Fluency & Flexibility aren't the math F-bombs you think they are w/ Christina Tondevold
transcript
show notes
Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply)
One of the most misunderstood words in math ed right now is "fluency", so Vanessa invited an expert on the podcast to demystify it: educator Christina Tondevold. Christina calls herself a "recovering traditionalist" - she committed to stop teaching students in the same ineffective ways she was taught as a student.
They discuss a ton of practical strategies you can bring to your classroom, such as:
- showing students how connected math is (in class and in their lives)
- building fluency on 3 balanced pillars: efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility
- teaching students to learn math by teaching them to be problem solvers
If you enjoy this conversation, sign up for Christina's free 3-day virtual summit August 10-12, 2026 featuring Vanessa and a ton of other incredible speakers!
About Christina: (Website)
Christina Tondevold is a Recovering Traditionalist - she previously taught mathematics traditionally and expected the students to parrot back what she taught them. Now she gets to work with teachers in developing students’ mathematical understandings in a balanced way by developing conceptual understanding while working on procedural fluency through her site BuildMathMinds.com where you can get PD at Your Fingertips.
Contact us:
- Vanessa Vakharia: Instagram, TikTok, Email
- Math Therapy: Text the Podcast
More Math Therapy:
