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.
Episodes
66 episodes
Fast Break #4 - What is the Best Way to Graph 2x + 4y = 10?
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 epi...
Debate 51 - Should We Pause Grade Level Instruction to Rebuild Prior Skills?
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 ...
Fast Break #3 - What is the Best Way to Add 379 + 488?
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—thoughfu...
Debate 50 - Is There Fake Math?
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 critic...
Fast Break #2 - What is the Best Manipulative for Fractions?
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—thoughfu...
Debate 49 - Is Math Ed Broken?
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 proble...
Fast Break #1 - What is the Best Tech Tool?
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—thoughfu...
Debate 48 - Is A.I. Helpful in Math Education?
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 prob...
Debate 47 - How Can We Support Teachers?
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...
Debate 46 - Should We Teach Analog Clocks?
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 ess...
Debate 45 - More Reading or More Math?
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...
Mini DebateMath Lesson #7
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. Tu...
Mini DebateMath Lesson #6
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-Counterpo...
Mini DebateMath Lesson #5
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 ...
Mini DebateMath Lesson #4
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 th...
Mini DebateMath Lesson #3
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 int...
Mini DebateMath Lesson #2
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 me...
Mini DebateMath Lesson #1
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...
Hot Seat #9 - Memorize or From Memory?
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 growi...
Hot Seat #8 - Is Math a Gatekeeper?
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...
Hot Seat #7 - Intentional Sequencing?
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 rea...
Hot Seat #6 - Teach Listening?
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
Hot Seat #5 - Math Identity?
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 w...
Debate 39 - Should We Teach a Curriculum with Fidelity?
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 ou...
Debate 38 - Should We Compare the Teaching of Reading to the Teaching of Math?
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 ...