Strength In Numbers

Mathematics, Identity and Equity in STEM, with Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith

Astrophysicist and former Women in STEM Ambassador Lisa Harvey-Smith joins Allan Dougan to explore why mathematics matters more than ever — in science, education, and society. From modelling galaxies to understanding artificial intelligence, Lisa explains how maths sits at the heart of discovery, even when scientists aren’t consciously using equations every day. She reflects on her journey into astrophysics, why real-world experiences inspire young learners, and what schools can do to make mathematics feel relevant and accessible. The conversation tackles big issues facing maths education today: declining participation in advanced maths, the myth that maths is only for the elite, and the growing importance of mathematical literacy in an era of automation, data, and misinformation. Lisa also shares insights from her national advocacy work on gender equity in STEM, highlighting how classroom dynamics, early expectations, and visible role models shape who feels mathematics is “for them”. She offers practical ideas for educators to broaden participation and inspire confidence in every student. LINKS Future YouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-you-australiaInstagram: https://instagram/futureyouaustralia Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith https://www.facebook.com/ProfLisaHarveySmithhttps://instagram.com/lisaharveysmithhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-harvey-smith-845878143/ Explore AAMT’s resources, events, and news:https://aamt.edu.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unpacking Ideology in the Classroom, with Tom Mahoney

What is mathematics education actually for? Tom Mahoney, numeracy learning specialist, secondary mathematics educator, and PhD candidate in educational philosophy at Deakin University joins AAMT CEO Allan Dougan to explore this deceptively simple but powerful question. Importantly, this episode is not about prescribing a “right” ideology. Instead, it encourages teachers to reflect critically on their own beliefs, the time and energy they spend on particular practices, and how these choices align with the needs of the students in front of them. Tom introduces the concept of ideology in education, describing it as the often-unspoken beliefs and values that shape how mathematics is taught, how students are positioned, and how success is defined. Drawing on classroom experience and philosophical perspectives, the conversation unpacks how ideas about utility, beauty, assessment, and ability influence everyday teaching practice—often without teachers realising it. LINKS Tom Mahoney Blog: https://tommahoneyedu.wordpress.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommahoneyedu/The Interruption, a monthly blog exploring the ideological nature of education.https://theinterruption.substack.com/ Explore AAMT’s resources, events, and news:https://aamt.edu.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mathematics Leadership in Times of Change, with Dr Matt Sexton

Practical advice for mathematics leaders who feel constrained by context, reminding listeners that changing practice in even one classroom matters, and that meaningful leadership often grows incrementally. AAMT CEO, Allan Dougan discusses with Matt how to model leadership in schools, and whether leadership should focus on changing practice rather than changing people. This episode is a thoughtful and affirming exploration of the complexity, importance and impact of mathematics leadership — and a timely reminder that the work mathematics leaders do every day truly matters. Dr Matt Sexton is Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education at the Australian Catholic University and Director of the Mathematics Teaching and Learning Centre (Melbourne campus). He is a widely respected voice in mathematics education leadership, and in this conversation he unpacks what effective school-based mathematics leadership looks like in a time of rapid curriculum reform, shifting policy mandates, and increasing pressure on teachers. LINKS LEaDME: A blog about mathematics leadership activity in primary schools by Matt Sexton https://www.leadmemaths.com Dr Matt Sexton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-matt-sexton-125760231/ Explore AAMT’s resources, events, and news:https://aamt.edu.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside the Maths Toolbox: How Choice Builds Confidence in the Primary Classroom

Kylie Stone is a WA primary teacher whose passion for mathematics teaching has been shaped through almost two decades of working across regional and metropolitan schools. Kylie shares how she builds confident, flexible mathematicians by focusing on journey over destination, prioritising strategy selection, and creating a warm, engaging environment where every student can access maths meaningfully. Kylie explains her classroom Maths Toolbox system - an approach where students learn, practise and select from a wide range of mathematical strategies. Rather than chasing the correct answer, they explain how they got there. Tools include arrays, place value breakdowns, algorithms, manipulatives, mental strategies, and even student-invented approaches. Our host, AAMT CEO Allan Dougan discusses with Kylie why she feels that multiple strategies matter and how teaching only one method restricts students. She argues for developing flexibility, efficiency and adaptive reasoning—especially as numbers get larger and problems become more complex. Students gradually learn which strategy is most efficient for a given task.Explore AAMT’s resources, events, and news:https://aamt.edu.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supporting Disadvantaged Students: Lessons From Liljedahl’s Work

Challenges teaching at a culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged school, building an action plan, gathering quality data, and overcoming the language barrier with a universal language: mathematics. Dandenong Primary’s Assistant Principal, Terri Truscott, and AAMT’s Education Specialist, Denise Halliday, explore lessons learned in the process of implementing concepts from Peter Liljedahl’s fantastic ‘Building Thinking Classrooms’, metacognition, inspiring rich mathematics dialogue, using pre- and post-assessments, selectively responding to student questions, and more. Key Links:Check out Dandenong Primary School:https://www.dandenongps.vic.edu.au/ Contact Terri Truscott:Terri.Truscott@education.vic.gov.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.