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We're trying something new this week! Last week's ep with Mike Flynn dove into some very murky debate waters: do students need to know the "why" of what their learning in order to truly understand material, or is it fine for them to just memorize things as long as they get the answers? (If you missed, scroll back in your feed or click here to catch up.)

But the real drama took place over on TikTok, where Vanessa posted a clip from the ep and some viewers engaged in very polite and erudite discussion in the comments ... jk, people LOST THEIR MINDS. But there were also a ton of great points that are often debated in math ed, so we invited Mike back on this week to respond to some comments real-time and clarify some of what he and Vanessa meant last week. Enjoy - and either way, you know where to let us know what you think ;)

Links discussed:

• How to find the "why" in math class w/ Mike Flynn (last week's ep)
• The TikTok that started it all
• Lost S2E01 - *why* was Desmond typing the numbers?!

Connect with us:

• Mike Flynn: Website, TikTok, Instagram
• Vanessa Vakharia: Instagram, TikTok, Email
• Math Therapy: Website, Text us

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply)

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
• DM Vanessa on Instagram
• Email Vanessa

Shop the Math Therapy collection:

• paperback/ebook
• audiobook (US, Can, UK, Aus, Germany, or global)
• merch store

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply)

If you follow Vanessa on Instagram, you know the rollercoaster she went on to record the audiobook version of Math Therapy ... well, the hard work / literal sweat & tears paid off because it is now out! You can find it on Audible/Amazon right now, and if you have never used Audible you can likely get it for a free credit with their new trial offer. (It will be on Spotify soon as well, let us know if there's any other platform it should be added to.)

We wanted to share an exclusive sample with our listeners, so this week's episode features the entire preface, which is also a great introduction to Vanessa's story and how she came up with Math Therapy in the first place! And if you do end up getting the full audiobook please leave a rating/review and share it with a friend ❤️

Shop the Math Therapy collection:

• paperback/ebook
• audiobook (US, Can, UK, Aus, Germany, or global)
• merch store

Connect with Math Therapy:

• Text the podcast
• DM Vanessa on Instagram
• Email Vanessa