Strength In Numbers
Strength In Numbers explores mathematics education, focusing on innovative teaching pedagogies, classroom success stories, and the moments when students and teachers experience 'Aha!' breakthroughs. Brought to you by AAMT, it offers engaging and sometimes light-hearted discussions for maths enthusiasts and educators looking to improve their practice. The show covers practical ideas and broader issues in teaching mathematics.
Episodes
The Hardest Job in School: Mastering Middle Leadership, with Darius Samojlowicz
Middle leadership might just be the hardest job in school - not because the role itself is impossible, but because so few leaders are ever truly prepared for what it demands. In this episode, Allan sits down with Darius Samojlowicz, Executive Officer of the Mathematics Association of New South Wales, for an honest and practical conversation about what it really means to lead from the middle. Dariu
Mathematics, Identity and Equity in STEM, with Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith
Astrophysicist and former Women in STEM Ambassador Lisa Harvey-Smith joins Allan Dougan to explore why mathematics matters more than ever — in science, education, and society. From modelling galaxies to understanding artificial intelligence, Lisa explains how maths sits at the heart of discovery, even when scientists aren’t consciously using equations every day. She reflects on her jou
Unpacking Ideology in the Classroom, with Tom Mahoney
What is mathematics education actually for? Tom Mahoney, numeracy learning specialist, secondary mathematics educator, and PhD candidate in educational philosophy at Deakin University joins AAMT CEO Allan Dougan to explore this deceptively simple but powerful question. Importantly, this episode is not about prescribing a “right” ideology. Instead, it encourages teachers to reflect crit
Mathematics Leadership in Times of Change, with Dr Matt Sexton
Practical advice for mathematics leaders who feel constrained by context, reminding listeners that changing practice in even one classroom matters, and that meaningful leadership often grows incrementally. AAMT CEO, Allan Dougan discusses with Matt how to model leadership in schools, and whether leadership should focus on changing practice rather than changing people. This episode is a thoughtful
Inside the Maths Toolbox: How Choice Builds Confidence in the Primary Classroom
Kylie Stone is a WA primary teacher whose passion for mathematics teaching has been shaped through almost two decades of working across regional and metropolitan schools. Kylie shares how she builds confident, flexible mathematicians by focusing on journey over destination, prioritising strategy selection, and creating a warm, engaging environment where every student can access maths meaningf
Supporting Disadvantaged Students: Lessons From Liljedahl’s Work
Challenges teaching at a culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged school, building an action plan, gathering quality data, and overcoming the language barrier with a universal language: mathematics. Dandenong Primary’s Assistant Principal, Terri Truscott, and AAMT’s Education Specialist, Denise Halliday, explore lessons learned in the process of implementing concepts from Pete
Lessons from Abroad: What Australian Teachers Can Learn from North America
Guest host Denise Halliday speaks with Leanne West and Vicky Schavoni, two passionate maths educators who joined the AAMT’s 2024 North American Study Tour. Together, they reflect on what they learned visiting classrooms in Chicago and Calgary, attending the NCTM Conference, and connecting with teachers and leaders across the continent. From building thinking classrooms and vertical whit
Keeping Maths Human: Conversations, Curiosity and Classroom Change
For Sam Ayre, mathematics isn’t just about numbers—it’s a language for thinking, reasoning and communicating. In this lively discussion with Allan Dougan, Sam describes how he helps students find confidence and voice in maths through classroom talk, group problem-solving, and conceptual understanding. He also offers advice for teachers wanting to make small, sustainable changes a
Maths Enrichment: Helping Students See the Bigger Picture
Maths enrichment, identifying student progress, the YMSA competition, and early career challenges. Trinity Grammar’s Mathematics Specialist, Jessica Zhu, joins AAMT’s Education Specialist, Denise Halliday, to discuss all things maths enrichment: open vs closed ended tasks, fighting against the forgetting curve, engendering maths creativity in students, the YMSA competition, Pi Day, and
Becoming a Responsive Teacher: Lessons Learned, with Mr. Barton Maths
The power of mini whiteboards, call and respond, quality multiple choice diagnostic questions, and other tools to gather reliable data from the classroom quickly. Host of the 'Mr Barton Maths' podcast, Head of Education at Eedi, author of 'How I Wish I'd Taught Maths', and creator of countless mathematics teaching websites, Craig Barton, joins Strength in Numbers to discuss effective ways to devel
Season 4 Trailer: Strength in Numbers Podcast
Whether you’re in the classroom, leading a team, or shaping policy, Season 4 is about unpacking what matters most in maths education—and why. Together, we’ll explore; how data can inform responsive teaching, the role of rich tasks and open-ended challenges in building Thinking Classroom, turning assessment into agency and curriculum into culture This season, we dive deeper into t
Pedagogy in Mathematics: What You Can Find in The AAMT’s Recent Position Paper.
