Host, Leanne McMahon catches up with highly experienced mathematics educator and founder of  Maths Teacher Circles in Australia, Michaela Epstein to discuss how Problem Solving in classrooms of all year levels can be effective and collaborative. We discuss how teachers can go about incorporating problem solving into their classroom practice and how to structure these activities. We also look at the false dichotomy between problem solving and explicit instruction and why each of these has its place in the contemporary Maths classroom.
Resources:
Michaela's website: https://www.michaelaepstein.com.au/ 
Other links discussed by Michaela:
Maths Teacher Circles website: https://mathsteachercircles.org/amsi 
We share problems on a regular basis that we believe you will love:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MathsCirclesOz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MathsTeacherCircles/

Samantha Hellessey’s Twitter https://twitter.com/s_hellessey?s=20&t=edSZrVJoQVJGk-troBLsHQ
A presentation given by Norman Do at AMSI https://rhed.amsi.org.au/dr-norman-radio/
Some good sources of Problems:
NZ Maths https://nzmaths.co.nz/problem-solving (Some great articles to read here too)
NRich from the University of Cambridge. https://nrich.maths.org/ (Also terrific articles)
Not free, but worth checking out is Problemo https://problemo.edu.au/
Re Solve - Maths by inquiry https://resolve.edu.au/
AMSI Calculate has some lessons written up for you https://calculate.org.au/
Contact us on MathsTalk@amsi.org.au or Twittter @AMSIschools or Facebook MathsTalk by AMSI Schools

Effective and Collaborative Problem Solving

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In this episode of MathsTalk, host Leanne McMahon discusses the pressing issue of out-of-field teaching in mathematics education. With recent media attention on AMSI's analysis of out-of-field secondary maths teaching and upskilling initiatives in Australia, Leanne explores the complexities of defining out-of-field teaching and its various dimensions, including qualification, specialism, workload, and capability. Drawing from extensive research and insightful anecdotes, she discusses the impact of out-of-field teaching on student learning and offers practical strategies for upskilling teachers, emphasizing the importance of government funding for retraining initiatives. Through engaging discussions and resource recommendations, including the invaluable Out of Field Teaching Toolkit podcast, McMahon aims to ignite a conversation and provide actionable solutions to enhance the quality of mathematics education across Australia.
Resources:
AMSI Paper: https://amsi.org.au/?publications=relieving-out-of-field-teaching-in-australian-secondary-mathematics 
Podcast Out-of-Field Toolkit: Margaret Paton: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ktSjWBqd3SgmeuInYtzGx?si=fb4ffc1419e64407
Hobbs, L., Campbell, C., Delaney, s., Speldewinde, C. & Lai, J. (2020). Defining and mapping out-of-field teaching in Victorian government schools. Deakin University Retrieved from https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57f5c6e0414fb53f7ae208fc/t/61727df5c5216e3ba4565c48/1634893310963/TOOF+Mapping+Report+Hobbs+et+al+2020_Definitions+only.pdf
Ní Ríordáin, M., Paolucci, C., & O' Dwyer, L. M. (2017). An examination of the professional development needs of out-of-field mathematics teachers. Teaching and Teacher Education, 64, 162-174. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2017.02.001
Beswick, K. (2014). What teachers' want: Identifying mathematics teachers' professional learning needs. The Mathematics Enthusiast, 11(1), 83-108.
Desimone, L. M., & Garet, M. S. (2015). Best practices in teachers' professional development in the United States/Mejores practicas de desarrollo profesional docente en Estados Unidos. Psychology, Society, & Education, 7(3), 252-278.
 Du Plessis, A. (2016). Leading teachers through the storm: Looking beyond the numbers and turning the implications of out-of-field teaching practices into positive challenges. International Journal of Educational Research, 79, 42-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2016.06.010
Goos, M., O’Donoghue, J., Ní Ríordáin, M., Faulkner, F., Hall, T., & O’Meara, N. (2020). Designing a national blended learning program for “out-of-field” mathematics teacher professional development. ZDM, 52(5), 893-905. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-020-01136-y
Contact us: mathsTalk@amsi.org.au
Twitter (X): @AMSIschools

Out of Field Maths Teaching - What can we do?

Host, Leanne McMahon, dives into the eternal question: "When am I ever going to use this?" by looking at the diverse career paths open to those who choose to study mathematics at school and beyond. We also highlight an exciting opportunity for teachers: the 2024 Teacher Professional Learning in Industry Day, hosted by AMSI and the Australian Centre for Career Education. This event will connect secondary maths teachers and careers advisors with industry experts to showcase the vast array of study and career pathways available to students who continue to study maths. From data science to finance, technology to engineering, Leanne emphasizes the crucial role high school teachers play in guiding students towards rewarding careers in mathematics. Don't miss out on this enriching discussion and the chance to explore the endless possibilities maths has to offer! 
  
