DebateMath Podcast

Chris Luzniak & Rob Baier

Welcome to the DebateMath Podcast, the show where we’re redefining what it means to debate in mathematics & education, where multiple sides of ideas are explored, evidence matters, and we all grow and learn from hearing each other. We know the world–and our classrooms–are not binary. So we lean into the gray area in our discussions. We invite on guests with differing viewpoints on the way math is taught, and listen in as they debate with each other. Come dig into any debate, where we listen to learn, not to prove someone wrong, but to deepen our understanding. 

  1. 20 HR AGO

    Debate 51 - Should We Pause Grade Level Instruction to Rebuild Prior Skills?

    Text us your thoughts! This month’s debate is a recording from a LIVE debate that took place at the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (WVCTM) Conference in March of 2026. When students don’t have the prerequisite skills, do we hit pause? Or do we stay the course and fix gaps in real time? You’re working on solving equations, but integer operations are falling apart. Or you’re introducing functions, and foundational algebra skills are missing. If you pause grade-level content, are you giving students what they truly need — or widening opportunity gaps by lowering expectations and delaying access to rigorous math? If you push forward, are you maintaining high standards — or setting students up for confusion and frustration?  Listen in as two teams argue their side in a LIVE debate on this resolution: It is better to pause grade-level instruction to rebuild prior skills than to push forward and address gaps as they appear. You can reach Sissy Collins at the Harrison County Board of Education, via email at jecollin@k12.wv.us, or on Facebook.You can find Sarah McGivern via Jefferson County Schools or on Instagram: @SSMcGivernYou can reach Ellen Holt at Summers County HS, via email at eholt@k12.wv.us, or on LinkedInAnd find Jason Massie via Mountain View School.And thanks to the WVCTM Conference for inviting us in! Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts. Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel! Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!

    43 min

  2. 18 MAR

    Fast Break #3 - What is the Best Way to Add 379 + 488?

    Text us your thoughts! In this quick follow-up to last week’s episode, we invited each of our guests to model a short, fun classroom debate. In just a few minutes, you can hear a sample debate that captures the spirit of productive mathematical argumentation—thoughful, curious, and includes reasoning. Tune in for a rapid-fire glimpse of what these debates can look like in action! You can find Pam Harris on social media: @pwharris or @pamharris_math You can find Kim Montague on social media: @kimmontague or @kmont14 Be sure to check out MathIsFigureOutAble.comAnd the MathIsFigureOutAble Podcast! Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts. Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel! Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!

    3 min

  3. 12 MAR

    Debate 50 - Is There Fake Math?

    Text us your thoughts! We throw around many phrases in education. And specifically in math education, we might hear people say some students are “doing real math.”  Or we hear educators looking for “authentic math experiences.”  On the other hand, we criticize “rote procedures” or “worksheet math.” But underneath all of that is a loaded question: When does math count… and when is it just pretending? Is math about the memorized algorithm? Is it plugging numbers into a formula? Is it word problems that simulate reality? In this month’s debate, we have two friends and colleagues who are stepping into the ring to debate what counts as “doing math” and what doesn’t. Listen in, as we explore the resolution: Is there such a thing as Fake Math? You can find Pam Harris on social media: @pwharris or @pamharris_math You can find Kim Montague on social media: @kimmontague or @kmont14 Be sure to check out MathIsFigureOutAble.comAnd the MathIsFigureOutAble Podcast!Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts. Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel! Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!

    47 min
  4. Fast Break #2 - What is the Best Manipulative for Fractions?

    18 FEB

    Fast Break #2 - What is the Best Manipulative for Fractions?

    Text us your thoughts! In this quick follow-up to last week’s episode, we invited each of our guests to model a short, fun classroom debate. In just a few minutes, you can hear a sample debate that captures the spirit of productive mathematical argumentation—thoughful, curious, and includes reasoning. Tune in for a rapid-fire glimpse of what these debates can look like in action! You can find Robert Kaplinsky on social media: @RobertKaplinsky and check out more of his work at OpenMiddle.com and GrassrootsWorkshops.com Follow Courtney Flessner on Bluesky: @cfless or on Instagram: @MathandOtherThingsAnd be sure to check out KeepIndianaLearning.org!Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts. Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel! Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!

    3 min
  5. Debate 49 - Is Math Ed Broken?

    12 FEB

    Debate 49 - Is Math Ed Broken?

