook on numeracy strategies, guides for problem strings and instructional routines, podcast episode recommendations, and…
- #MathStratChat - December 10 , 2025
Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem from December 10, 2025. The episode suggests participants try solving and sharing their strategies on social media before listening.
- Ep 286: Listening Is Not Enough
In episode 286, Pam and Kim discuss why listening to student thinking is important in coaching and teaching. They cover how listening serves to advance students or teachers, and its role in affirming learning walks and distinguishing metho…
- #MathStratChat - December 3 , 2025
Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem from December 3, 2025. The episode encourages listeners to engage with the problem and related discussions on social media before listening.
- Ep 285: Small Shifts, Big Impact
In episode 285, 'Small Shifts, Big Impact,' Pam and Kim introduce mini-workshops designed to help secondary teachers incorporate reasoning into their classrooms through small, manageable teaching adjustments. The episode touches on Cathy F…
- #MathStratChat - November 26, 2025
This episode of Math is Figure-Out-Able! features Pam and Kim discussing the #MathStratChat problem from November 26, 2025. They recommend attempting the problem and engaging in the social media conversation before listening to their discu…
- Ep 284: Grateful for...
Pam and Kim share reflections on gratitude as the year concludes. They express thanks for their listeners, the Math is FigureOutAble team, their online communities, and the collaborative journey of making math more accessible.