DebateMath Podcast

Send us a text Math is full of algorithms. These are generalized procedures or sets of rules to be followed in solving problems of a given type. From the standard algorithms for subtraction and long division in elementary school all the way to the distance formula and the quadratic formula in high school, algorithms are a part of the mathematics curriculum. However, some may ask: should we be teaching students these methods, or should we Dump the Algorithms? Pam Harris’s website: mathisfigure...

Send us a text How narrow should we make the grade bands for teacher certification? When teachers get their certification in a state, it is usually for a specific subject and/or grade band. For instance, a teacher may get a certification in K-8 Elementary Teaching or 7-12 Math Instruction. These bands vary by state and change over time. So what is the ideal set of grade bands? Listen in as our debaters take on the resolution: Should We Narrow the Grade Bands? Gabriel mentioned the...

Send us a text As we’ve done in the past, we wanted to end the year by bringing together a few of our guests from past debates for a roundtable to reflect on the past debates and also engage in a discussion around a central question. This year’s question is: How do we help students feel that they belong in math class? Follow Melissa Dean on Twitter & Instagram: @Dean_of_mathCheck out Melissa’s Blog: Dean of Math BlogFollow Liesl McConchie on Twitter (and Bluesky): @LieslMcconchieChe...

Send us a text At the time of this recording, we are in an election year and political ads are everywhere. As we get closer to November 2024, it is harder and harder to avoid. Now, while you may not think of math as a course that intersects with political topics, teachers may find it coming up in many ways. So for this episode we gathered a panel of educators to give us advice on this, addressing the question: Should politics be avoided in math class? Follow Dee Crescitelli on Social Media: @...

Send us a text The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, or NCTM, is the world's largest mathematics education organization. While many math teachers are members of this organization and may attend its national conference, others do not. Maybe you are someone who has wondered whether or not to join? We wanted to explore this idea more in our latest debate: Is an NCTM membership worthwhile? Follow Desiree Harrison on all platforms: @KidsmathtalkFollow Bobson Wong on Twitter/BlueSk...