Math, Actually

McGraw Hill

Teaching Tips That Truly Add Up

Episodes

  1. 4h ago

    Series 3, Episode 2: Rethinking Math Instruction: Less Practice, More Thinking

    How can teachers create meaningful math learning experiences while navigating pacing requirements, assessment pressure, and packed curricula? In this episode of Math, Actually, we're joined by Cheryl Tobey, STEM Education Specialist at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA), to explore the challenges that can get in the way of authentic math learning and practical ways teachers can make room for deeper student thinking. Cheryl shares why authentic math instruction doesn't necessarily mean slowing down. From rethinking the questions teachers ask to identifying the most meaningful problems in a lesson, she offers practical strategies for shifting the focus from completing more problems to developing stronger mathematical understanding. In this conversation, Chuck and Tobey explore: - How pacing and assessment pressures can impact meaningful math instruction - Why a shared vision for teaching and learning matters - How low-prep questioning strategies can encourage mathematical reasoning - Why selecting six to nine meaningful problems can be more effective than completing 25 - How teachers can prioritize conceptual understanding while maintaining curriculum integrity Authentic math learning isn't about doing more problems. It's about creating more opportunities for students to think, reason, discuss, and make meaningful mathematical connections. Guest: Cheryl Tobey, STEM Education Specialist, Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA) Follow Us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McGrawHillK12X:  https://www.x.com/mcgrawhillk12LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mcgraw-hill-educationPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mcgrawhillk12/Subscribe Here: https://www.youtube.com/@McGrawHillEducationSchool/sub_confirmation=1

  2. 19h ago

    Series 3, Episode 1: What Does Authentic Math Learning Really Look Like?

    What does authentic math learning really look like in the classroom? And how can teachers help students become confident mathematical thinkers rather than simply followers of step-by-step procedures? In the first episode of Series 3 of Math, Actually, we're joined by Cheryl Tobey, STEM Education Specialist at MMSA, author, and experienced educator, to explore what it means for students to truly do mathematics. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in professional learning and 10 years as a classroom educator, Cheryl shares how authentic math learning centers on student sense-making, mathematical reasoning, and reflection. She explores the role of meaningful problems, visual representations, peer collaboration, and purposeful teacher questioning in helping students take ownership of their learning. In this conversation, Chuck and Tobey discuss: - What authentic math learning looks like across grade levels - How teachers can use questioning to deepen student thinking - The difference between doing mathematics and simply receiving it - Why student sense-making matters more than the task itself - How to help students become independent, self-regulating learners Authentic math learning isn't just about getting the right answer. It's about developing the thinking, reasoning, and confidence students need to tackle problems again and again. Guest: Cheryl Tobey, STEM Education Specialist at Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance #MathActually #MathEducation #MathTeachers #MathematicalThinking #AuthenticLearning Follow Us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McGrawHillK12X:  https://www.x.com/mcgrawhillk12LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mcgraw-hill-educationPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mcgrawhillk12/Subscribe Here: https://www.youtube.com/@McGrawHillEducationSchool/sub_confirmation=1

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Teaching Tips That Truly Add Up