Podcast
MathsTalk by AMSI Schools
Hosted by AMSI Schools · EN
MathsTalk by AMSI Schools – where conversations in maths become part of your professional learning practice.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Creative Classrooms: Teaching Years 9-10 using AMSI’s new ICE-EM maths textbooks
3w ago00:23:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode of MathsTalk, Leanne continues the conversation about using textbooks creatively, moving from Years 7 and 8 into the more complex terrain of Years 9 and 10. While many of the same principles still apply; conceptual understanding, mathematical language, structured lessons and exercises used for thinking rather than just completion, Years 9 and 10 bring their own challenges. Students are working with more demanding content, wider gaps in assumed knowledge, more entrenched mathematical identities, and a stronger need to see relevance in what they are learning. This episode explores how teachers can use a resource such as the AMSI ICE-EM books to support both students who need consolidation and students who are ready for greater challenge. It considers how textbook exercises can be used to reveal structure, diagnose misconceptions, support mathematical communication, and keep mixed-ability classes working around the same important mathematical ideas. In this episode Leanne discusses: why Years 9 and 10 are not simply “harder Years 7 and 8” how older misconceptions can affect the learning of more demanding content the importance of mathematical language, reasoning and explanation how to use textbook exercises for thinking, not just completion why relevance becomes more important in Years 9 and 10 ways to support mixed-ability classes without watering down the mathematics how anxiety, disengagement and behaviour can be connected to students’ mathematical histories five planning questions teachers can use when working from the textbook Reflection questions for teachers When planning from the textbook, consider: What is the core mathematical idea? What prior knowledge is being assumed? What misconceptions or avoidance patterns am I likely to meet? Which parts of the textbook sequence matter most? How can I preserve common mathematical access while supporting a wide range of learners? Links and resources AMSI ICE-EM Mathematics Textbooks https://schools.amsi.org.au/ice-em-mathematics-textbooks/ AMSI’s ICE-EM Mathematics series covers Years 5–10 and is designed to develop mathematical ideas with depth, support and challenge. (AMSI Schools) Texas Instruments Australia Teacher Resource Centre https://education.ti.com/en-au/teachers Free professional learning and Australian curriculum-aligned resources for classroom technology. (education.ti.com) Australian Curriculum: Mathematics https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/curriculum-information/understand-this-learning-area/mathematics/ Useful for considering the role of reasoning, problem-solving, fluency, understanding and mathematical communication across F–10. (Australian Curriculum) AMSI Careers https://careers.amsi.org.au/ Resources for helping students see where mathematics can lead, including career profiles, videos and real-world applications. (AMSI Careers) Open Middle https://www.openmiddle.com/ Problems with a shared starting point and answer, but multiple possible strategies and pathways. (Open Middle® |) Illustrative Mathematics Tasks https://tasks.illustrativemathematics.org/ A searchable collection of standards-based mathematical tasks, including middle and high school content. (Illustrative Mathematics) NRICH Secondary Teacher Resources https://nrich.maths.org/teachers/secondary Rich problem-solving tasks and teacher resources organised by topic and age group. (NRICH) reSolve Maths https://resolve.edu.au/ Free Australian mathematics resources designed to support inquiry, reasoning and rich mathematical thinking. (reSolve) Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Texas Instruments Australia. Explore tools, lessons, professional learning and classroom resources at: https://education.ti.com/australia
Transcribe →Creative Classrooms: Teaching Years 7–8 using AMSI’s new ICE-EM maths textbooks
Apr 1600:34:38Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode of MathsTalk, Leanne McMahon explores how to use Textbooks creatively in Years 7 and 8, where students are moving from primary habits into more abstract secondary mathematics. The episode focuses on building precise mathematical language, identifying common transition misconceptions, using textbook exercises for concept development rather than simple practice, and structuring mixed-ability lessons around the same core task so all students can engage with the same important mathematics. It also argues for the central role of conceptual understanding in a book-based curriculum, and for teachers being deeply familiar with the curriculum so they can adapt, extend and refine tasks with confidence. Resources mentioned in the episode include: AMSI ICE-EM textbooks will be published by Cambridge later in the year https://schools.amsi.org.au/ice-em-mathematics-textbooks/ Texas Instruments Australia for teacher resources and professional learning (https://education.ti.com/en-au/teachers?category=professional-development ) NRICH for rich tasks and problem-solving https://nrich.maths.org/ Compression https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMmaiaZZeW0 youcubed for open and creative classroom tasks https://www.youcubed.org/ GeoGebra for interactive visual exploration https://www.geogebra.org/ Open Middle for challenging problems that unlock student thinking (Open Middle® |) Illustrative Mathematics for problem-based middle years mathematics and collaborative reasoning routines (Illustrative Mathematics K–12 Math) University of Melbourne’s decimal misconceptions site for insight into common misconceptions about decimal numbers (extranet.education.unimelb.edu.au)