The AAMT’s position paper “Pedagogy in Mathematics,” giving teachers back their voice, maintaining appropriate challenge, and how to get the most value from the paper. Professor of mathematics education and AAMT’s board chair, Catherine Attard, joins Strength in Numbers to discuss the recently published position paper “Pedagogy in Mathematics,” a framework
2024 in Review: A Retrospective on a Busy Year and Looking to the Future of the AAMT, with Denise Halliday
AAMT’s study tour to the NCTM conference, ICME 15, the Focus on Maths grant program, and the Pedagogy in Mathematics paper. Mathematics Education Specialist at AAMT, Denise Halliday, joins Alan for a retrospective on the AAMT’s busy 2024, including events such as a study tour to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics conference in Chicago, the National Summit on Aboriginal and
Building Critical Thinkers: How Messy Data Creates Analysis
Situating the curriculum in real life to engage students, giving purpose to learning, teaching that real data is never perfect, the value of not having the right answer as a teacher, and much more. Founder of the Australian Data Science Education Institute, author of Raising Heretics, PhD in Computer Science Education, and passionate educator, Dr Linda McIver joins Allan to discuss best practices
Your Own AI Teachers’ Aide: Using Tutero to Promote Mathematical Thinking in Your Students.
The power of AI as a teaching aid, how to ethically use AI and ChatGPT as a thinking partner, content generator, and consumer of data. Co-CEO of Tutero, Joey Moshinski, and Education Specialist at AAMT, Denise Halliday join Allan to talk about the benefits, challenges, limitations, and ethics of using AI large language models as a tool to improve the teaching of mathematics, as well as challenges
Show Don’t Tell: Contemplating Mathematical Egotism
The value of mathematical empathy, combatting societal perceptions about mathematics, meeting students where they are in order to understand them, and more. PhD Candidate and author of “Contemplating the Role of Mathematical Egotism”, Rebecca Burtenshaw joins Allan for a conversation on mathematical egotism, Rebecca’s journey from “disillusioned with mathematics” to PhD candidate in maths educatio
Starting Lessons Strong: Engaging Students as Problem Posers
Student engagement, #lessonstarter, engaging students with concrete materials, supporting pre-service and early career teachers, and getting out of your comfort zone. Legendary Alice Springs based teacher, teacher educator, and maths consultant Matt Skoss shares with Allan his keys to student engagement, pedagogy choice, teaching mathematical collaboration, transitioning students from concrete to
Statistically Significant: Removing Barriers to Learning Statistics
The accessibility and power of CODAP, finding the right tools to teach statistics, mining for dataset gold, linking students' lived experiences to statistics, and embracing the specificity of statistics. Director of Learning Analytics and Technology at Loreto College, Timothy Bond chats with Allan about teaching statistics to students, his journey from avoiding statistics to loving it, the benefit
Playfulness in Specialist Mathematics: Excited Students are Productive Students
How playfulness in the classroom can help get through content more quickly, help students communicate difficulties, and motivate them to be more engaged and excited about mathematics. Australian Education Awards 2023’s Rising Star of the Year, Stephanie Thomas, joins Allan to share her unique approach to teaching her Specialist Mathematics and year 11/12 General Mathematics classes. She explains h
From Being in a Jam to Making It Your Jam: Building Confidence in Maths with Donna McNeight
Reasoning boards, building confidence in teachers and students alike, avoiding pitfalls in pre-assessment, breaking down “right or wrong” thinking, and encouraging productive classroom discussion. Creator of Reasoning Boards, author of articles in both Prime Number and APMC Voluma 28, Donna McNeight joins the season 3 return of Strength in Numbers to help spread confidence in mathematics, effectiv
Different Continents, Same Challenges: Learning Lessons from American Mathematics Teachers.
