What perspective and assumptions do you bring to your teaching? In this episode, Pam and Kim introduce a model mapping teaching style (direct teach vs. inquiry) against whether a teacher "maths" (uses relationships/connections) or mimics/rote memorizes.

Talking Points:

• "Inquiry-based" + Mimicking
• "Direct teach" + Mimicking
• "Inquiry-based"+ Math-ing
• "Direct teach" + Math-ing

Links:

1. REGISTER for FREE 6-8 Book Launch Webinar

2. BLOG: When "Covered" Doesn't Mean Understood: Building Reasoning in Middle School Math

3. Developing Mathematical Reasoning Book Series

Check out Pam's social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 7, 2026.

Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.

Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.

Twitter: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

What can we do to keep students thinking, instead of waiting to be told what to do? In this episode Pam and Kim focus on an algebra Problem String that helps students learn to choose between strategies.

Talking Points:

• What it mean to keep kids in "Thinking Land"
• How to keep students actively reasoning versus cueing them to mimic/memorize steps
• How the same instructional phrase can lead students into or out of "Thinking Land"
• Ask yourself: "Is this direct move keeping kids reasoning, or just cueing mimicry?"

Links:

1. Register for 6-8 Book Launch Webinar

2. Pam's Books

Check out Pam's social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC