DebateMath Podcast
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.
Fast Break #9 - What is the Coolest Way to Solve a Ratio Problem?
Text us your thoughts!
In this quick follow-up to last week’s episode, we invited our guest 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—thoughtful, curious, and includes reasoning. Tune in for a rapid-fire glimpse of what these debates can look like in action as we ask the question: What is the Coolest Way to Solve a Ratio Problem?
You can find Tifin Calcagni via email: tifin@orlandomathcircle.org or solecist72@gmail.com or on Link...DebateMath Lesson #8 - Math Wrangles?
Text us your thoughts!
As we kick off the back-to-school season, we wanted to spend some time exploring new ways to bring debate and argumentation into your math classroom. Last year, we shared a few discussion and debate routines to help get meaningful conversations started. This year, we’re taking things a step further by highlighting how brilliant educators are building deeper activities around mathematical argumentation and debate. In today’s episode, we’re diving into a routine called Math Wrangles. What are Math Wrangles? How do they work? And might teachers find them powerful for st...
Fast Break #8 - What is the Best Way to Study for a Test?
Text us your thoughts!
In this quick follow-up to last week’s episode, we invited 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—thoughtful, curious, and includes reasoning. Tune in for a rapid-fire glimpse of what these debates can look like in action as we ask the question: What is the Best Way to Study for a Test?
You can contact Rev. Jessica Solomon via email: signal@jessicasolomon.co You can find Nigel Nisbet via the websi...Hot Seat #13 - Does Math Education Over-Rely on Brain Research?
Text us your thoughts!
You’ve probably heard it before—claims about how the brain learns best or teaching moves justified by neuroscience. These ideas have shaped classrooms, professional development, and even policy. But here’s the question we’re asking today: Have we gone too far?
In this Hot Seat, we’re joined by two guests who will be arguing that math education over-relies on brain-based research—and that this reliance may actually be limiting how we think about teaching, learning, and students themselves. So let’s dive into the debate with this resolution:
Math Edu...
Fast Break #7 - Bar Graphs or Pie Charts?
Text us your thoughts!
In this quick follow-up to last week’s episode, we invited our guest (Deborah) 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. Tune in for a rapid-fire glimpse of what these debates can look like in action as we ask the question:
Which is better: bar graphs or pie charts?
You can find Dr. Deborah Peart Crayton on social media: @mathersgonnamath Check out her website: MathersGonnaMath.comListened to the...
Hot Seat #12 - We Are All Born Mathers?
Text us your thoughts!
In our last Hot Seat, our guests challenged the idea that everyone is a math person. Has the idea gone too far? And in today’s Hot Seat, we’re following up on this idea with a subtle but powerful shift in language—and mindset. What if we had a word other than mathematician or math person? Join us as our Hot Seat guest invites us to rethink not just what we call our students, but how those words shape their relationship with mathematics, as our guest argues: We are all born Mathers...
Fast Break #6 - Is 100 a Good Approximation for 147?
Text us your thoughts!
In this quick follow-up to last week’s episode, we invited our guests (Vanessa & Chris) 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. Tune in for a rapid-fire glimpse of what these debates can look like in action as we ask the question: Is 100 a Good Approximation for 147?
You can find Vanessa Vakharia on social media @TheMathGuru and visit her website: MathTherapy.com You can find Chris Nho on social media @nhoskeeLi...
Hot Seat #11 - Is Everyone Really a Math Person?
Text us your thoughts!
You’ve probably heard it before — maybe from a teacher, a colleague, a speaker at a conference, or even yourself: “Everyone is a math person.” It’s become a kind of rallying cry in math education. A statement of belief. But is it really true? Or are we over-doing it? It came from a place of countering the narrative that we often hear from students, saying “I’m just not a math person” or “I’m just not good at math.” But is everyone really a math person? And is it OK not to be into math? What...
Fast Break #5 - What is the Best Way to Solve a Quadratic?
Text us your thoughts!
In this quick follow-up to last week’s episode, we invited our guests (Jay & Steve) 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. Tune in for a rapid-fire glimpse of what these debates can look like in action!
Check out their website: 21stcenturymathassessment.comYou can find Jay Meadows on exemplars.com or on LinkedIn.You can email Steve Leinwand at stevelmath@aolListened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find...
Hot Seat #10 - Should We Overhaul Assessments?
Text us your thoughts!
Let’s talk about state assessments. These exams carry enormous weight. They influence school ratings, district decisions, curriculum, teacher evaluations, and often, whether students feel successful or not. They’re designed to measure learning. To provide accountability. To ensure standards are met. But is that what we’re really getting from these tests? Is the way we assess learning narrowing instruction, distorting priorities, and sending the wrong message about what it means to truly understand mathematics? Today’s Hot Seat guests are making a bold argument: that what we are currently doing isn’t what’s b...
Fast Break #4 - What is the Best Way to Graph 2x + 4y = 10?
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.
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—thoughtful, curious, and includes reasoning. Tune in for a rapid-fire glimpse of what these debates can look like in action!
You can re...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 lo...
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 MathIs...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...
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: @Matha...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 st...
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: @jede...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 Lear...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 Ba...Debate 46 - Should We Teach Analog Clocks?
Text us your thoughts!
What are your thoughts about teaching how to read analog clocks? In this month’s debate we’re diving into a question that might seem small at first, but actually gets at some big ideas about education, tradition, and the skills we think are essential for the next generation, especially in light of all the technology available. Since digital clocks can be found all over (including in our pockets), should students still learn how to read an analog clock? (That’s a clock with the minute and hour hands moving in a circle.) As edu...
Debate 45 - More Reading or More Math?
Text us your thoughts!
Imagine you had a magic wand and could add an extra 30–40 minutes to the school day. How would you use it? Would you dedicate that time to Reading or to Math—and why? That’s the debate we dove into, with two teams facing off in this live debate, answering the big question: Should schools spend more time on Reading or on Math?
*This is a recording of a LIVE debate from the Hamilton County ESC Explore Mathematics Conference*
You read more about the work of Carolyn Turner and he...Mini DebateMath Lesson #7
Text us your thoughts!
This is the seventh (and final) episode with our guests demonstrating various classroom debate routines. In this episode, we put everything together: using a discourse routine, modeling listening skills, and preparing both sides of a debate. Tune in as guest debaters Mike and Zak dive into a final example with us!
Follow Mike Flynn on social media: @mikeflynn55Follow Zak Champagne on social media: @zakchampAnd check out the FlynnEducation website: flynneducation.comListened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share you...
Mini DebateMath Lesson #6
Text us your thoughts!
This is the sixth of seven episodes where our guests demonstrate various classroom debate routines. In this episode, we see another example of the routine where students have to prepare both sides of an argument ahead of time: a Point-Counterpoint Debate. Tune in as guest debaters Mike and Zak dive into an example of this!
Follow Mike Flynn on social media: @mikeflynn55Follow Zak Champagne on social media: @zakchampAnd check out the FlynnEducation website: flynneducation.comListened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Me...
Mini DebateMath Lesson #5
Text us your thoughts!
This is the fifth of seven episodes where our guests demonstrate various classroom debate routines. In this example, we explore a routine where students have to prepare both sides of an argument ahead of time: a Point-Counterpoint Debate. Tune in as guest debaters Mike and Zak dive into an example of this!
Follow Mike Flynn on social media: @mikeflynn55Follow Zak Champagne on social media: @zakchampAnd check out the FlynnEducation website: flynneducation.comListened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to sh...
Mini DebateMath Lesson #4
Text us your thoughts!
This is the fourth of seven episodes where our guests demonstrate various classroom debate routines. In this example, we dig further into the listening routine of Circle Debates. Tune in as guest debaters Mike and Zak dive into an example of this!
Follow Mike Flynn on social media: @mikeflynn55Follow Zak Champagne on social media: @zakchampAnd check out the FlynnEducation website: flynneducation.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...
Mini DebateMath Lesson #3
Text us your thoughts!
This is the third of seven episodes where our guests demonstrate various classroom debate routines. In this example, we extend the routine from the previous episodes to really encourage listening. Tune in as guest debaters Mike and Zak dive into an example of this!
Follow Mike Flynn on social media: @mikeflynn55Follow Zak Champagne on social media: @zakchampAnd check out the FlynnEducation website: flynneducation.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 c...
Mini DebateMath Lesson #2
Text us your thoughts!
This is the second of seven episodes where our guests demonstrate various classroom debate routines. Tune in to this very brief example, where guest debaters Mike and Zak dive into a more mathy example!
Follow Mike Flynn on social media: @mikeflynn55Follow Zak Champagne on social media: @zakchampAnd check out the FlynnEducation website: flynneducation.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...
Mini DebateMath Lesson #1
Text us your thoughts!
This is the first of seven episodes where our guests demonstrate various classroom debate routines. Tune in to this very brief debate on pizza, where guest debaters Mike and Zak dive into an example!
Follow Mike Flynn on social media: @mikeflynn55Follow Zak Champagne on social media: @zakchampAnd check out the FlynnEducation website: flynneducation.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...
Hot Seat #9 - Memorize or From Memory?
Text us your thoughts!
Today we’re diving into one of the most talked-about—and often misunderstood—topics in math education: memorization vs from-memory thinking. At first glance, they might sound like the same thing. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a growing divide among educators, researchers, and even students.
Should we be drilling multiplication tables and formulas until they’re automatic? Or should we be building understanding without having to “memorize” in the traditional sense? Listen in as Graham Fletcher shares his Hot Seat debate: From-memory learning is better than memorizing...
Hot Seat #8 - Is Math a Gatekeeper?
Text us your thoughts!
Mathematics has often been considered a gateway to opportunity—but some people argue that, too often, it acts instead as a gatekeeper. But why is that? Is it really a barrier for our students’ future successes? And how much of a problem is this? In this episode, we dive deep into this discussion with Pamela Burdman from Just Equations. She will debate our Hot Seat resolution: Math is a Gatekeeper
You can follow Just Equations on LinkedIn, BlueSky, and Instagram.You can read more on the Just Equations website (justequations.org...Hot Seat #7 - Intentional Sequencing?
Text us your thoughts!
Do you ever find yourself happy with the lessons you are creating, only to have students forget everything a month later? Perhaps we need to slow down more? Or spiral? It’s the constant question in our teacher minds: How do we help students really learn this stuff? As our guest today will argue: We Need to Be Mindful in the Way We Sequence Learning Math!
Follow Dan on BlueSky: @danielk.bsky.social
Or on Twitter: @KauDan721
You can see Dan’s website at: scmath.org
List...
Hot Seat #6 - Teach Listening?
Text us your thoughts!
Discourse routines are a big part of many classrooms (and debates). However, what role does listening play and is there a way to teach it? Our “Hot Seat” guest today is here arguing for the statement: Schools Should Teach Listening Skills
You can find out more about The Listening Path. You can contact Christine Miles on her website. And check out her book: What is It Costing You Not to Listen?Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share you...
Hot Seat #5 - Math Identity?
Text us your thoughts!
It’s time for another round of Summer Hot Seats!
You may have heard talk about math anxiety and helping students to build confidence in math skills. But our guests today want to focus on the idea of math identity. What is it? And how do we foster it? So for this Hot Seat debate, we have two educators here to share why they think:
Teachers MUST cultivate a positive math identity.
Brian mentioned the book: The Impact of Identity in K-8 MathematicsYou can find Rolanda Baldwin on Li...Debate 39 - Should We Teach a Curriculum with Fidelity?
Text us your thoughts!
Let’s talk about curriculum resources! Whether you are using a textbook that you chose or your district chose for you, many of you have been asked to use the resource with fidelity. But what exactly is fidelity, and is it a problem to create our own lessons? How much should teachers be expected to use what is included in a curriculum resource? Well that sounds like a great question for debate! So we have a panel of 3 guests today to share their thoughts on the question:
Should we teach a...
Debate 38 - Should We Compare the Teaching of Reading to the Teaching of Math?
Text us your thoughts!
Is teaching math the same as teaching reading? Have you ever attended a PD or read about a strategy that works for teaching both reading and were asked to use it in math as well? There are times when these two pedagogies can overlap…but should they? Today, we have a very special “family” episode for you. We are going to hear a husband and wife debate it out on this very topic, answering the question:
Should We Be Comparing the Teaching of Reading to the Teaching of Math?
You c...Debate 37 - Dump the Algorithms?
Text us your thoughts!
Math is full of algorithms. These are generalized procedures or sets of rules to be followed in solving problems of a given type. From the standard algorithms for subtraction and long division in elementary school all the way to the distance formula and the quadratic formula in high school, algorithms are a part of the mathematics curriculum. However, some may ask: should we be teaching students these methods, or should we Dump the Algorithms?
Pam Harris’s website: mathisfigureoutable.com Follow Pam Harris on social media: @pwharrisVanessa Vakharia’s website: maththerapy.comFollow Vanes...Debate 36 - Narrow the Grade Bands?
Text us your thoughts!
How narrow should we make the grade bands for teacher certification? When teachers get their certification in a state, it is usually for a specific subject and/or grade band. For instance, a teacher may get a certification in K-8 Elementary Teaching or 7-12 Math Instruction. These bands vary by state and change over time. So what is the ideal set of grade bands? Listen in as our debaters take on the resolution: Should We Narrow the Grade Bands?
Gabriel mentioned the O’Mellan research article.You can contact Gabriel via email: gmat...Debate 35 - Creating Belonging in Math Class?
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. This year’s question is:
How do we help students feel that they belong in math class?
Follow Melissa Dean on Twitter & Instagram: @Dean_of_mathCheck out Melissa’s Blog: Dean of Math BlogFollow Liesl McConchie on Twitter (and Bluesky): @LieslMcconchieCheck out Liesl’s Website...Debate 34 - Should Politics Be Avoided in Math Class?
Text us your thoughts!
At the time of this recording, we are in an election year and political ads are everywhere. As we get closer to November 2024, it is harder and harder to avoid. Now, while you may not think of math as a course that intersects with political topics, teachers may find it coming up in many ways. So for this episode we gathered a panel of educators to give us advice on this, addressing the question: Should politics be avoided in math class?
Follow Dee Crescitelli on Social Media: @dcrescitelliFollow Crystal Watson on Social...Debate 33 - Is NCTM Worth It?
Text us your thoughts!
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, or NCTM, is the world's largest mathematics education organization. While many math teachers are members of this organization and may attend its national conference, others do not. Maybe you are someone who has wondered whether or not to join?
We wanted to explore this idea more in our latest debate: Is an NCTM membership worthwhile?
Follow Desiree Harrison on all platforms: @KidsmathtalkFollow Bobson Wong on Twitter/BlueSky/Instagram: @bobsonwong Check out Bobson’s Website: www.bobsonwong.comFollow Steve Phelps on all platforms: @MathTechCoach Follow...