In this solo episode of MathsTalk, Leanne McMahon explores how to use Textbooks creatively in Years 7 and 8, where students are moving from primary habits into more abstract secondary mathematics. The episode focuses on building precise mathematical language, identifying common transition misconceptions, using textbook exercises for concept development rather than simple practice, and structuring mixed-ability lessons around the same core task so all students can engage with the same important mathematics. It also argues for the central role of conceptual understanding in a book-based curriculum, and for teachers being deeply familiar with the curriculum so they can adapt, extend and refine tasks with confidence.

Resources mentioned in the episode include:

• Texas Instruments Australia for teacher resources and professional learning (https://education.ti.com/en-au/teachers?category=professional-development )

• AMSI ICE-EM textbooks will be published by Cambridge later in the year https://schools.amsi.org.au/ice-em-mathematics-textbooks/

• NRICH for rich tasks and problem-solving https://nrich.maths.org/

• Compression https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMmaiaZZeW0

• youcubed for open and creative classroom tasks https://www.youcubed.org/

• GeoGebra for interactive visual exploration https://www.geogebra.org/

• Open Middle for challenging problems that unlock student thinking (Open Middle® |)

• Illustrative Mathematics for problem-based middle years mathematics and collaborative reasoning routines (Illustrative Mathematics K–12 Math)

• University of Melbourne’s decimal misconceptions site for insight into common misconceptions about decimal numbers (extranet.education.unimelb.edu.au)

What's in store for the remainder of 2026? A plethora of exciting and engaging podcasts for you mathematical pleasure. Contact us for more ideas:

mathstalk@amsi.org.au

In this episode of MathsTalk, Leanne McMahon is joined by mathematics educator Nadia Abdelal to explore the role of calculators in Years 7–8. This re-released episode tackles a question many schools still debate: when do calculators support learning, and when do they risk getting in the way?

Leanne and Nadia discuss how calculators can reduce cognitive load, improve access to new concepts, and support students who are still building number sense.

They also highlight the importance of intervention, estimation, and equity — reminding us that calculators can help students engage in richer mathematical thinking, but should sit alongside strong teaching of foundational skills.

Relevant links

• MathsTalk podcast: https://calculate.org.au/mathstalk-podcast/

• Texas Instruments Australia: https://education.ti.com/en-au/teachers?category=professional-development

• AMSI maths careers: https://careers.amsi.org.au/

• AMSI Industry Day resources: https://amsi.org.au/amsi-industry-day-for-teachers/

In this episode of Maths Talk, we introduce an upcoming professional development event tailored for Maths and STEM teachers as well as career practitioners. Scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the AMSI Industry Day at Latrobe University, Bendigo, offers engaging sessions from university educators and industry professionals to bridge classroom teaching with real-world applications of mathematics. The event includes impactful talks, networking opportunities, and takeaway resources funded by the Invergowrie Foundation. Teachers will leave with practical examples and lesson plans to inspire students and connect curriculum topics with future careers. Register through the AMSI website and join us for a day of learning and connecting.

Registrations: https://tinyurl.com/AMSBendigoRego

TI Professional Learning:

https://education.ti.com/en-au/resources/getting-started-with-ti-technology

Previous Industry Days: https://amsi.org.au/amsi-industry-day-for-teachers/ (Click on relevant day)

Classroom resources: https://amsi.org.au/2024-teacher-professional-learning-in-industry-day/

In this episode of MathsTalk, Leanne McMahon speaks with Dr Hong Xu, author of the Indigenous content for the upcoming AMSI textbook series, and Professor Rowena Ball, leader of the 'Mathematics Without Borders' initiative. Together, they discuss how and why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander insights into maths are being incorporated into the Australian Mathematics Curriculum, what that looks like in practice, and how teachers can confidently bring this content into their classrooms.

MathsTalk is proudly sponsored by Texas Instruments Australia. https://education.ti.com/en-au

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

- Xu, H., & Ball, R. (2024). Indigenous Mathematics: From Mainstream Misconceptions to Educational Enrichment. Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, 24(2), 160-175. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42330-024-00321-5

- Mathematics Without Borders: https://www.anu.edu.au/research/research-initiatives/mathematics-without-borders

- AMSI Textbook Series: https://schools.amsi.org.au

Texas Instruments teacher professional learning: https://education.ti.com/en-au/professional-development/upcoming-pd

Texas Instruments website: https://education.ti.com/en-au/

- Australian Curriculum Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Histories & Cultures: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/curriculum-information/understand-this-cross-curriculum-priority/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-histories-and-cultures

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

In this episode, host Leanne McMahon sits down with Michael Evans, a renowned figure in mathematics education, to discuss the AMSI ICE-EM textbooks and their evolution. Michael provides an insightful look into the history of these textbooks, which have been instrumental in Australian classrooms for over 20 years. He highlights their unique development process, the collaborative efforts behind them, and their focus on deep understanding rather than rote learning. The episode also delves into the exciting updates coming with the incorporation of the Australian Curriculum Version 9, including algorithmic thinking, Indigenous perspectives, and enhanced online resources. With a strong emphasis on support for teachers, this episode is a must-listen for educators looking to maximize the potential of these innovative textbooks in their classrooms.

Resources:

Textbook information: https://schools.amsi.org.au/publications_category/publications/textbooks/

Textbook samples and ordering: https://cambridge.edu.au/iceem

AMSI online resources:

Calculate: https://calculate.org.au/

AMSI student and teacher modules: https://calculate.org.au/amsi-modules/

Classroom resources:

• Number and algebra: https://calculate.org.au/number-and-algebra/
• Measurement and Geometry: https://calculate.org.au/measurement-and-geometry/
• Units of work: https://calculate.org.au/units-of-work/
• Games: https://calculate.org.au/games/