The maths education pedagogy war, the role of questioning, inquiry based teaching, pedagogical paralysis, developing students who appreciate mathematics, and more. President of the American NCTM and 8th grade teacher of over 25 years, Kevin Dykema, and AAMT’s own president and maths education academic, Catherine Attard, join Allan to talk about the challenges universal to mathematics teaching rega
More Strength in Numbers: Season 3 Coming Soon
The Strength in Numbers podcast is back for its highly anticipated third season, and this time, we're diving deep into the heart of mathematics education. Join us as we hear from a diverse array of guests – from seasoned educators to renowned experts and academics – who unpack the challenges facing modern mathematics education. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or simply someone who wants to u
Maths Teacher Wins Prime Ministers Science Prize, with Donna Buckley
Extending students creatively with the National Maths Talent Quest, the value of slow mathematics, contextualising theory with practice, how cybersecurity can engage students in mathematics, and the Maths Book Club WA. 2023 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools recipient, Donna Buckley shares her expertise and experience on engaging students via challenges,
The PLCs of Learning: Nurturing Assessment Capable Learners, with Essential Assessment
Evidence-based thinking vs assumption-based thinking, the power of front-loading, and what a PLC even is. Nichols Point Primary School teachers Annie and Beck, along with Teaching and Learning Manager at Essential Assessment, Jacinta Browning join the podcast to talk about how they have utilised Essential Assessment to drive community wide improvement cycles, used a PLC as a vehicle for student-le
Mr. Wootube’s Secret Ingredient: The Vital Role Students Play in the Classroom
Using storytelling as a teaching tool, the value of the relationship between student and lesson, hit YouTube channel MisterWootube, and the unique approach of the Mathematics Growth Team. Professor of Practice at the University of Sydney, published author, TED speaker, TV host on ABC and Channel 10, and Mister Wootube himself, Eddie Woo joins this episode of the podcast to share the many lessons h
Teacher First, Maths Teacher Second: Mastering The Craft Of Teaching
Learning the teaching craft, creating your own manipulatives, and building a diverse professional network. Executive Officer with the Mathematical Association of Western Australia Paula McMahon joins the show to share her experiences with helping students connect different concepts of mathematics, learning the craft from teachers in other fields, advice for out of field teachers, and some thoughts
Learning Lessons from Ted Lasso: Be Curious, Not Judgemental
Avoiding judgement and shame responses in the classroom, finding room to let go, and showing students that maths is an adventure, not a straight and narrow path. Ph.D. in Physics, founder of Maths Plus Academy and founding member of The Global Math Project, Raj Shah joins Allan Dougan on the podcast for a discussion about how harmful shame and judgement is for maths students, helping kids develop
The Learner Teacher: Staying Ahead of Change
Valuing depth over speed, remaining a learner while teaching, the power of observation, and personal mathematical identities. Director of Mathematics and Numeracy with the ACT Education Directorate Sam Hardwicke joins Allan Dougan, CEO of the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers to explore creativity in maths, asking of yourself what you ask of your students, building a culture of observ
The 3 Domains of Engagement: Driving Student Engagement in Mathematics
The 3 domains of engagement in students, gaining confidence as a teacher, and the relationship between academic and practitioner. Author of EngagingMaths.com and President-Elect of AAMT Professor Catherine Attard joins this week’s episode to help teachers seek help from their local professional organisation, talk about how engaged teachers create engaged students, how academics choose their resear
Have Your π and Teach It Too: Making Maths Fun For the Next Generation
Integrating maths into a student’s daily life, Maths Week Scotland, and Pi Day shenanigans. That Maths Newsletter guy and Scottish Teacher of the Year 2018, Chris Smith joins the podcast to regale us with stories of his adventures and escapades during Pi Day celebrations, talk about progress with maths awareness during Maths Week Scotland, how to engage students with fun classroom events, and his
Death By A Thousand Times Tables, with Chris Hogbin
Engagement vs enjoyment, fluency vs quick recall, combating maths anxiety, and well-meaning but harmful attitudes. EdTech Specialist and creator of Number Hive, Chris Hogbin joins us today to talk about the dangers of focusing on quick recall and student enjoyment, the importance of showing the purpose of maths, alternate measures of success, and fighting maths anxiety one harmful sentiment at a t
