Mr Barton Maths Podcast #136 CLASSIC EPISODE (April 2017): Dani Quinn - Part 1 - Michaela School, Planning Lessons, Low Stakes Tests
Feb 8, 2021
Dani Quinn, Head of Maths at Michaela Community School, is celebrated for her innovative approaches to math education. She dives into lesson planning strategies that emphasize differentiation and challenge, along with the impact of low-stakes tests on students' retention. Dani shares her personal journey from math struggles to teaching, highlighting the significance of understanding the 'how' in mathematics. The discussion also covers engaging Year 7 students through effective strategies and reflects on the balance between enjoyment and educational outcomes in lessons.
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Plan in Units, Not Lessons
- Plan math teaching units as a whole rather than individual lessons to focus on mastery and coherence.
- Gather diverse, challenging questions and misconceptions to set high standards for all learners.
One Booklet, Differentiated by Time
- Use a single comprehensive booklet for each topic containing all examples and exercises for all classes.
- Differentiate by letting teachers annotate and students spend varied time on parts depending on their class and needs.
Teach Procedures Before Concepts
- Begin teaching procedures before conceptual understanding if the concept is abstract to reduce student overwhelm.
- Focus first on confidence and procedural fluency to prepare students for deeper conceptual insight later.
