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We’ve all heard it: “My students can do the math—they just struggle with word problems.” They can perform the calculation when it’s presented directly, but put that same mathematics inside a context or multi-step problem and suddenly things become much more difficult. The instinct might be to give students more word problems to practice, but what if the real challenge lies somewhere deeper?
K-12 Math Leaders: Download our free Math Coherence Compass to help your teammates, system leaders, and educators create aligned instructional practices—without adding another initiative. https://makemathmoments.com/coherence-compass/
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In this episode, Jon Orr and Yvette Lehman dig into adaptive reasoning, one of the five interconnected strands of mathematical proficiency described in Adding It Up. They explore the important difference between having strategies in your mathematical toolkit and knowing when, why, and how to choose among them. From think-alouds and metacognition to mathematical discourse and varied problem contexts, the conversation looks at how we can help students become more flexible problem solvers. It also challenges us to look beyond “students can’t reason” and consider whether they have the background knowledge, task clarity, and familiarity with the context needed to demonstrate their reasoning in the first place.
In this episode, you'll explore:
- What adaptive reasoning means within the five strands of mathematical proficiency
- Why knowing how to use a strategy is different from knowing when to choose it
- How think-alouds can make mathematical decision-making visible to students
- Why reflection and metacognition matter when students solve unfamiliar problems
- How mathematical discourse supports adaptive reasoning
- Three conditions to consider before concluding that students are struggling with reasoning
- Why background knowledge and meaningful, familiar contexts matter in problem solving
- How strengthening our own mathematical proficiency can better position us to support students
If your students can complete straightforward calculations but struggle when mathematics appears in unfamiliar or multi-step problems, this episode offers a different place to look. Rather than simply adding more practice, consider what opportunities students have to choose strategies, explain those choices, reflect on their thinking, and strengthen the adaptive reasoning that helps weave mathematical proficiency together.
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Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.