Your Classroom Personal Trainer: The Power of Essential Assessment
Motivating students, pruning the curriculum, and getting parents involved using modern assessment tools. Essential Assessment’s Teaching and Learning Manager Jacinta Browning and President of the Queensland Catholic Primary Principals Association, Gavin Rick join to discuss the role assessment can play for students, teachers, parents, and school leadership alike. Key Links:Essential Assessment:htt
Super Mario Quadratics: Using Technology to Teach Maths, with John Rowe
Using technology to make maths relevant to student interests, breaking down walls in the classroom, unique technological manipulatives, and only using technology when you have to. Desmos Computation Layer Specialist, John Rowe joins us to talk about his unique experience using technology in the classroom, his viral quadratics tool, how to keep students engaged with each other in the classroom whil
Strategies, Not Processes: The Art of the Productive Struggle
Challenging high potential underachievers, equipping your students with multiple toolsets, utilising productive struggle, and seeking out help from other teachers.PhD candidate and Master Teacher at the Education and Research Directorate, Andrea de Carvalho joins the podcast to talk about challenging already excelling students, preparing alternate work each lesson for students who need other pathw
Invisible Money, Invisible Maths: How The Digitisation of Money Has Reduced Student's Exposure to Numbers.
Reintroducing physical props when teaching maths, the loss of tangible numeracy in a digital world, ditching the worksheet as the first port of call, and focusing on the language of mathematics. Numeracy Consultant at the Association of Independent Schools WA, Sheila Griffin joins Allan Dougan to discuss the loss of physical, tangible examples of maths outside the classroom and how best to counter
Come and Be Counted - ICME Returns to the Southern Hemisphere, with Kim Beswick and Will Morony
Differentiating engagement from entertainment, harnessing fun in the classroom, and The International Congress on Mathematical Education returns to Australia for the first time in 40 years in 2024 with ICME #15. Head of the School of Education at UNSW, Professor Kim Beswick and Former AAMT Chief Executive, Will Morony join Allan Dougan to discuss the upcoming International Congress of Mathematics
Maths is for Everyone: Dispelling Misconceptions About Mathematics with Master Teacher, Mark Hansen
Making maths accessible, bringing student interests into mathematics, intentionality in pedagogies, and the art of being less helpful. Master Teacher, Deputy Principal and published mathematics author, Mark Hansen joins us today to talk about his unique maths journey, German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus’s curves of learning and forgetting and using interleaved activities to combat it, and the f
Behind Building Thinking Classrooms, with Dr. Peter Liljedahl
Solutions to common struggles facing teachers of mathematics, stories of classes that went wrong, and breakthrough moments facilitated by changing teaching tools. AAMT Chief Executive, Allan DOUGAN speaks with Dr. Peter Liljedahl - the author of bestselling teacher’s guide “Building Thinking Classrooms Creating a classroom that necessitates thinking and participation can be challenging, and the hu
No Teacher Is an Island: Learning From Others and Getting Support, with Rebecca Garrett
Learning pedagogical techniques from other disciplines, shaking up the structure of the classroom, and getting support from your local organisations. President of MASA, Rebecca Garrett and AAMT Chief Executive Allan Dougan talk about getting students excited about mathematics, disarming maths intimidation through fun challenges, and the roles your local organisations can play in helping strengthen
Taking Life Lessons into the Classroom, with Denise Halliday
Unique perspectives on the place mathematics has in our data-driven modern world, and how using tools like Desmos and Wolfram Alpha can help students visualise mathematics. AAMT Education Specialist Denise Halliday joins Chief Executive Allan Dougan to talk about how Denise’s early career in accounting and investment banking helped ignite her passion for teaching and gave her unique insights on th
Strength In Numbers
Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of mathematics education, exploring innovative teaching pedagogies, sharing classroom success stories, and unravelling the mysteries behind those 'Aha!' moments. Whether you're a maths enthusiast or just looking to improve your teaching skills in mathematics, this podcast brought to you by AAMT is your go-to resource for engaging, sometimes light-heart
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