Chalk & Talk Using the Instructional Hierarchy to teach math with Brendan Lee (Ep 53)
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Aug 22, 2025 
Brendan Lee, a dedicated educator and educational consultant, shares insights on enhancing math instruction. He discusses the instructional hierarchy, highlighting stages like acquisition and fluency. Brendan offers practical strategies for teachers to adapt their methods based on student needs. He dives into effective teaching techniques, including think-alouds and the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach. Listeners gain actionable advice on supporting struggling students, promoting confidence, and ensuring mastery in math, leaving them informed and inspired for their classrooms.
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Framework For When To Teach What
- The instructional hierarchy breaks learning into acquisition, fluency, generalisation, and adaptation stages.
- Use the hierarchy to choose teaching actions that match students' current performance level.
When Timing Causes Tears
- Brendan has seen students brought to tears when asked tasks they weren't ready for.
- Incorrect timing of tools can cause destructive rather than productive struggle.
Model, Think Aloud, Then Fade
- Model clearly then fade supports with prompting and cues during acquisition.
- Use think-alouds and worked examples to reveal expert decision-making, not just steps.