John Jackson

In this engaging conversation, John Jackson, an experienced secondary mathematics teacher and education commentator, dives into the science of learning about arithmetic fluency. He explores effective classroom practices that emphasize accuracy, efficiency, and meaning in mathematics. John discusses the importance of early number sense, potential pitfalls of rote learning, and the value of structured retrieval. He offers practical strategies for teachers and shares insights on how school leaders and parents can support students in developing mathematical fluency.

John Jackson and Emma Lindley-Thompson, both maths experts, explore how comparing solution methods can boost students' conceptual and procedural knowledge in mathematics. They discuss a landmark study that reveals the benefits and challenges of this teaching approach. The conversation delves into the balance between direct instruction and student exploration, urging teachers to leverage structured strategies while supporting independent learning. They also emphasize the importance of adapting these findings for the primary classroom to enhance student understanding.

John Jackson, a mathematics education expert, and Emma Lindley-Thompson, a primary education specialist, delve into the intricacies of bridging procedural and conceptual understanding in math. They discuss the challenges of blending concrete and abstract teaching methods, emphasizing the CPA framework and the significance of 'concreteness fading.' The duo also evaluates the effectiveness of manipulatives versus abstract symbols and stresses the importance of teacher professional development to enhance classroom practices, ultimately aiming to boost students' mathematical comprehension.