Mr Barton Maths Podcast

Anne Watson and Kris Boulton join me to discuss their answers to 8 big questions in maths education: 1. What do you see as the goals of mathematics education? 2. What does it mean to “be fluent” in something in mathematics, and is fluency important? 3. What does it mean to “understand” something in mathematics, and is understanding important? 4. Please tell us about one of your favourite maths resources/activities. Why do you like it? 5. What do you see as the key similarities and differences between variation theory and Engelmann's approach to direct instruction? 6. Is the distinction between a “novice” and an “expert” a useful one? If not, why not? If so, how might we tell if a student has moved from being one to being the other? 7. What - if anything - are the most important things for teachers to know and implement from cognitive science research? 8. What is an example of something important that you have changed your mind about? You can access all the links on the episode show notes page here: http://www.mrbartonmaths.com/blog/anne-watson-and-kris-boulton-in-conversation/

Join Jo Morgan (@mathsjem) and I as we reflect on what we learned from Day 3 of the Mathematical Association 2021 virtual conference, discussing topics such as: Colin Foster's brilliant opening keynote about what it means to "understand" something Angles as a measure of turn TIMMS data Good tasks and how to adapt them And more! You can access all the links on the episode show notes page here: http://www.mrbartonmaths.com/blog/conference-takeaways-mathematical-association-conference-2021-day-3/

Join Jo Morgan (@mathsjem) and I as we reflect on what we learned from Day 2 of the Mathematical Association 2021 virtual conference, discussing topics such as: Hannah Fry's keynote on communication Transition from GCSE to A Level this summer Talking maths with your children Parental support for learning in general My session on misconceptions with area and perimeter And more! You can access all the links on the episode show notes page here: http://www.mrbartonmaths.com/blog/conference-takeaways-mathematical-association-conference-2021-day-2/

Join Jo Morgan (@mathsjem) and I as we reflect on what we learned from Day 1 of the Mathematical Association 2021 virtual conference, discussing topics such as: Black mathematicians,  Creating a Low Threshold High Ceiling Classroom,  What makes a good task?,  Misconceptions Paper folding Ratio and proportion Mathematical diagrams Ofsted You can access all the links on the episode show notes page here: http://www.mrbartonmaths.com/blog/conference-takeaways-mathematical-association-conference-2021-day-1/

Michael Pershan, a New York mathematics teacher and author, shares his insights on using worked examples in math education. He discusses the significant role mistakes play in enhancing understanding and how labeling characters in examples can boost student confidence. Pershan highlights the contrast between real and fictitious names, the importance of self-explanation, and adaptive teaching strategies for diverse learning needs. This engaging conversation emphasizes reflection and evolving teaching methods to foster deeper comprehension and engagement in mathematics.

In a podcast cross-over episode, Ollie Lovell from the wonderful  Education Reading Room podcast interviews US teacher, blogger and author  Michael Pershan about worked examples. How does Michael plan his worked  examples, what do they look like in the classroom, what does the  research say, and why is self-explanation so important? 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/michael-pershan-teaching-with-worked-examples-part-1/ 

Doug Lemov returns to the podcast to share tips for the return to classrooms. Sharing takeaways from 3 books - Teach like a Champion 3.0, Teaching in online classrooms and the Coach's guide to teaching - Doug provides strategies, theories and resources to help make the return to classrooms as effective as possible 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/doug-lemov-tips-for-the-return-to-classrooms/

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.

Jo Morgan returns to the show to discuss how she is approaching online teaching 6 months on from when she first experienced it. It turns out lots has changed. Jo has some great advice and resources for making remote teaching effective and manageable. 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/jo-morgan-teaching-key-stage-3-maths/ 

Ollie Lovell returns to the show to discuss one of our favourite subject - Cognitive Load Theory. But instead of going over the usual stuff, Ollie talks about the things surprised him whilst doing research for his new book, what Cigntive Load Theory has to say about remote teaching and online lessons, and finally Ollie helps me get my head around some aspects of the theory that I have long found confusing! 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/ollie-lovell-cognitive-load-theory-in-action/