In this episode we speak with veteran Grade 8 classroom teacher, author and current NCTM President, Kevin Dykema.

Kevin spends time with us to unpack why productive struggle is a necessary part of an effective mathematics program, what we can do now to plan and implement lessons that place students in a productive struggle and how we might get key stakeholders convinced that learning in a math classroom that might look different than the one they remember can be a good thing for students.

You’ll Learn: 

• What can you do differently than teaching math just “slower and louder”;
• Why productive struggle is a necessary part of an effective mathematics program;
• What you can do now to plan and implement elements of productive struggle;
• How to ensure a lesson crafted to provide a productive struggle is delivered with productive struggle (instead of the teacher robbing the thinking of students);
• How to help families and key stakeholders get “on board” with teaching through productive struggle; and, 
• What resources are great for modifying your lessons to allow for more productive struggle.

Resources: 

Productive Math Struggle [Book]

Openmiddle.com 

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Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.