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DebateMath Podcast

DebateMath Podcast

By: Chris Luzniak & Rob Baier
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About this listen

Welcome to the DebateMath Podcast, the show where we’re redefining what it means to debate in mathematics & education, where multiple sides of ideas are explored, evidence matters, and we all grow and learn from hearing each other.


We know the world–and our classrooms–are not binary. So we lean into the gray area in our discussions. We invite on guests with differing viewpoints on the way math is taught, and listen in as they debate with each other.


Come dig into any debate, where we listen to learn, not to prove someone wrong, but to deepen our understanding.


© 2026 © 2025 DebateMath Podcast
Mathematics Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Fast Break #4 - What is the Best Way to Graph 2x + 4y = 10?
    Apr 15 2026

    Text us your thoughts!

    This month’s debate is a recording from a LIVE debate that took place at the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (WVCTM) Conference in March of 2026.

    In this quick follow-up to last week’s episode, we invited each of our guests to model a short, fun classroom debate. In just a few minutes, you can hear a sample debate that captures the spirit of productive mathematical argumentation—thoughtful, curious, and includes reasoning. Tune in for a rapid-fire glimpse of what these debates can look like in action!

    • You can reach Sissy Collins at the Harrison County Board of Education, via email at jecollin@k12.wv.us, or on Facebook.
    • You can find Sarah McGivern via Jefferson County Schools or on Instagram: @SSMcGivern
    • You can reach Ellen Holt at Summers County HS, via email at eholt@k12.wv.us, or on LinkedIn
    • And find Jason Massie via Mountain View School.
    • And thanks to the WVCTM Conference for inviting us in!

    Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.

    Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!

    Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!

    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Debate 51 - Should We Pause Grade Level Instruction to Rebuild Prior Skills?
    Apr 9 2026

    Text us your thoughts!

    This month’s debate is a recording from a LIVE debate that took place at the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (WVCTM) Conference in March of 2026.

    When students don’t have the prerequisite skills, do we hit pause? Or do we stay the course and fix gaps in real time? You’re working on solving equations, but integer operations are falling apart. Or you’re introducing functions, and foundational algebra skills are missing. If you pause grade-level content, are you giving students what they truly need — or widening opportunity gaps by lowering expectations and delaying access to rigorous math? If you push forward, are you maintaining high standards — or setting students up for confusion and frustration?

    Listen in as two teams argue their side in a LIVE debate on this resolution: It is better to pause grade-level instruction to rebuild prior skills than to push forward and address gaps as they appear.

    • You can reach Sissy Collins at the Harrison County Board of Education, via email at jecollin@k12.wv.us, or on Facebook.
    • You can find Sarah McGivern via Jefferson County Schools or on Instagram: @SSMcGivern
    • You can reach Ellen Holt at Summers County HS, via email at eholt@k12.wv.us, or on LinkedIn
    • And find Jason Massie via Mountain View School.

    And thanks to the WVCTM Conference for inviting us in!

    Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.

    Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!

    Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Fast Break #3 - What is the Best Way to Add 379 + 488?
    Mar 18 2026

    Text us your thoughts!

    In this quick follow-up to last week’s episode, we invited each of our guests to model a short, fun classroom debate. In just a few minutes, you can hear a sample debate that captures the spirit of productive mathematical argumentation—thoughful, curious, and includes reasoning. Tune in for a rapid-fire glimpse of what these debates can look like in action!

    • You can find Pam Harris on social media: @pwharris or @pamharris_math
    • You can find Kim Montague on social media: @kimmontague or @kmont14
    • Be sure to check out MathIsFigureOutAble.com
    • And the MathIsFigureOutAble Podcast!

    Listened to the episode? Now, it’s your turn to share! Find us on Social Media: @DebateMath to share your thoughts.

    Don’t forget to check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel!

    Keep up with all the latest info by following @DebateMath or going to debatemath.com. Follow us @Rob_Baier & @cluzniak. And don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!

    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
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