Mr Barton Maths Podcast

Jane is a former teacher and head of maths who is now the HMI National Lead for Mathematics - to me and you that means she is the most senior maths specialist in Ofsted. In this revealing interview Jane discusses everything from observation and marking, setting and reasoning, and a lot more besides. Whether you are due an Ofsted inspection, just had one, or simply curious about what Ofsted are looking for, this is the interview for you. For more information about today’s guest, plus links to the websites, resources and ideas they mention, please visit the show notes page: http://www.mrbartonmaths.com/blog/jane-jones-ofsted-observations-marking-reasoning/ 

Carl and Robin are the authors of the exceptional book: What does this look like in the classroom? The book collects together a quite ridiculously impressive line-up of contributors, including Dylan Wiliam, Doug Lemov, David Didau, Daisy Christodoulou, and more, to summarise and clarify key research findings and how teachers can use them directly in the classroom. In this interview I dig into the key things the authors themselves took away from their book, and what listeners could change tomorrow to have a positive effect. For more information about today’s guest, plus links to the websites, resources and ideas they mention, please visit the show notes page: http://www.mrbartonmaths.com/blog/carl-hendrick-and-robin-macpherson-what-does-this-look-like-in-the-classroom/ 

Colin Foster is a former maths teacher who is now an Assistant Professor at the Centre for Research in Mathematics Education in the School of Education at the University of Nottingham. We talked about Mathematical Etudes, or what I term Purposeful Practice. I believe this is one of the most important types of practice we can give our students, allowing them to become fluent in key skills, whilst also developing problem solving capabilities. We also discuss the role of confidence in learning, and what makes a good question. I loved this interview. For more information about today’s guest, plus links to the websites, resources and ideas they mention, please visit the show notes page: http://www.mrbartonmaths.com/blog/colin-foster-mathematical-etudes-confidence-and-questioning/ 

Doug Lemov, author of Teach Like a Champion, shares key strategies from his book and tips for delivering training sessions. Topics include practical ways to implement teaching strategies in the math classroom, teacher training advice, and the importance of precise teaching methods for engaging students and promoting rigor.

Peps has done it all. He is a former Fasttrack maths teacher and Senior Lecturer in mathematics education. He has been a National Curriculum Advisor for the DfE, External Examiner at the OU, and is the author of Lean Lesson Planning and Memorable Teaching. He now leads on the Institute for Teaching’s Masters in Expert Teaching course. We had a great time digging into three areas that really interest me: lean, effective lesson planning; making our teaching memorable; and helping teachers determine and develop expertise in their profession. Get your pen and paper ready for this one, there are nuggets left, right and centre. For more information about today’s guest, plus links to the websites, resources and ideas they mention, please visit the show notes page: http://www.mrbartonmaths.com/blog/peps-mccrea-planning-memorable-teaching-and-teacher-expertise/ 

Lucy is the Research and Communications Officer at Cambridge Mathematics. I base my interview around five key questions from Lucy's espresso research series: What are the effects of attainment grouping on mathematics learning? What are the issues in learning and assessing times tables? How does maths anxiety affect mathematics learning? How does assessing confidence affect learning and testing in mathematics? How can mathematics teaching be measured? But we cover a lot more besides! For more information about today’s guest, plus links to the websites, resources and ideas they mention, please visit the show notes page: http://www.mrbartonmaths.com/blog/lucy-rycroft-smith-cambridge-mathematics-setting-times-tables-anxiety/ 

Kris Boulton, an expert in education, discusses concerns with minimal guided approaches and understanding in maths. They explore teaching the How before the Why, cognitive load theory, and the challenges of assessing student understanding. The conversation touches on lesson planning, teacher training, and the benefits of centrally planned teaching resources.

Andrew Blair, Head of Department at Vardeen School, shares his innovative approach to inquiry-based learning in mathematics. He discusses the excitement of student-driven questions and the challenges of leadership in education. Blair offers strategies for fostering engagement, balancing group dynamics, and assessing student progress through personalized portfolios. He emphasizes the transformative power of empowering students' curiosity and the importance of supportive training for department heads. Expect practical tips and inspiring ideas from a leader passionate about creative math education.

Andrew Blair, Head of Maths at Haverstock School and creator of InquiryMaths.org, dives into innovative teaching methods. He discusses the balance between inquiry-based learning and explicit instruction, sharing insights on crafting engaging prompts that ignite student curiosity. The conversation touches on navigating early teaching challenges and the emotional impact of classroom management. Blair emphasizes the importance of collaboration in understanding math concepts, and the necessity of adapting teaching strategies to foster creativity and deeper learning.

Rachel is an experienced primary maths teacher. We spoke about what primary maths lessons look like, what topics they have covered, their problem solving skills, their use of manipulatives, what students might be expecting maths lessons to look like at secondary school, and much more. For more information about today’s guest, plus links to the websites, resources and ideas they mention, please visit the show notes page: http://www.mrbartonmaths.com/blog/primary-school-teacher-rachel-webster-how-your-year-7s-have-been-taught-maths/