Rewarding Student Thinking: An Interview with Dr. Pamela Seda

We say we want students to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and mathematical reasoners. But do the systems in our classrooms and schools actually reward those things—or are we still rewarding speed, compliance, and correct answers? 

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/

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

K-12 Math Leaders: Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Partner with us to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem-based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units 

In this episode, Jon Orr and Dr. Pamela Seda explore the disconnect between the mathematics we say students need and what our systems actually value. They examine how assessment, classroom routines, walkthroughs, and professional learning can unintentionally send competing messages—and what leaders and teachers can begin changing within their control. 

In this episode, you'll explore:

• The two competing visions of mathematical success
• Why speed and correct answers don't tell us the whole story of student understanding
• How classroom and school systems communicate what we truly value
• Why collecting evidence of student thinking matters more than judging an answer alone
• How formative assessment can prioritize reasoning, justification, and critical thinking
• Why standardized assessments can be treated as the floor rather than the goal
• How leaders can better align what they say matters with what their systems actually reward
• How to recognize when you're operating within the “old system” so you can begin changing it

Take a closer look at one system you control—your formative assessment, lesson routines, walkthrough tool, or professional learning. What does it communicate to students and teachers about what counts as success in mathematics? Recognizing the old system is the first step toward building something different.

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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.