A podcast for maths teachers of Years 5-8 looking at continuity and why we need to dig for the why in our lessons. Join Andy (former secondary teacher) and Alison (former primary teacher) for a podcast series discussing issues around continuity, the transition from primary to secondary, and many of the problems around teaching and learning maths.
S2 E5 - Digging for the Yes, but Why with Ed Southall
Send us a textIn our final episode of Season 2 of ‘Digging For The Why’ we talk to Curriculum Lead for Oak National Academy, Ed Southall.In this week’s episode, Ed emphasises the need to nurture curiosity from an early age to encourage participation in the classroom.We delve into the challenges of moving away from traditional teaching models and the benefits that conceptual insight can bring to enrich students’ learning experiences.Additionally, we explore how to create a classroom culture in...
23 Jul 2024
S2 E4 - Defining The Purpose of Maths with Susan Okereke
Send us a textIn this week’s episode, we invite Susan Okereke to open the conversation on whether students should study maths till age 18.We take a look at the enhancing numeracy levels in the UK and the positive effects that might have. As well as the societal impact of poor math skills and emotional responses to maths.We also explore the importance of welcoming mistakes and encouraging inclusivity within the classroom to build both confidence and competence among students and, ultimately, a...
16 Jul 2024
S2 E3 - Creating Safe and Encouraging Learning Environments with Alex Bellos
Send us a textIn this captivating episode, we invite Alex Bellos, renowned author, mathematician, and puzzle-maker, to join the discussion on why we dig for the why. Alex is an expert on the narrative approach to making maths engaging.We explore the similarities in teaching methods between maths and computer science. As well as the significance of generating curiosity and the role teachers play in encouraging an open and safe environment that prompts students to question ‘Why?’.Meet out...
9 Jul 2024
S2 E2 - The Power of Puzzles with Catriona Agg
Send us a textEpisode 2 of ‘Digging For The Why’ explores the idea of enquiry-based learning in mathematics education. This week, we talk to Catriona Agg, a specialist in continuity between years 5 – 8, about the benefits of incorporating puzzles into your lessons. We also look at independent learning across educational levels and explore strategies for engaging students in mathematics and reflecting on education in the post-pandemic world. Meet our Guest:We are joined by Catriona ...
2 Jul 2024
S2 E1 - Communicating Maths Effectively with Ben Sparks
Send us a textJoin us and our special guest, Ben Sparks, as we discuss everything from engaging teaching methods and practical applications to fostering curiosity among students.We emphasise the need for teachers to make maths interesting and accessible beyond the traditional curriculum. While exploring the importance of deep understanding over memorisation across all subjects.We also take a look at parental influence and some different, varied pedagogical approaches to create an engaging and...
26 Jul 2023
S2 E0 - What is Season 2 all about?
Send us a textJoin us for the preview episode of Season 2 of ‘Digging for the Why’ where we explore the deeper questions behind mathematics education.In this episode, we’ll glimpse into what listeners can expect from the upcoming season.We welcome a special guest and the third wheel of the DFTW tricycle, Sam, who provides her unique perspective as a non-mathematician and offers her insight into the editing process of the podcast.Meet our Guest:Sam handles all things branding and design at MEI...
26 Jul 2023
Christmas Special: Live at the MEI conference - All about the Oak project
Send us a textHello and welcome to Digging for the why - the podcast for maths teachers and maths enthusiasts where we discuss the need to ask why. In this special episode, recorded live at the MEI conference in June 2023, we get the opportunity to ask questions to the key people involved in designing the new maths curriculum for KS1-4 for the Oak National Academy.Andy hosts the episode and is joined by the following guests on stage:Charlie Stripp – CEO of MEIEd Southall – Maths lead for...
15 Jul 2022
S1 E8 - Does technology have a place in the classroom with Tom Button
Send us a textHello and welcome to Digging for the why - the podcast for maths teachers of years 5-8 looking at continuity and why we need to dig for the why in our lessons.In this episode, Alison and Andy are joined by a special guest, Tom Button. Together they discuss the following:Season 2 of Digging For The Why?How can students and teachers benefit from technology?When should students start using technology?Andy poses the daft question: Is there a difference between using technology and u...
