How to find the "why" in math class w/ Mike Flynn

Math Therapy

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When Mike Flynn started teaching, math was just one of many subjects he had to guide his students through. The problem was, the way he was taught math made him hate it!

But when a new career opportunity gave him the chance at a much deeper understanding of the concepts and a reason "why" they mattered in the real world, Mike realized that he wasn't confined to just teaching the way he was taught - he could give students and teachers the chance to value math right from the jump.

On today's episode he joins Vanessa to discuss:

• Why making mistakes is essential to deep mathematical understanding
• How shifting from “right answer” thinking to a focus on reasoning and flexible thinking can transform the way we approach math problems
• Strategies for helping students (and adults!) overcome math anxiety and see themselves as capable, creative problem solvers

Links discussed:

• Open Middle - for encouraging flexible thinking
  • Vanessa's interview with co-founder Robert Kaplinsky
• Books mentioned:
  • Beyond Answers: Exploring Mathematical Practices with Young Children by Mike Flynn
  • 5 Practices for Orchestrating Productive Mathematics Discussions by Peg Smith and Mary Kay Stein
  • Nix the Tricks: A guide to avoiding shortcuts that cut out math concept development by Tina Cardone

About Mike Flynn: (Website, Twitter, Instagram)

Mike Flynn is an internationally recognized math educator, Director of Math Programs at Mount Holyoke College, and founder of Flynn Education. He has led professional development for teachers around the world, authored Beyond Answers: Exploring Mathematical Practices with Young Children, and served on the NCTM Board. His work focuses on helping teachers move beyond rigid instruction to curiosity-driven, identity-building math learning.

Connect with Math Therapy:

• Text the podcast
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• Email Vanessa

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فصول

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. The value of deep understanding (00:02:04)

3. Helping students find the "why" of math (00:10:51)

4. Teaching the way we were taught (00:25:08)

5. From math trauma to math teacher (00:29:04)

6. How teachers can find the time (00:37:15)

7. Flexible thinking: a practical example (00:40:15)

8. Q1 (00:43:39)

9. Q2 (00:45:26)

10. Outro (00:46:24)

11. Outtake (00:48:46)