If a student can perform an algorithm, have they developed the mathematical reasoning that operation calls for? Or are they answer-getting? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss a major trap students fall into when we teach mathematics as a series of steps to rotely memorize. 

Talking Points:

• A closer look at the multiplication algorithm and a major trap.
• Problem String that helps give students a high does of patterns for a multiplicative strategy.
• Algorithms disregard reasonableness.
• Memorizing an algorithm is forgetable but every strategy learned helps build mental maps to the make subsequent strategies easier to develop.

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