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Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

How can I incorporate retrieval effectively in maths lessons without causing unnecessary cognitive overload?

Feb 19, 2025
Stuart Welsh, an expert in primary education and retrieval practice, shares innovative strategies for incorporating retrieval in math lessons while avoiding cognitive overload. He discusses the significance of cognitive science principles and the testing effect to enhance student learning. Stuart emphasizes the value of low-stakes quizzing and tools like exit tickets to reinforce understanding. His insights aim to create effective teaching methods that keep students engaged without overwhelming them.
09:52

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Incorporating retrieval practice in math lessons enhances student engagement and retention by using questioning and whole-class response systems.
  • To prevent cognitive overload, teachers should use simple tasks and familiar formats to ensure students can focus on retrieving knowledge effectively.

Deep dives

Incorporating Retrieval Practice in Maths

Effective implementation of retrieval practice in mathematics is crucial for enhancing student learning and memory retention. By strategically using techniques such as questioning and whole-class response systems, teachers can ensure engagement from all students, rather than relying on a few volunteers. This method not only reinforces existing knowledge but also builds connections with new concepts, making learning more cohesive. Incorporating daily starters or weekly quizzes can significantly help students recall essential skills, like multiplication facts and number bonds, which are foundational for understanding more complex mathematical problems.

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