193 The Biggest Lie We've Been Told About Rigor
Let’s chat—send me a text! For years, I believed rigorous math instruction meant harder problems, longer assignments, and more work. I don't believe that anymore. In this episode, I share how my definition of rigor has changed, why cognitive demand isn't the same thing as difficulty, and how I intentionally design lessons that promote deeper mathematical thinking without overwhelming students. We'll also explore how routines like Math Wars can move beyond procedural practice by creating oppor...
For years, I believed rigorous math instruction meant harder problems, longer assignments, and more work.
I don't believe that anymore.
In this episode, I share how my definition of rigor has changed, why cognitive demand isn't the same thing as difficulty, and how I intentionally design lessons that promote deeper mathematical thinking without overwhelming students.
We'll also explore how routines like Math Wars can move beyond procedural practice by creating opportunities for students to justify, critique, compare, and defend mathematical reasoning.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why rigor and difficulty aren't the same thing
- How to increase thinking without increasing workload
- The difference between fluency and reasoning
- How I build cognitive demand into everyday classroom routines
- Why scaffolds can increase access without reducing rigor
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More About the Modern Math Teacher Podcast
Kristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.
Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!
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