8 Jul 2022
S1 E7 - Rich tasks and problem-based learning with Richard Perring
Send us a textHello and welcome to Digging for the why - the podcast for maths teachers of years 5-8 looking at continuity and why we need to dig for the why in our lessons.In this episode, Alison and Andy are joined by a special guest, Richard Perring. Together they discuss the following:Keeping your LinkedIn up-to-date!Why should we encourage the use of rich tasks? What do students and teachers gain?The power of asking whyRich tasks don't need to last a lesson, just have a thinking question...
1 Jul 2022
S1 E6 - Motivating and challenging students with Tom Rainbow
Send us a textHello and welcome to Digging for the why - the podcast for maths teachers of years 5-8 looking at continuity and why we need to dig for the why in our lessons.In this episode, Alison and Andy are joined by a special guest, Tom Rainbow. Together they discuss the following:Tom's thoughts on challenging and motivating studentsAndy's son passes the Men In Black interview processDo we help students awareness of what they know and don't know?Teachers should model thinking in classWhos...
24 Jun 2022
S1 E5 - Why can students appear switched off from maths already in Year 7?
Send us a textHello and welcome to Digging for the why - the podcast for maths teachers of years 5-8 looking at continuity and why we need to dig for the why in our lessons.In this episode, Alison and Andy discuss the following:Andy apologises for a lack of knowledge of adjectivesDo we take into account the difference in how children conceptualise maths to teachers?Clarity in the classroom - is there a difference between what the teacher thinks the lesson was vs what the student thinks the le...
17 Jun 2022
S1 E4 - Curiosity in the classroom with Alison Clark-Wilson
Send us a textHello and welcome to Digging for the why - the podcast for maths teachers of years 5-8 looking at continuity and why we need to dig for the why in our lessons.In this episode, Alison and Andy are joined by a special guest, Alison Clark-Wilson. Together they discuss the following:Andy learns the meaning of enigmatic!Why is curiosity important?Do we encourage students to ask why? Can we build the right atmosphere in our classrooms?Creating a learning plate to have diverse les...
10 Jun 2022
S1 E3 - Managing the transition from KS2 to KS3 with Vicky Osborne
Send us a textHello and welcome to Digging for the why - the podcast for maths teachers of years 5-8 looking at continuity and why we need to dig for the why in our lessons.In this episode, Alison and Andy are joined by a special guest, Vicky Osborn. Again this episode was recorded in two parts: Part One: Andy and AlisonThe differences between KS2 and KS3 for stakeholdersKS3: The Wasted Years? Ofsted report 2015What is being done to address issues from this report? Valuing the mathe...
3 Jun 2022
S1 E2 - Teaching for mastery with Steph Kirk
Send us a textHello and welcome to Digging for the why - the podcast for maths teachers of years 5-8 looking at continuity and why we need to dig for the why in our lessons.This episode is in two parts. In part one, Andy and Alison discuss what they mean by mastery. In part two, they are joined by Steph Kirk, a teacher in a brand new school with just Year 7, to hear how she uses mastery as part of her teaching.Together they discuss the following:The weather - again!The challenge and opportuni...
27 May 2022
S1 E1 - Teaching tricks
Send us a textHello and welcome to Digging for the why - the podcast for maths teachers of years 5-8 looking at continuity and why we need to dig for the why in our lessons.In this episode, Alison and Andy discuss the following:What do we mean by digging for the why? Why we shouldn't teach tricks A student led vs teacher led classroomLinks to things mentioned in this episode:NCETM continuity workgroupsNCETM checkpoint resourcesIf you enjoyed this episode please help us reach more pe...
19 May 2022
S1 E0 - Introducing your hosts!
Send us a textHello and welcome to Digging for the why - the podcast for maths teachers of years 5-8 looking at continuity and why we need to dig for the why in our lessons. This episode is a chance for us (Andy and Alison) to introduce ourselves and give you an overview of the podcast series that will follow.You can find us on twitter:Andy - @desire2undrstndAlison - @AlisonHopperMEIOur intro/outro was produced by a talented young creative - check out his Soundcloud.Enjoyed this episode? Help...
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