Modern Math Teacher- Teaching Strategies for High School and Middle School Math Teachers

In this episode we discuss one of my favorite teaching practices--that's the Modern Classroom Model, which consists of three big concepts: blended learning, self-pacing and mastery-based assessment. As a mentor, I work with teachers worldwide to bring this model to their classroom and today we're just scratching the surface on what the model is and why it's awesome for math class.Today's Topics:What is The Modern Classroom Model?Blending Tradition with TechnologyPersonalized Learning Paths + Self PacingMastery Based AssessmentThe changing role of the teacherWhy Choose The Modern Classroom for Math?Why it's a great fit for math classHow it works out in my classroomResources:Explore more about The Modern Classroom model at modernclassrooms.org.Consider bringing specific aspects of the model into your classroom or dive into the full experience with free and paid courses available on the website.Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

In this lively episode of "The Modern Math Teacher," we tackle the age-old challenge of making math not just comprehensible but downright exciting for high school students. Unveiling the secret sauce to engagement, our host takes you on a journey through the four spheres of relevance—self, community, culture, and real-world applications. From turning quadratic equations into kendama adventures to linking math with local events like kite festivals, this episode is a treasure trove of strategies for educators seeking to revolutionize their classrooms. Plus, discover a teen-friendly spin on real-world relevance, where math becomes the key to deciphering trends on social media platforms. Get ready to transform your teaching with this fun, informative, and slightly edgy guide to crafting truly engaging lessons!Today's Topics- Exploration of the four spheres of relevance: self, community, culture, and real-world applications.- Personal anecdotes and examples, including the kendama-inspired quadratic equation problem and the integration of math into local events like kite festivals.- Creating a culturally responsive curriculum, tying math to social justice issues, pop culture, and diverse student backgrounds.- A teen-friendly perspective on real-world relevance, linking math to analyzing trends on social media platforms.Related Articles- Edutopia Article: "How to Make Math Concepts Feel Relevant to Students"Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

Inside this week's episode of The Modern Math Teacher, Kristen is joined by guest Mona Iehl-- the go-to expert on teaching and learning from word problems. After years of teaching in the classroom and working as an instructional coach for elementary and middle grades, Mona is no stranger to the struggles teachers and students have with word problems. Today she shares the biggest take aways she has had for why students struggle with word problems and her go to strategy for successfully utilizing word problems in your classroom!Today's Topics IncludeThe need for risk taking and creating a classroom community that supports itChanging when and how you use the word problemsChoosing the right kinds of tasks-- real, relevant and rigorous-- promoting thinking and culturally relevantThe power of student voice in the classroom discussionsIt's a bit of a longer episode this week, so listen in while you're cleaning the house or prepping the food for the holidays or check out the episode in bite sized pieces:Timestamped BitesThe Word Problem Workshop TM method (15 minutes in)Productive vs Unproductive Struggle and the ZPD (20 mins)Elevating Student Status -5D+ Friends check this one out!- (26 mins)Word Problems within Curriculum Constraints + Lesson Design (36 mins in)Math Class as Math Practice aka The Golden Goose (41 mins)Getting Started (43 mins)Meet MonaMona is a former math avoider, teacher & instructional coach in Chicago. Her passion for math came when she discovered how to engage every student in a subject she, too, disliked. Through intentionally changing her math class to help students BE mathematicians using a student centered approach math came alive for Mona and her students. Now Mona collaboratively coaches teachers in building a math culture through rigorous student centered math instruction. You can listen to Mona every Monday on her podcast, Honest Math Chat and connect with her anytime on Instagram @hellomonamath Resources That we MentionedLet’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

