Denis Sheeran - Hacking Mathematics: 10 Problems That Need Solving (Hack Learning Series)

Praise for

Hacking Mathematics

Denis Sheeran has done it again! Using his buoyant and breezy style of writing, he has written a critically timely book to help all math teachers navigate the complex world of digital kids, social media, and emergent pedagogy. Written with the acute and authoritative framework of a white paper, but with the signature humor and empathy of Sheeran, Hacking Mathematics is easily one of the most accessible and desirable reads that I have come across in the crowded field of math education books! Each chapter has the same effective flow of ideasThe Problem, The Hack, What You Can Do Tomorrow, Full Implementation, and Pushback. Chapters offer solutions to problems that range from the micro (solving the calculator dilemma) to the macro (creating a culture of inquiry). Sheeran, with his vast experience as a classroom teacher, musician, and sports coach, has woven his charming prose with todays cultural references to create a book that will be an instant game-changer in every math classroom! At the vacant intersection of Practicality and Personality is where you will find the long-awaited Hacking Mathematics !

Sunil Singh
Author of Pi of Life: The Hidden Happiness of Mathematics

Denis Sheeran captures ten easy changes that any math teacher at any grade level can apply in their classrooms tomorrow to make their lessons more engaging and relevant. Busy teachers will appreciate the fact that he not only highlights changes that should be made but gives step-by-step directions for implementing each change. This book will make any teacher think critically about how their day-to-day classroom decisions can create an environment where students value and explore mathematics.

As math teachers, we naturally ask our students a lot of questions. But, are we asking our students the right questions? Denis Sheeran tackles this question and many other easy-to-implement changes that math teachers can make tomorrow to increase student engagement in their classrooms.

Sarah Carter
High School Math Teacher and Author of Math = Love Blog

It has taken my entire career to learn how I might teach my math lessons more effectively than the way I was taught in school. Denis Sheeran has successfully created a shortcut that will transform your teaching and save you years of experimenting. Denis Sheeran has managed to create a shortcut to solving some of the biggest problems we encounter daily, so you can start making changes in a matter of hours instead of years.

Dive into this easy to read book full of hacks that solve some of the biggest problems math teachers face in their classrooms. Denis Sheeran takes on the problems created through using many of the traditional math lesson routines and provides the reader with easy to implement strategies that not only eliminate the problem, but also promote deeper student understanding.

From hacks to address problems around homework, warm-up routines and math practice to making math relevant to keep students engaged in learning and loving math, it is clear that Sheeran has very carefully selected 10 problems that are worth solving in your math classroom. This is a book I would gladly give any teacher in my district to help them think differently about how we can most effectively deliver our math curriculum.

Kyle Pearce
K-12 Mathematics Consultant
Greater Essex County District School Board
Windsor, Ontario, Canada

A must read for all teachers of mathematics. Its time to take an honest look at traditional math teaching, get real about that which doesnt work, and innovate around ways to hack our instruction in order to engage students in creative problem solving and innovation that will improve learning and improve lives.

Amy Fast
High school assistant principal and author of Its the Mission, Not the Mandates

Denis Sheeran does it again! In this text, he brings his expertise and passion for the study of mathematics in order to provide practical and pedagogical support to the everyday teacher. As educators, it is imperative to do something to help diminish the fear of math that encompasses many educators and students. Sheeran has thought of every problem in the book (no pun intended) that can stop a teacher from making math more approachable. Every chapter concludes with simple solutions that can be immediately implemented. This honest and humorous book can not only by enjoyed by everyday teachers, but also by educational leaders who want to enhance their pedagogical practice.

Sylwia Denko
3rd Grade Teacher and Technology Coach

Denis Sheeran delivers again with Hacking Mathematics . It is the perfect guide for making math come alive in the classroom with practical ideas for bringing the world into the classroom, shifting that dreaded homework review into an active practice time, and so, so much more. This book offers 10 useful math hacks that all teachers of math will be able to implement into their classrooms tomorrow.

Margie Pearse
Math Consultant and Co-author of Teaching Numeracy, Learning that Never Ends and Passing the Mathematics Test for Elementary Teachers

In the sea of mathematics education books available, Hacking Mathematics: 10 Problems That Need Solving is THE book that all current and prospective math teachers need to read. In this book, Denis Sheeran offers a new perspective on what it means to be a math teacher and to teach math. The 10 highly relatable Hacks outlined in the text offer philosophy, best-practices, and examples, along with what you can implement into your classroom the very next day. Although every Hack might not apply to every math teacher and classroom, all math teachers are guaranteed to come away with easy to implement, practical, yet incredibly powerful strategies that are sure to impact their learners in the most positive of ways.

Many students often question why they need to learn many of the things in math that are taught in schools. No student in your classroom will be left feeling this way and will carry with them the concepts learned, beyond just passing a test. The experiences you will be able to provide for your students after reading this book will ensure that their learning will be authentic and will endure.

This book is truly a fantastic resource for those who want to embrace the full potential of what it means to be a math educator.

Laura Fleming
Library Media Specialist, Author of Worlds of Making: Best Practices for Establishing a Makerspace for Your School and The Kickstart Guide to Making GREAT Makerspaces

Math instruction is in crisis. So many students struggle to connect what theyre learning with the real worldone that demands solid math skills in many highly sought-after careers. Denis Sheeran provides a toolbox for math teachers who want something differentsomething BETTERthan page 190 1-20 odds.

Matt Miller
Teacher, Author of Ditch That Textbook

Hacking Mathematics is a great resource for any teacher! Every hack is easily laid out for helping you transform your classroom. Denis Sheeran provides the reader with what they can implement tomorrow, a blueprint for full implementation, tips to overcoming pushback, and what the Hack looks like in action. Hacking Mathematics is easy to read and a great tool for creating a meaningful experience in your classroom.

Are you looking for ways to make your class more engaging? Do you want to implement change and build your learning community, but you arent quite where to begin? Hacking Mathematics provides applicable resources to engage students in mathematics. Sheeran discusses homework, blogging, Twitter, MTBOS, Desmos, and more!

Julia Finneyfrock
Upper School Math Teacher

Hacking Mathematics is a user-friendly guide to support the transformation of mathematics instruction through relevance and connections to our world. Denis clearly defines the importance of shifting our mindsets from how we learned mathematics, to empowering kids with a mathematical mindset. Every teacher of math will benefit from this book, and their students will as well.