Modern Math Teacher

#107: Why “Real, Relevant, and Rigorous” Is the Future of Math

Kristen Moore, Project Based Learning Coach Episode 107

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If you’re tired of hearing your students ask, “When are we ever gonna use this?”—this episode is for you. Today I’m breaking down the 3 R’s that have reshaped my math class: Real, Relevant, and Rigorous. And no, these aren’t just buzzwords.

Inside this episode: 

✔ What it really means to design math that’s real, relevant, and rigorous 

✔ A behind-the-scenes look at my Save for Success Project 

✔ The litmus test I use to decide if a lesson is worth teaching

💡 Try This: Pick a lesson you’re planning this week. Does it hit all three R’s? If not, choose one area to upgrade.

🎯 Key Takeaway: We don’t do projects because they’re fun—we do them because life is a project.

📥 Resources:

 ➡️ Save for Success Project (Career + Finance Algebra Activity) 

➡️ Free Gold Standard Project Planner


This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.

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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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