In this lively episode, we embark on a journey to revolutionize the way we approach Project-Based Learning (PBL) in our classrooms. Inside, we explore the keys to crafting group projects that captivate and engage every student, ensuring equity and excitement. From selecting real, relevant, and rigorous topics to strategically assigning group roles, this episode provides a roadmap for educators to transform their classrooms into dynamic hubs of learning through the power of well-designed group projects.Today's Topics:Project-Based Learning's Impact:  The transformative effect of PBL on student engagement.  Challenges with purchased PBL resources not connecting with unique learners.Crafting the Perfect Project:  Selecting topics that are real, relevant, and rigorous.  Balancing learning targets with scaffolded challenges and extension opportunities-Engaging Group Members with Roles:  Optimizing group dynamics with smaller sizes and diverse readiness levels.  Defining the purpose of the group within the project.  Assigning roles like Lead Researcher, Designer, and Analyst for focused contributions. And of course we keep it real with just a little cautionary advice on group dynamics and size.Resources from the Episode:- PBL Kickstart  - Kick off your own PBL journey with valuable resources in this on demand workshop- TpT Product: Gift Wrap Challenge  - Explore the mini project suitable for any time of year.Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

In this festive episode of "The Modern Math Teacher Podcast," we're diving headfirst into the holiday spirit while keeping math at the forefront. We're here to support those incredible secondary math teachers who want to inclusively celebrate the winter holidays in their classrooms. We discuss the importance of embracing diversity, share three fantastic strategies for inclusive holiday celebrations, and introduce two incredible resources: the "Gift Wrap Challenge" and "Holidays Around the World " project. Get ready to bring the magic of math and culture into your classroom this holiday season!Today's TopicsWhy does this matter? The significance of celebrating winter holidays inclusively in the math classroom.How can we do it? Practical strategies for creating an inclusive holiday atmosphere.Resources to Make it Easy-Introducing the "Gift Wrap Challenge" - a hands-on experience for teaching geometry and algebra through gift wrapping, perfect for middle and high school students.Spotlighting the "Holidays Around the World - By the Numbers" project - a cross-curricular math and culture celebration, aligned with Common Core State Standards.Resources from Today's Episode:🎁Gift Wrap Challenge 🎁 A real-world application for teaching 3D figures, including nets and formulas.Offers three levels of engagement, from geometric modeling to advanced algebraic analysis.Perfect for middle and high school teachers who want to make math come alive during the holiday season.🌎🎄Holidays Around the World Project🕎🌍 A ready-to-go, standards-aligned project that explores winter holidays celebrated globally.Encourages students to research, analyze statistics, budget, write expressions, create equations, and explore cultural aspects using math.A cross-curricular experience that fosters appreciation fLet’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

In this episode, Kristen explores innovative teaching practices that some may find "scary" but are undeniably effective.  Join us in this exciting journey of redefining teaching practices in the math classroom. It's time to leave behind what's "scary" and embrace what works. Your math education revolution starts here.From homework that's not mandated or graded to blended instruction, self-pacing, and project-based assessments, Kristen takes you on a journey that promises to revolutionize the way we approach math education. Be prepared to break free from traditional norms and embrace the future of teaching practices in the math classroom.Today's Scary  Teaching Topics👻Don't Mandate or Grade Homework  - Maintaining accountability and its impact on assessments.  - Relieving the pressure of traditional grading methods.  - Encouraging practice without penalties.  👻Using Blended Instruction not Direct Instruction  - The transition from traditional lecturing to bite-sized video lessons.  - The power of students having control over their learning experience.  - Practical tips for creating engaging instructional videos.  👻Letting Students Self-Pace  - Concerns about students falling behind and maintaining control.  - Creating a balance between individual pacing and overall progress.  - Using tools like unit calendars to guide self-pacing.  👻Embracing Project-Based Assessments  - The advantages of using projects as assessments.  - The insights gained into students' problem-solving and application of concepts.  - The importance of using rubrics for fair and focused assessment.Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