Transcribe →MathsTalk 2026 - A preview
Mar 1800:03:33Tap to summarizeWhat's in store for the remainder of 2026? A plethora of exciting and engaging podcasts for you mathematical pleasure. Contact us for more ideas: mathstalk@amsi.org.au
Transcribe →Calculators in years 7 & 8 (updated)
Mar 1600:26:10Tap to summarizeIn this episode of MathsTalk, Leanne McMahon is joined by mathematics educator Nadia Abdelal to explore the role of calculators in Years 7–8. This re-released episode tackles a question many schools still debate: when do calculators support learning, and when do they risk getting in the way? Leanne and Nadia discuss how calculators can reduce cognitive load, improve access to new concepts, and support students who are still building number sense. They also highlight the importance of intervention, estimation, and equity — reminding us that calculators can help students engage in richer mathematical thinking, but should sit alongside strong teaching of foundational skills. Relevant links MathsTalk podcast: https://calculate.org.au/mathstalk-podcast/ Texas Instruments Australia: https://education.ti.com/en-au/teachers?category=professional-development AMSI maths careers: https://careers.amsi.org.au/ AMSI Industry Day resources: https://amsi.org.au/amsi-industry-day-for-teachers/
Transcribe →Empowering Maths and STEM Educators: AMSI Industry Day 2025
Sep 100:06:16Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Maths Talk, we introduce an upcoming professional development event tailored for Maths and STEM teachers as well as career practitioners. Scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the AMSI Industry Day at Latrobe University, Bendigo, offers engaging sessions from university educators and industry professionals to bridge classroom teaching with real-world applications of mathematics. The event includes impactful talks, networking opportunities, and takeaway resources funded by the Invergowrie Foundation. Teachers will leave with practical examples and lesson plans to inspire students and connect curriculum topics with future careers. Register through the AMSI website and join us for a day of learning and connecting. Registrations: https://tinyurl.com/AMSBendigoRego TI Professional Learning: https://education.ti.com/en-au/resources/getting-started-with-ti-technology Previous Industry Days: https://amsi.org.au/amsi-industry-day-for-teachers/ (Click on relevant day) Classroom resources: https://amsi.org.au/2024-teacher-professional-learning-in-industry-day/
Transcribe →First Nations Peoples’ mathematical thinking in the Australian Curriculum & AMSI ICE-EM textbooks
Jul 2900:34:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode of MathsTalk, Leanne McMahon speaks with Dr Hong Xu, author of the Indigenous content for the upcoming AMSI textbook series, and Professor Rowena Ball, leader of the 'Mathematics Without Borders' initiative. Together, they discuss how and why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander insights into maths are being incorporated into the Australian Mathematics Curriculum, what that looks like in practice, and how teachers can confidently bring this content into their classrooms. MathsTalk is proudly sponsored by Texas Instruments Australia. https://education.ti.com/en-au RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: - Xu, H., & Ball, R. (2024). Indigenous Mathematics: From Mainstream Misconceptions to Educational Enrichment. Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, 24(2), 160-175. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42330-024-00321-5 - Mathematics Without Borders: https://www.anu.edu.au/research/research-initiatives/mathematics-without-borders - AMSI Textbook Series: https://schools.amsi.org.au Texas Instruments teacher professional learning: https://education.ti.com/en-au/professional-development/upcoming-pd Texas Instruments website: https://education.ti.com/en-au/ - Australian Curriculum Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Histories & Cultures: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/curriculum-information/understand-this-cross-curriculum-priority/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-histories-and-cultures
Transcribe →Pi Day 2025 - A Feast of Pi
Mar 13, 202500:12:26Tap to summarizeIn this special Pi Day episode of MathsTalk, host Leanne McMahon, AMSI’s school maths advisor, takes listeners on an engaging journey into the world of Pi. She explains what Pi is and how it is used in basic geometry, explores its irrational and transcendental nature, and discusses its importance in both mathematics and real-world applications. Leanne also shares fun facts about Pi—from ancient approximations to modern Pi recitation contests—and offers a variety of creative activities for teachers and parents to celebrate Pi Day in the classroom.
Transcribe →The State of the Mathematical Sciences in Australia 2024
Dec 17, 202400:21:56Tap to summarizeIn this episode of MathsTalk, host Sarah Ramantanis 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, up-skilling teachers through professional development, and promoting higher-level maths participation to prepare students for STEM careers. Leanne also emphasises 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/ Maths lessons including career context: https://calculate.org.au/industry-day/ EM Maths Consulting: https://www.emmaths.com.au/ Sheila Griffin Maths: https://sheilagriffinmaths.com.au/ Contact Leanne: Leanne@amsi.org.au
Transcribe →AMSI ICE-EM Textbook update with Michael Evans
Oct 23, 202400:20:03Tap to summarizeIn 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/
Transcribe →Identifying Quality Maths Resources
Aug 27, 202400:30:32Tap to summarizeIn 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
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