Unique perspectives on the place mathematics has in our data-driven modern world, and how using tools like Desmos and Wolfram Alpha can help students visualise mathematics.

AAMT Education Specialist Denise Halliday joins Chief Executive Allan Dougan to talk about how Denise’s early career in accounting and investment banking helped ignite her passion for teaching and gave her unique insights on the value mathematics holds in every career and industry, as well as exciting trends and tools to help maths teachers reach and engage their students.

Key Links:

AAMT Website
https://aamt.edu.au/

AAMT Twitter
https://twitter.com/aamtinc

Denise Halliday on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-halliday-83926825/

Unique perspectives on the place mathematics has in our data-driven modern world, and how using tools like Desmos and Wolfram Alpha can help students visualise mathematics.
AAMT Education Specialist Denise Halliday joins Chief Executive Allan Dougan to talk about how Denise’s early career in accounting and investment banking helped ignite her passion for teaching and gave her unique insights on the value mathematics holds in every career and industry, as well as exciting trends and tools to help maths teachers reach and engage their students.
Key Links:
AAMT Website <a href="https://aamt.edu.au/">https://aamt.edu.au/</a>
AAMT Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/aamtinc">https://twitter.com/aamtinc</a>
Denise Halliday on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-halliday-83926825/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-halliday-83926825/</a>

The fascinating world of mathematics education. We explore innovative teaching pedagogies, classroom success stories, and unravel the mysteries behind those 'Aha!' moments.

Whether you're a maths enthusiast or just looking to improve your teaching skills in mathematics, this podcast brought to you by AAMT is your go-to resource for engaging, sometimes light-hearted, and informative discussions on all things maths education related!

The fascinating world of mathematics education. We explore innovative teaching pedagogies, classroom success stories, and unravel the mysteries behind those 'Aha!' moments.
Whether you're a maths enthusiast or just looking to improve your teaching skills in mathematics, this podcast brought to you by AAMT is your go-to resource for engaging, sometimes light-hearted, and informative discussions on all things maths education related!

Strength In Numbers

Taking Life Lessons into the Classroom, with Denise Halliday

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 You
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-you-australia
Instagram: https://instagram/futureyouaustralia

Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith

https://www.facebook.com/ProfLisaHarveySmith
https://instagram.com/lisaharveysmith
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-harvey-smith-845878143/

Explore AAMT’s resources, events, and news:
https://aamt.edu.au/

 

 

 

Astrophysicist and former Women in STEM Ambassador Lisa Harvey-Smith joins Allan Dougan to explore why mathematics matters more than ever &mdash; 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&rsquo;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 &ldquo;for them&rdquo;. She offers practical ideas for educators to broaden participation and inspire confidence in every student.
LINKS
Future You LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-you-australia">https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-you-australia</a> Instagram: https://instagram/futureyouaustralia
Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ProfLisaHarveySmith/">https://www.facebook.com/ProfLisaHarveySmith</a> <a href="https://instagram.com/lisaharveysmith">https://instagram.com/lisaharveysmith</a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-harvey-smith-845878143/?originalSubdo">https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-harvey-smith-845878143/</a>
Explore AAMT&rsquo;s resources, events, and news: <a href="https://aamt.edu.au/">https://aamt.edu.au/</a>
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Mathematics, Identity and Equity in STEM, with Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith  

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.com
LinkedIn: 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/

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 &ldquo;right&rdquo; 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&mdash;often without teachers realising it.
LINKS
Tom Mahoney Blog: <a href="https://tommahoneyedu.wordpress.com/">https://tommahoneyedu.wordpress.com</a> LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommahoneyedu/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommahoneyedu/</a> The Interruption, a monthly blog exploring the ideological nature of education. <a href="https://theinterruption.substack.com/">https://theinterruption.substack.com/</a>
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Explore AAMT&rsquo;s resources, events, and news: <a href="https://aamt.edu.au/">https://aamt.edu.au/</a>

Unpacking Ideology in the Classroom, with Tom Mahoney

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/

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 &mdash; 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
<ul>
<li>LEaDME: A blog about mathematics leadership activity in primary schools by Matt Sexton <a href="https://www.leadmemaths.com">https://www.leadmemaths.com</a></li>
<li>Dr Matt Sexton on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-matt-sexton-125760231/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-matt-sexton-125760231/</a></li>
</ul>
Explore AAMT&rsquo;s resources, events, and news: <a href="https://aamt.edu.au/">https://aamt.edu.au/</a>

Taking Life Lessons into the Classroom, with Denise Halliday

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