
Keeping Maths Human: Conversations, Curiosity and Classroom Change
From Strength In Numbers by Allan Dougan
November 24, 2025 · 30 min · Season 4 · Episode 3
About this episode
Sam Ayre discusses how to make mathematics more accessible and engaging for students through conversation and collaboration.
For Sam Ayre , mathematics isn’t just about numbers—it’s a language for thinking, reasoning and communicating. In this lively discussion with Allan Dougan , Sam describes how he helps students find confidence and voice in maths through classroom talk, group problem-solving, and conceptual understanding. He also offers advice for teachers wanting to make small, sustainable changes and highlights the power of collaboration through Tasmania’s Focus on Maths initiative. Key Links Pedagogy in Mathematics https://aamt.edu.au/resources/pedagogy-in-mathematics “Focus on Maths” Initiative Project details and related resources are available via AAMT: https://aamt.edu.au/projects/focus-on-maths Peter Liljedahl – Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics (Grades K–12) Official site and resources: https://www.buildingthinkingclassrooms.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People in this episode
Host: Allan Dougan
Guest: Sam Ayre
Topics covered
- mathematics education
- classroom talk
- group problem-solving
- conceptual understanding
- teacher advice
- collaboration
Keywords
- mathematics
- education
- classroom
- confidence
- collaboration
- pedagogy
- problem-solving
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: AAMT, Focus on Maths
Books & works: Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics
More episodes of Strength In Numbers
- The Hardest Job in School: Mastering Middle Leadership, with Darius Samojlowicz · April 20, 2026 · 27 min
- Mathematics, Identity and Equity in STEM, with Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith · February 22, 2026 · 29 min
- Unpacking Ideology in the Classroom, with Tom Mahoney · February 15, 2026 · 29 min
- Mathematics Leadership in Times of Change, with Dr Matt Sexton · February 8, 2026 · 37 min
- Inside the Maths Toolbox: How Choice Builds Confidence in the Primary Classroom · February 1, 2026 · 34 min
- Supporting Disadvantaged Students: Lessons From Liljedahl’s Work · December 8, 2025 · 32 min
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