    Text us your thoughts! Math has often been seen as the universal language — a foundation of science, technology, and problem-solving. But it’s also often a source of struggle, frustration, and even fear for thousands of students. So what’s going on? Is there a problem with how we teach math? Or is this criticism missing the point — overlooking the structure, logic, and discipline that make math so powerful in the first place? Some say we’re losing rigor in the name of relevance; others say we’ve clung too tightly to outdated methods that no longer serve our students.In this episode, we want to explore what’s working, what’s not, and what a truly effective math education might look like in the 21st century, as we debate the resolution: Math Education in the US is Broken. You can find Robert Kaplinsky on social media: @RobertKaplinsky and check out more of his work at OpenMiddle.com and GrassrootsWorkshops.com Follow Courtney Flessner on Bluesky: @cfless or on Instagram: @MathandOtherThingsAnd be sure to check out KeepIndianaLearning.org!Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts. Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel! Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!

    55 min

  6. 28 JAN

    Fast Break #1 - What is the Best Tech Tool?

    Text us your thoughts! In this quick follow-up to last week’s episode, we invited each of our guests to model a short, fun classroom debate. In just a few minutes, you can hear a sample debate that captures the spirit of productive mathematical argumentation—thoughful, curious, and includes reasoning. Tune in for a rapid-fire glimpse of what these debates can look like in action! You can find Ed Campos on LinkedIn & Instagram: @edcamposjr and check out his non-profit Campo Creativo (@CampoCreativo559)Follow Cal Armstrong on LinkedIn & BlueSky: @calarmstrong.bsky.socialCheck out Jed Williams on BlueSky: @jedediyah.comListened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts. Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel! Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!

    4 min
  7. Debate 48 - Is A.I. Helpful in Math Education?

    22 JAN

    Debate 48 - Is A.I. Helpful in Math Education?

    Text us your thoughts! Artificial intelligence has exploded onto the scene with promises of personalized learning, instant feedback, and round-the-clock tutoring. Some teachers say it’s transforming how students engage with mathematics. Others worry it’s turning problem-solving into copy-and-paste, eroding reasoning, and creating a generation of students who can “get answers” but can’t explain them. So today, we’re exploring whether AI is a powerful tool that enhances learning? Or just another hindrance for teachers and students? As we explore the question: Is AI helpful in math education? Jed mentioned the book Fairness and Machine Learning Ed mentioned some resources, including:Ed Tech & AI Guidance for Math Leaders - NCSM My Notebook LM on AI Guidance- Notebook LM Common Sense Media resources for families, students, and teachers on understanding AI’s impact on Education and Kids AIedu also has great ‘snapshot’ convos to weave into your classroom A former NCTM President’s Message was mentioned as well You can find Ed Campos on LinkedIn & Instagram: @edcamposjr and check out his non-profit Campo Creativo (@CampoCreativo559)Follow Cal Armstrong on LinkedIn & BlueSky: @calarmstrong.bsky.socialCheck out Jed Williams on online: jedediyah.comListened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts. Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel! Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!

    1hr 4min

  8. 11/12/2025

    Debate 47 - How Can We Support Teachers?

    Text us your thoughts! As we’ve done in the past, we wanted to end the year by bringing together a few of our guests from past debates for a roundtable to reflect on the past debates and also engage in a discussion around a central question. With all the stress put on teachers and all the content we have to teach (not to mention the greater political environment we are currently in), we want to hear from our past guests and discuss: How do we properly support math teachers? Learn more about Jodie Bailey on LinkedIn. Find Vanessa Vakharia on social media @themathguru, check out her website: MathTherapy.com, or listen to her podcast: Math Therapy. Follow Phonisha Hawkins on social media @HawksMathaMagic, on LinkedIn, and read her new blog: mathedefficacy.comCheck out Dan Kaufmann through his website scmath.org, or dan@scmath.orgFind Brittany Hege on social media @mixandmath and check out her website: mixandmath.com Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts. Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel! Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!

    1hr 10min
See All (65)

About

Welcome to the DebateMath Podcast, the show where we’re redefining what it means to debate in mathematics & education, where multiple sides of ideas are explored, evidence matters, and we all grow and learn from hearing each other. We know the world–and our classrooms–are not binary. So we lean into the gray area in our discussions. We invite on guests with differing viewpoints on the way math is taught, and listen in as they debate with each other. Come dig into any debate, where we listen to learn, not to prove someone wrong, but to deepen our understanding. 

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Luzniak & Rob Baier
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 © 2025 DebateMath Podcast
  • Show Website
    DebateMath Podcast

You Might Also Like