In this episode of MathsTalk, host Sarah Ramantanus welcomes Leanne McMahon to discuss the newly released AMSI Discipline Report 2024. Leanne highlights key findings, including declining student engagement in mathematics, the critical shortage of qualified maths teachers, and the significant equity gaps affecting disadvantaged and regional schools. We discuss actionable steps for educators, such as fostering real-world relevance in maths, upskilling teachers through professional development, and promoting higher-level maths participation to prepare students for STEM careers. Leanne also emphasizes the role of parents and schools in creating a supportive mathematical culture. Tune in for practical insights, inspiring solutions, and a roadmap to improve maths education across Australia.

Discipline Report: https://amsi.org.au/resources/reports/ (Includes all AMSI reports)

Out of Field teaching report (and others): https://schools.amsi.org.au/publications-and-reports/

EM Maths Consulting: https://www.emmaths.com.au/

Sheila Griffin Maths: https://sheilagriffinmaths.com.au/

Contact Leanne: Leanne@amsi.org.au

In this episode, host Leanne McMahon sits down with Michael Evans, a renowned figure in mathematics education, to discuss the AMSI ICE-EM textbooks and their evolution. Michael provides an insightful look into the history of these textbooks, which have been instrumental in Australian classrooms for over 20 years. He highlights their unique development process, the collaborative efforts behind them, and their focus on deep understanding rather than rote learning. The episode also delves into the exciting updates coming with the incorporation of the Australian Curriculum Version 9, including algorithmic thinking, Indigenous perspectives, and enhanced online resources. With a strong emphasis on support for teachers, this episode is a must-listen for educators looking to maximize the potential of these innovative textbooks in their classrooms.

Resources:

Textbook information: https://schools.amsi.org.au/publications_category/publications/textbooks/

Textbook samples and ordering: https://cambridge.edu.au/iceem

AMSI online resources:

Calculate: https://calculate.org.au/

AMSI student and teacher modules: https://calculate.org.au/amsi-modules/

Classroom resources:

• Number and algebra: https://calculate.org.au/number-and-algebra/
• Measurement and Geometry: https://calculate.org.au/measurement-and-geometry/
• Units of work: https://calculate.org.au/units-of-work/
• Games: https://calculate.org.au/games/

In this episode of MathsTalk, Host, Leanne McMahon speaks with Cass Lowry, a PhD candidate researching the identification of high-quality mathematics resources. Cass shares her experiences at major conferences and discusses the need for a framework to help teachers discern effective math resources in the rapidly expanding online space. She highlights the importance of balancing problem-solving and explicit teaching and mentions her current research efforts, including a survey for Australian teachers. Cass also shares her top three maths websites, books and hands-on resources, :

Please help Cass by completing her survey: https://uninewcastle.questionpro.com.au/QMR-survey

2024 MANSW Annual Conference

3-day event: 30 September - 2 October

Twin Towns Tweed Heads

Theme: Teaching for, about and through problem solving

Keynote: Amie Albrecht

https://www.mansw.nsw.edu.au/events/category/2024-mansw-annual-conference

Websites:

Steve Wyborney's blog https://www.stevewyborney.com

LoveMaths by Michael Minas: http://www.lovemaths.com.au

OpenMiddle by Robert Kaplinsky. https://www.openmiddle.com

Books:

Mathematics Assessment for Learning: Rich tasks and Work Samples by Ann Downton, Rose Knight, Doug Clarke and Gerard Lewis

Rosenshine's Principles in Action by Tom Sherington

Chasing Rabbits: A Curious Guide to a Lifetime of Mathematical Wellness by Sunil Singh

Teaching Mathematics through Story Books byt Sheila Griffin and Dr Paul Swan https://drpaulswan.com.au/shop/teaching-mathematics-through-story-books-1-f-1/

EMMaths Virtual Summit: https://www.emmaths.com.au/events

Amplify Polypad: https://polypad.amplify.com/

Cass's Pattern blocks presentation: https://bit.ly/ICME-15