2024 Teacher Professional Learning in Industry Day and EOI: 
Tuesday 21st May 2024 at the University of Melbourne. Expressions of interest close March 1st 2024  https://amsi.org.au/2024-teacher-professional-learning-in-industry-day/ 
AMSI Careers Information: https://careers.amsi.org.au/ https://ss.amsi.org.au/careers-day-2024-optiver/ 
Contact us: MathsTalk@amsi.org.au

Why Choose Maths? Careers in Mathematics

In 2020, Special guest Dr Catherine Attard released a blog post looking at how teachers and parents can discern between good and not-so-great mathematics resources in this time of information overload. We felt this was timely with the explosion of questionable quality resources from sites  like Teachers-pay-teachers and Twinkle. The highly engaging Marcus Garrett and regular host, Leanne McMahon lead a spirited conversation. They also discuss effective use of technology in Mathematics, the difference between performing and learning in maths and what 'home-schooling' really means.
Podcast notes and resources can be found at www.calculate.org.au. Catherine's Blog can be found at https://engagingmaths.com/
Other Links discussed in the episode:
Attard, C. (2020), Teaching maths in challenging times: Keep calm and remain critical! Blog post on Engaging Maths. Retrieved from https://engagingmaths.com/2020/03/18/teaching-maths-in-challenging-times-keep-calm-and-remain-critical/.
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), 2010, Mathematics Proficiencies. Retrieved from https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/resources/mathematics-proficiencies/.
Boaler, J. (1996), Case Studies of Alternative Approaches to Mathematics Teaching: Situated Cognition, Sex and Setting. Unpublished doctoral thesis, Kings College School of Education, University of London, UK. Retrieved from https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/files/2934023/DX199706.pdf.
Garrett, M. (2016), The Problem with Problem Solving. Blog article on Calculate by AMSI. Retrieved from https://calculate.org.au/2016/04/13/problem-with-problem-solving/.
Website: Joel Speranza – Leveraging Technology for Learning. www.joelsperanza.com.
YouTube Channel: Joel Speranza Math. https://www.youtube.com/c/JoelSperanzaMath/featured
Link to Dr Attard’s Research Project, ‘Investigating the impact of COVID-19 on teachers' technology-related attitudes, beliefs and practices’ (call for survey participants): https://surveyswesternsydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6AmgoLh1N7ZDktn

Choosing good resources: Re-release of Dr Catherine Attard’s discussion

Host Leanne McMahon welcomes PhD candidate Cassandra Lowry for a lively discussion centred on Cass's presentation at the 2023 Maths Association of Victoria Conference. Formative assessment strategies that are easily implemented in your classroom and can have a huge effect on student learning.
Resources:
Contact us: MathsTalk@amsi.org.au
Twitter (X) @cass_lowry (Cass)  @AMSIschools (MathsTalk)
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/cassandra-lowry
Ask & Listen vs. Tell & Sell (Article)
Ibarra, H. & Scoular, A. (2019). The leader as coach: How to unleash innovation, energy, and commitment. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2019/11/the-leader-as-coach 
Rosenshine’s Principles (Book)
Sherrington, T. (2019). Rosenshine’s Principles in Action. John Catt: Melton, Woodbridge.
Checking for Understanding (Blog) Tom Sherrington - 5 ways to check for understanding https://teacherhead.com/2021/12/02/five-ways-to-check-for-understanding/
Questioning (YouTube Video) Dylan Wiliam – Questioning https://youtu.be/y8bHMd3PosM 
Diagnostic Questions (Website)
Craig Barton (from Mr Barton Maths Podcast) developed site that includes 25 thousand questions and quizzes to help diagnose student misconceptions https://diagnosticquestions.com/ 
Contact Info 
MAV Conference 30 Nov - 1 Dec 2023 https://www.mav.vic.edu.au/Conference/Annual-Conference

Ask and Listen: Strategies to improve student understanding

Welcome to the latest episode of MathsTalk by AMSI schools. In this conversation, Leanne McMahon, the Schools Maths Advisor at AMSI, discusses the vital aspect of great mathematics teaching, making connections. Leanne is joined by Michaela Epstein, the founder and director of Maths Teacher Circles, who challenges conventional thinking in maths education. They explore the importance of focusing on the "big ideas" in maths and how to help students make connections between different mathematical concepts. Michaela provides practical strategies for educators to implement in their classrooms and encourages a more creative and connection-based approach to teaching mathematics. To stay updated and get access to valuable resources, you can subscribe to Michaela's email newsletter, follow her on social media, and explore her professional learning program for teachers. Join this engaging conversation to discover new ways to foster mathematical understanding and encourage your students to connect the dots in maths.
Resources:
Mathstalk@amsi.org.au
@AMSISchools
Juggling As A Way of Building Deep Understanding: https://www.mathsteachercircles.org/blog/juggling/ 
(blog post related to our conversation)
Charles, R.I. (2005). ‘Big Ideas and Understandings as the Foundation for Elementary and Middle School Mathematics’, Journal of Mathematics Education Leadership, Vol.7 (3).Siemon, D. (2022). ‘Teaching with the Big Ideas in Mathematics’, Issues in the Teaching of Mathematics. State of Victoria (Department of Education and Training).Bransford, J., Derry, S., Berliner, D., Hammerness, K., & Beckett, K. (2005). Theories of learning and their roles in teaching. In L. Darling-Hammond & J. Bransford (ed.), Preparing teachers for a changing world: What  teachers should learn and be able to do. Jossey-Bass. (quiz questions re Easter Bunny etc came from)
Cryptoshifts: https://www.engagememathematics.com/product/cryptoshifts/ 
Contact Michaela:
My email newsletter: https://www.mathsteachercircles.org/amsiTwitter: https://twitter.com/MathsCirclesOzLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maths-teacher-circlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MathsTeacherCircles

Effective and Collaborative Problem Solving

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