The NCETM Maths Podcast

NCETM
The NCETM Maths Podcast

The NCETM Maths Podcast, from the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics, invites teachers, maths experts and anyone with a passion for teaching maths to talk about topics that shine a light on great maths teaching. With ideas for classroom activities, inspirational stories of careers in maths, and lively debates on contemporary topics, the NCETM podcast has something for everyone. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

  1. 13 NOV

    Problem-solving schools

    In this episode, we talk to Liz Woodham, Primary Coordinator at NRICH, about the Problem-solving Schools initiative and its aims to support the development of reasoning and problem-solving skills for pupils and students from Reception to post-16. Liz shares insights into the initiative's process, including the use of webinars and rich tasks to support schools, and we also look at the relationship between problem-solving and reasoning and their importance in a well-rounded maths education. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. audio file Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Liz Woodham, Primary Coordinator, NRICH, University of Cambridge Julia Thomson, Senior Communications and Marketing Manager, NCETM. Episode chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:00 Problem-solving Schools initiative 05:08 The Kilpatrick Rope Model 08:39 The Five Big Ideas in Teaching for Mastery 10:26 Framework and goals of the Problem-solving Schools initiative 17:22 ‘NRICH-style’ problems and SATs-style problems 20:05 Developing a ‘productive disposition’ 22:16 Making time for problem-solving 26:12 What is reasoning and problem-solving? 29:52 Exploring and noticing 37:26 Conclusion and how to get involved. Useful links NRICH Problem-solving Schools initiative NRICH Kilpatrick Rope Model NRICH game mentioned in podcast: Make 37 Previous NCETM Maths Podcast discussion with NRICH: Episode 77 - Maths Games Mentioned by Julia: Five Big Ideas in Teaching for Mastery Feature on RIWGs: Research and Innovation in the Maths Hubs Network Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive.

    40 min
  2. 19 JUN

    Oracy in the maths classroom - Part 2

    In Part 2 of our episode on oracy with Jane Hawkins from the NCETM and Kathleen McBride from Voice 21, we explore the impact of the Maths Hubs’ Research and Innovation Work Groups (RIWGs), strategies for implementing oracy in both primary and secondary education, and the importance of oracy for enhancing student learning and engagement. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Kathleen McBride, Senior Learning and Innovation Lead, Voice 21 Jane Hawkins, Assistant Director for Secondary, NCETM, and Assistant Maths Hub Lead, Jurassic Maths Hub Julia Thomson, Communications Manager, NCETM. Episode chapters 00:06 Welcome and introductions 00:51 Research and Innovation Work Groups (RIWGs) 02:28 Impact of Oracy RIWGs 04:41 Talk strategies 08:25 What does successful oracy look like? 10:58 The teacher’s role 12:18 Different types of talk 18:35 Oracy in secondary education 22:17 Ideas for teachers 25:44 Misconceptions about oracy 28:52 Resources and further reading 30:31 Conclusion. Useful links Listen to Part 1 of this podcast episode All-Party Parliamentary Group Report: Speak for Change (2021) Voice 21 website Voice 21 Talk Tactics and How to develop independent student discussion Voice 21 Talking Point publication (2023) Voice 21 Oracy Benchmarks report (2019) Voice 21 Impact Report (2022-23) NCETM Primary Curriculum Prioritisation materials NCETM Checkpoints for KS3 Interthinking: Putting Talk to Work by Karen Littleton & Neil Mercer (Routledge, 2013) Talking Points: Discussion Activities in the Primary Classroom by Lynn Dawes (Routledge, 2012) Find your local Maths Hub Maths Hubs Research and Innovation Work Groups (RIWGs) Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive The NCETM Maths Podcast on Instagram.

    31 min
  3. 5 JUN

    Oracy in the maths classroom - Part 1

    In Part 1 of our discussion with Kathleen McBride from Voice 21 and Jane Hawkins from the NCETM’s Secondary Team and Jurassic Maths Hub, we discuss the definition of oracy, its significance for students' mathematical development, behaviour and overall well-being, and the role of Research and Innovation Work Groups (RIWGs) in exploring oracy's impact in classrooms. We also take a look at Voice 21’s Oracy Framework for schools and teachers. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Kathleen McBride, Senior Learning and Innovation Lead, Voice 21 Jane Hawkins, Assistant Director for Secondary, NCETM, and Assistant Maths Hub Lead, Jurassic Maths Hub Julia Thomson, Communications Manager, NCETM. Episode chapters 00:06 Welcome and introductions 03:03 Definition, importance and research 08:58 Oracy challenges and misconceptions 13:01 Oracy Research and Innovation Work Groups 14:21 Oracy’s impact on learning 15:54 Purposeful talk 17:07 The Oracy Framework 19:54 Oracy in the maths classroom 28:33 Reflecting on teaching practice 30:15 Conclusion. Useful links All-Party Parliamentary Group Report Speak for Change Voice 21 Impact Report 2022-2023 Voice 21 Oracy Framework Maths Hubs Research and Innovation Work Groups Bullock Report: A Language for Life (Bullock, 1975) EEF Dialogic Teaching Report (2017, 2022) School 21 and University of Cambridge Oracy Programme Pilot (2013/14) Coordinating Mathematical Success: the mathematics subject report (Ofsted, 2023) Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive The NCETM Maths Podcast on Instagram.

    31 min
  4. 27 FEB

    Understanding Dyscalculia

    In this episode of the podcast, we speak to Cat Eadle, a teacher, dyscalculia specialist and co-founder of the Dyscalculia Network. Our conversation explores what dyscalculia is, how it differs from other maths difficulties, and how teachers can facilitate an early diagnosis. We also discuss the importance of teaching ‘maths for life’ skills, dyscalculia in the secondary maths classroom, and how teaching for mastery approaches can support dyscalculic students of all ages to do and enjoy maths. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Cat Eadle, The Dyscalculia Network Julia Thomson, Communications Manager, NCETM. Episode chapters 00:06 Introduction and welcome 00:18 Understanding dyscalculia and its impact 01:03 Cat Eadle: dyscalculia specialist 01:43 The birth of the Dyscalculia Network 03:13 Identifying dyscalculia: signs and symptoms 05:14 The importance of dyscalculia diagnosis 08:03 Supporting students with dyscalculia 10:40 The prevalence of dyscalculia 14:14 The mastery approach to teaching maths 16:42 The struggles of adults with dyscalculia 19:56 Resources, further reading and events 21:53 Conclusion. Useful links Dyscalculia Network website Dyscalculia Awareness Day 2024: three separate online events for parents (23/02/24), adults (29/02/24) and educators (01/03/24) The Dyscalculia Show 2024 at Birmingham NEC on 15/03/24 and 16/03/24 The Dyscalculia Assessment by Jane Emerson and Patricia Babtie (2013, Bloomsbury) The Dyscalculia Solution: Teaching Number Sense by Jane Emerson and Patricia Babtie (2014, Bloomsbury) Ronit Bird website: games for dyscalculic learners Steve Chinn website Judy Hornigold website The Maths and Dyscalculia Assessment by Robert Jennings and Jane Emerson (available for pre-order, published on 18/07/24, Jessica Kingsley Publishers) Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive.

    23 min
  5. 29 JAN

    I Can't Do Maths - Part 3

    In this third and final part of this podcast episode, we conclude our conversation with Professors Alf Coles and Nathalie Sinclair about the dogmas they address in their book, I Can’t Do Maths! Why children say it and how to make a difference. In this part of the conversation, we put your questions, shared with us on social media, to Alf and Nathalie, and discuss topics including maths anxiety and enjoyment in the UK compared to other nations, how to support and encourage children who struggle with maths and how to respond when children ask, ‘When will I ever need this again?’. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Professor Alf Coles, University of Bristol Professor Nathalie Sinclair, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia Julia Thomson, Communications Manager, NCETM. Episode chapters 00:06 - Introduction and welcome 00:39 - Is maths anxiety a global issue? 02:31 - When will I ever need this maths? 09:18 - How parents can support their children 12:33 - The importance of learning maths 16:17 - Conclusion and final thoughts Useful links I Can’t Do Maths! Why children say it and how to make a difference by Professor Alf Coles and Professor Nathalie Sinclair (Bloomsbury, 2022) Vihart, maths YouTuber recommended by Nathalie Sinclair Maths Games with Bad Drawings by Ben Orlin (Little, Brown, 2022) recommended by Nathalie Sinclair Mathematics for Human Flourishing by Francis Su (Yale University Press, 2021) recommended by Nathalie Sinclair Learning Mathematics for an Environmentally Sustainable Future by Karl Bushnell (Association of Teachers of Maths, 2018), mentioned by Alf Coles  NCETM Primary Mastery Professional Development Materials Gattegno’s ‘numbers as lengths’ as mentioned by Alf Coles, Working with Rods and Why (Association of Teachers of Mathematics, 2017) I Can't Do Maths - Podcast Episode 78 - Part 1 I Can't Do Maths - Podcast Episode 78 - Part 2 Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive.

    17 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

The NCETM Maths Podcast, from the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics, invites teachers, maths experts and anyone with a passion for teaching maths to talk about topics that shine a light on great maths teaching. With ideas for classroom activities, inspirational stories of careers in maths, and lively debates on contemporary topics, the NCETM podcast has something for everyone. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

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