Teaching mathematics in school is complex and often misunderstood.

This paper titled Why Are Learning And Teaching Mathematics So Difficult by Alan H. Schoenfeld does a great job shedding some light on why this is the case.

He argues that teaching and learning math is complex because of these three (3) big ideas:

• Thinking Mathematically – What does it mean to do mathematics?
• The Learning Environment – Structuring classroom experiences to allow students to think mathematically.
• Cultural Surround – How surroundings help or deter students from experiencing mathematical thinking.

In this episode we’ll help shed some light here on the first of those three (3) big ideas: Thinking Mathematically. 

elements connected to Schonfeld’s first big idea - thinking mathematically - and how you can successfully integrate them into your program without adding more stress and time to your already jam-packed work load. 

You’ll Learn: 

• Why teaching and learning math is difficult; 
• Techniques you can implement to make the teaching of math less difficult for you and your students;
• What you should focus on most in the classroom with students; and,
• How to strike a balance between the specific content standards you have to teach and ensuring your students are thinking mathematically.

Resources: 

Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions]

Join the Academy - Free for 30 Days

District Leader Resources:

Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool 

The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] 

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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.