EPISODE · Oct 28, 2025 · 57 MIN
Beyond the Numbers: Rethinking Math for AAPI Learners
from Courage Class with Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu · host Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu
Episode Overview:Dr. Theodore Sagun - professor, researcher, and teacher educator at UCLA - joins us to dismantle the “natural math genius” myth and paint a picture of culturally responsive math instruction where students’ identities, languages, and thinking are at the center.What you learn:How to spot a healthy, challenging math classroom: daily check-ins, multiple ways to participate, and tasks that value reasoning over rote speed.The real harm of timed tests and tracking - and how they shape fixed beliefs about "being smart".Culturally responsive teaching in math: swapping textbook contexts for ones that reflect students' lives, languages, and communities.Productive struggle as a life skill: how to help kids grapple, reflect, and collaborate instead of rushing to the answer. Parent toolkits: questions to ask at home and at school to encourage discourse and understand what's happening in class. Teacher-Family Partnerships: building trust and dialogue without demonizing teachers who are already carrying a heavy load. Episode Breakdown:04:18 Theodore's Upbringing and Early Math Experiences08:05 Messages About Math Success and Intelligence12:12 Culturally Responsive Math Instruction14:15 Challenges with Standardized Testing andCurriculum22:01 The Model Minority Myth25:41 Defining a Culturally Responsive Math Classroom29:35 Rethinking Math Instruction: Humanizing theClassroom30:16 Engaging Students in Diverse Learning Experiences32:03 The Role of Teachers in a Responsive MathClassroom36:53 The Concept of Productive Struggle in Math40:59 Encouraging Productive Struggle at Home47:47 Building Relationships with Teachers for BetterMath Learning56:12 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects About Dr. Theodore Sagun: Dr. Theodore Sagun is a professor, researcher, and teacher educator at UCLA where he has worked with countless pre-service teachers in the teacher education program.He is the co-author of Equity Moves to Support Multilingual Learners in Mathematics and Science, Grades K-8. He is a former high school mathematics teacher and Associate Director of the UCLA Mathematics Project and has trained countless in-service and pre-service teachers to center student thinking in math and culturally relevant practices.At the California state level, Theodore has twice been appointed to California's Mathematics Curriculum Framework and Evaluation Criteria Committee, helping to shape the direction of math education for millions of students across the state of California. How to connect with Dr. Sagun:https://www.linkedin.com/in/theodore-sagun-55b97518/Connect with Courage Class on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube:@courageclasspod@drlindsaykwockhuwww.drlindsaykwockhu.com/podcastSign up for Courage Class Notes, a weekly newsletter:https://dr-lindsay-kwock-hu.kit.com/980fac101aMusic Credit:DayNigthMorning from Pixabayinvitation-no-copyright-music-388387
What this episode covers
Episode Overview:Dr. Theodore Sagun - professor, researcher, and teacher educator at UCLA - joins us to dismantle the “natural math genius” myth and paint a picture of culturally responsive math instruction where students’ identities, languages, and thinking are at the center.What you learn:How to spot a healthy, challenging math classroom: daily check-ins, multiple ways to participate, and tasks that value reasoning over rote speed.The real harm of timed tests and tracking - and how they shape fixed beliefs about "being smart".Culturally responsive teaching in math: swapping textbook contexts for ones that reflect students' lives, languages, and communities.Productive struggle as a life skill: how to help kids grapple, reflect, and collaborate instead of rushing to the answer. Parent toolkits: questions to ask at home and at school to encourage discourse and understand what's happening in class. Teacher-Family Partnerships: building trust and dialogue without demonizing teachers who are already carrying a heavy load. Episode Breakdown:04:18 Theodore's Upbringing and Early Math Experiences08:05 Messages About Math Success and Intelligence12:12 Culturally Responsive Math Instruction14:15 Challenges with Standardized Testing andCurriculum22:01 The Model Minority Myth25:41 Defining a Culturally Responsive Math Classroom29:35 Rethinking Math Instruction: Humanizing theClassroom30:16 Engaging Students in Diverse Learning Experiences32:03 The Role of Teachers in a Responsive MathClassroom36:53 The Concept of Productive Struggle in Math40:59 Encouraging Productive Struggle at Home47:47 Building Relationships with Teachers for BetterMath Learning56:12 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects About Dr. Theodore Sagun: Dr. Theodore Sagun is a professor, researcher, and teacher educator at UCLA where he has worked with countless pre-service teachers in the teacher education program.He is the co-author of Equity Moves to Support Multilingual Learners in Mathematics and Science, Grades K-8. He is a former high school mathematics teacher and Associate Director of the UCLA Mathematics Project and has trained countless in-service and pre-service teachers to center student thinking in math and culturally relevant practices.At the California state level, Theodore has twice been appointed to California's Mathematics Curriculum Framework and Evaluation Criteria Committee, helping to shape the direction of math education for millions of students across the state of California. How to connect with Dr. Sagun:https://www.linkedin.com/in/theodore-sagun-55b97518/Connect with Courage Class on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube:@courageclasspod@drlindsaykwockhuwww.drlindsaykwockhu.com/podcastSign up for Courage Class Notes, a weekly newsletter:https://dr-lindsay-kwock-hu.kit.com/980fac101aMusic Credit:DayNigthMorning from Pixabayinvitation-no-copyright-music-388387
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Beyond the Numbers: Rethinking Math for AAPI Learners
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