Hey there, Modern Math Teacher! We all know that nagging question from students: "When am I ever going to need this?" Well, today, we're about to unveil a project that not only answers that question but also makes math an exhilarating adventure in your classroom. It's none other than the rocket project, a perennial favorite in my teaching arsenal. As we gear up for this thrilling project, pun fully intended, I'm excited to share the entire process with you.Today's Topics:- Modeling Projectile Motion:The rocket project makes quadratic functions tangible and exciting by focusing on real-world projectile motion, from sports to rocket launches, ensuring students have fun while learning.- How the Rocket Project is Real, Relevant, and Rigorous:This project offers a quality educational experience, connecting with students' interests and challenging them with procedural, conceptual, and application-based math through data analysis.- Assessing Understanding with the Project: Students actively model math through video and digital tools, honing critical thinking skills, multiplying binomials, solving systems of equations, and analyzing real-world contexts.-Bringing the Project to Life: In my classroom, students progress from a procedural skills quiz to graphing exercises with Angry Birds, preparing them for collecting and modeling messy data in the rocket project, setting the stage for a successful school year.The rocket project embodies the practical application of quadratic functions, providing a clear answer to the age-old question, "When am I ever going to need this?" Consider incorporating it into your classroom for a year filled with achievement.Resources + Related Articles:On the blog: My Favorite Project: Blasting off with Rockets + Real World Quadratic FunctionsShop with me on TpT: Quad-Rockets Rocket Project Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

In this episode of 'The Modern Math Teacher' podcast, we're diving headfirst into the exciting world of "Projects vs. Project-Based Learning." We explore the key differences between these teaching approaches and, most importantly, when to choose one over the other.  Inside the episode, you'll walk away with three practical tips for designing engaging math projects, ensuring they align with your curriculum, resonate with real-world applications, and include effective assessment strategies. Plus, we'll guide you on how to select units that could benefit from a project or a full-blown project-based learning experience. And the icing on the cake? You can download the 'Gold Standard PBL Planner' to walk you through the process with ease. Today's Topics:- The distinction between traditional math projects and project-based learning.- Choosing the right approach based on your curriculum and students' needs.- Three practical strategies for designing engaging math projects.- Selecting units for projects and project-based learning experiences.- The 'Gold Standard PBL Planner' as a valuable resource.Resources- 'Gold Standard PBL Planner' - moorethanjustx.com/projectplanner- Real-world examples of math applications in various fields.Get ready to transform your math classroom with the right choice between projects and project-based learning. 🎙📚 #MathEducation #ProjectVsPBLLet’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

In this exciting episode of The Modern Math Teacher podcast, I had the pleasure of co-hosting a captivating conversation with the brilliant Johanna Kuiper! We dove deep into strategies that span grades 6-12, building a solid foundation for math mastery. Here are the key takeaways from our enlightening discussion:🔍 Discovery and Inquiry Activities:Johanna and I explored the power of discovery and inquiry-based activities. These engaging approaches ignite students' curiosity and foster a deep understanding of math concepts. Imagine your students becoming true math explorers! 🚀📌 Sticky Lessons with Anchor Activities:Discover the secrets to crafting "sticky" math lessons that stay with your students long after the class ends. Anchor activities provide that extra "aha" moment, making math truly memorable.For more on sticky lessons, make sure to check out Ep 5: Creating Sticky Lessons🧮 Using Manipulatives and Math Tools:Johanna shared invaluable insights into using manipulatives and math tools to promote problem-solving skills. These hands-on experiences help students grasp abstract concepts and make math come alive. 🧩🎉 Educator Exponential Virtual Summit:Don't miss out on Johanna Kuiper's upcoming virtual summit, "Educator Exponential." Designed exclusively for middle school math teachers, this summit is your gateway to a treasure trove of strategies that not only engage students academically but also make them fall in love with math! ❤️ Stay tuned for this fantastic event! Enroll for free now!So, math teachers, if you're ready to take your teaching to the next level and spark a passion for math in your students, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now, and let's revolutionize math education together! 📚For more details on the completely FREE Educator Exponential summit, visit: https://moorethanjustx.com/educatorLet’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

A practical dive into blending mastery-based learning with traditional gradebook scales. Topics include limitations of single-percentage grades, using narrative feedback and single-point rubrics, and how grades can drive competition. Learn about hybrid grading models, clear mastery rubrics, converting mastery levels to percentages, and weighting formative versus summative assessments.