In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 9, 2026.

Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.

Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.

Twitter: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

Is the popular discussion around "explicit teaching" helpful? Do we all envision the same thing? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss their thoughts about "explicit teaching", and which parts of mathematics require explicit teaching, and which do not.

Talking Points:

• The difference between social-conventional knowledge and logical- mathematical knowledge
• Examples of social knowledge and when students must be told something in mathematics
• Examples of logical-mathematical knowledge and how it should be built through experiences, not rote rules.
• Most of mathematics is logical-mathematical and requires varied experiences.

Links:

1. Blog Post: Searching for a Better Way
2. Which Workshop to Take QUIZ
3. Building Powerful Mathematics Registration

Check out Pam's social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 2, 2026.

Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.

Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.

Twitter: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

What does reasoning about algebraic expressions look like? In this episode, Kim facilitates a Problem String that has Pam solving equations using equivalence.

Talking Points:

• Using comparison to ignore commonalities on both sides of an equation
• Equivalence strategies are the most sophisticated
• Learning to think relationally, rather than procedurally
• Relational thinking builds mathematical identity and genuine engagement

Links:

1. Blog Post: Searching for a Better Way
2. Which Workshop to Take QUIZ
3. Building Powerful Mathematics Registration

Check out Pam's social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 26, 2026.

Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.

Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.

Twitter: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

With so much to teach every year, we know you're always looking for the biggest impact for long term success for your students. In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss models that grow with students as they learn more and more mathematics.

Talking Points:

• Verticality in practice standards, content progressions, vocabulary, notation, and strategies
• How area models extend from elementary to high school
• Open number lines mature into double number lines
• Ratio tables can start as early as 3rd grade and scale to decimals, large numbers, proportional relationships.
• How models act as lasting mental anchors, not just "picture drawing" as a substitute for mathematical ability.

Links:

1. Blog Post: Searching for a Better Way
2. Which Workshop to Take QUIZ
3. Building Powerful Mathematics Registration

Check out Pam's social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 19, 2026.

Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.

Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.

Twitter: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

What experiences do you seek out to become a better teacher? In this episode, Pam and Kim describe how experiences lead to beliefs, then actions, and ultimately results, They then explore the most impactful experiences available to teachers and leaders everywhere.

Talking Points:

• "More experiences" means more than just repetition
• Experiences build beliefs that power actions
• The need for multifaceted, varied experiences
• Experiences through workshops
• Experiences through coaching
• Experiences for leaders

Links:

1. Blog Post: Searching for a Better Way
2. Which Workshop to Take QUIZ
3. Building Powerful Mathematics Registration

Check out Pam's social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC