ERRR #099. David Morkunas on Writing Quality Maths Lessons
Feb 1, 2025
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David Morkunas, a seasoned mathematics educator, shares invaluable insights on crafting high-quality math lessons within the Explicit Mathematics Program. He discusses the significance of structured lesson planning and collaborations that enhance student engagement. Morkunas emphasizes the blend of clear focus and appropriate difficulty in effective instruction, alongside the role of reviews in cementing learning. He also tackles the balance between teacher autonomy and scripted methods, advocating for continuous learning and connections among educators.
Acknowledging the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples is crucial for fostering cultural respect and inclusivity in educational practices.
The Explicit Mathematics Program emphasizes evidence-based teaching principles and offers resources to enhance mathematics instruction for young learners.
High-quality mathematics lessons require clear focus, challenging content, and frequent reviews to improve student engagement and learning retention.
Deep dives
Cultural Respect and Acknowledgment
The podcast emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri, Woiwurrung, and Boonwurrung people, recognizing their ongoing sovereignty, and paying respect to Elders both past and present. This acknowledgment underscores the need for cultural respect in educational conversations while highlighting the impact of colonization and dispossession on Indigenous peoples. The discussion encourages educators to integrate this cultural respect into their teaching practices. This foundational respect is vital for fostering an inclusive educational environment.
The Explicit Mathematics Program (EMP)
The Explicit Mathematics Program is introduced as a comprehensive curriculum designed for foundation to year two students in Australia, developed by leading mathematical educators. The program places a strong emphasis on effective teaching principles, offering daily reviews, lesson plans, independent practice, and assessment tools that are aligned with Australian curriculums. It aims to enhance mathematics instruction by ensuring that teachers have the necessary resources at their disposal. The foundational element of the EMP is its commitment to evidence-based practices to improve student learning outcomes.
High-Quality Mathematics Lessons
The podcast dives into the characteristics of high-quality mathematics lessons, emphasizing the need for a clear focus and appropriately challenging content. It highlights the significance of providing clear definitions and opportunities for student engagement through practical problems. The discussion also mentions the importance of creating a gradual release of responsibility in lessons, allowing students to build their confidence as they transition from guided to independent practice. Effective lesson design is crucial for maintaining student interest and ensuring educational success.
The Role of Reviews in Learning
Daily reviews are presented as an essential mechanism for bridging the gap between student performance and learning retention. Regular, spaced reviews help reinforce previously taught concepts, ensuring they become ingrained in students' long-term memory. The importance of frequent practice, or 'checking for understanding,' is emphasized to solidify student knowledge. Ultimately, the reviews serve to enhance both retention and understanding of mathematical concepts, thereby improving overall learning outcomes.
Lesson Writing Experience
David Morkunis shares insights from his journey in writing mathematics lessons and emphasizes the importance of collaboration in lesson development. He recounts his experiences transitioning from individual lesson writing at schools to participating in the EMP, where feedback and iteration have significantly improved lesson quality. The podcast underscores the value of shared language and definitions across year levels to facilitate consistent learning experiences for students. Morkinis also discusses the challenges and time commitments involved in producing high-quality lesson materials.
Evidence-Based Practices in Mathematics Education
The discussion highlights the increasing significance of evidence-based practices in mathematics education, particularly at a time when educational policies are shifting towards more effective, research-backed teaching strategies. The podcast underscores the need for teachers to remain engaged with ongoing professional development and communities that support these evidence-based approaches. There is a collective optimism regarding the potential for systemic change in the educational landscape, driven by a commitment to informed practices in teaching and learning. Overall, this suggests a vital turning point for mathematics education in Australia.
In this episode of the ERRR Podcast, renowed mathematics education David Morkunas describes the ins and outs of writing high quality mathematics lessons, and particularly how these principals are embedded into the Explicit Mathematics Program.
Full show notes at www.ollielovell.com/davidmorkunas
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