Ollie Lovell sent me a recording of a maths lesson he had recently taught in a school he has been supporting. I suggested we discuss the lesson, centring around Ollie’s planning, the decisions he made, and his responses in the lesson. Fortunately, Ollie agreed, hence what you are listening to now.

I have shared the video clips from the sections of the lesson that we discussed on the show-note page here: mrbartonmaths.com/blog/ollie-lesson

In this conversation, Craig Barton and Ollie Lovell discuss various topics related to teaching and professional development. They touch on the importance of aligning pedagogy in schools and the potential benefits and drawbacks of co-constructing instructional practices. They also discuss effective strategies for delivering CPD, including cold calling participants and switching partners during activities. Craig shares his takeaways from attending CPD sessions by Doug Lemov and from Ollie's conversation with Harry Fletcher-Wood. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of thoughtful and intentional approaches to teaching and professional development. In this part of the conversation, Craig and Ollie discuss the importance of effective training and the role of habits in learning. They also explore the power of writing as a tool for participation and reflection. They highlight the need for visible writing to facilitate discussion and the benefits of rewriting to deepen understanding. They also discuss the importance of pushing conversations to a higher level to uncover underlying beliefs and assumptions. Finally, they reflect on the challenges of one-off PD sessions and the value of distilling wisdom into actionable takeaways. You can view the shownotes here: mrbartonmaths.com/blog/tools-and-tips-for-teachers-14

Time-stamps:

1. Should school teaching and learning playbooks be constructed? (07:54)
2. Reflections on Doug Lemov CPD (29:17)
3. Effective training focusses on developing habits (44:08)
4. The power of writing (59:01)
5. During tricky conversations, push to a higher level (1:08:43)
6. The importance (and perils) of models during CPD (1:22:04)

In this episode, Craig, Ollie, and special guest Zach Groschel discuss various topics related to education. They start by introducing themselves and discussing their current locations. Then, they dive into the importance of standardizing entry and exit routines in schools. They also explore the concept of relentless precision in holding high standards and the obstacles to understanding that teachers may face. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for clear expectations, effective coaching, and ongoing support in education. The conversation covers obstacles to understanding, effective explanations, checking for listening, refining the list, gradual release of responsibility, six direct instruction shifts, and self-explanation. The conversation explores the pre-test effect, the value of mass practice, the importance of discriminative contrast in interleaving, and the role of similarity in interleaving. You can access the show notes here: mrbartonmaths.com/blog/tools-and-tips-for-teachers-8

Time-stamps:

1. Standardizing classroom entry and rewards for students. (8:45)
2. Classroom management strategies for quiet and focused learning. (13:06)
3. Implementing a new behavior system in a school. (16:55)
4. Implementing a behavior change initiative in schools. (22:56)
5. Improving school standards through coaching and precision. (26:07)
6. Holding high standards in schools. (30:42)
7. Sustaining high standards in teaching and coaching. (36:18)
8. Coaching in education, obstacles to understanding. (41:03)
9. Obstacles to understanding in teaching. (44:50)
10. Clear explanations in teaching. (49:57)
11. Teaching strategies and checklists for effective explanations. (55:30)
12. Gradual release of scaffolding in teaching. (1:02:22)
13. Teaching strategies for language learning. (1:07:30)
14. Gradual release of responsibility in teaching. (1:12:21)
15. Teaching strategies and frameworks. (1:16:09)
16. Self-explanation in education. (1:19:37)
17. Self-explanation in teaching and learning. (1:23:42)
18. Self-explanation in teaching and learning. (1:28:28)
19. Pre-testing and interleaving in math education. (1:32:42)
20. Motivating students through math education. (1:37:42)
21. Interleaving and spaced practice in learning. (1:41:05)
22. Teaching math concepts through spaced repetition and interleaving. (1:48:32)
23. Interleaving and practice strategies in education. (1:51:49)
24. Teaching, learning, and poetry. (1:57:31)

Emma is a former maths teacher who now trains teachers in ITE and FE. She is a self-confessed Maths geek and the author of the superb of 'Making every maths lesson count'. On this episode Emma shares three fantastic ideas from her book, we discuss the challenges novice teachers face, and what the Learning Curriculum is all about.

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/emma-mccrea-making-every-maths-lesson-count-training-teachers-and-the-learning-curriculum/ 

Alex is a journalist, the man who runs the Guardian’s fortnightly Monday puzzle, and the author of some of the best-loved Maths books of recent times, including Alex’s Adventures in Numberland. As I found out, he is also just a brilliant person to have a chat to. We talk about puzzles, writing about maths, the perception of our subject, and plenty 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/alex-bellos-puzzles-perception-and-pool-tables/ 

Julia is a former teacher, who is now a teacher trainer, author, and pioneer of the 5Rs approach. This simple way of breaking down lessons into manageable chunks, each of which serves a key purpose, has been revolutionary in terms of the impact it has had on GCSE resit students. But, as we examine in this conversation, its application could go much wider.

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/julia-smith-teaching-gcse-resit-and-the-5rs/ 

In a special episode of the show, I speak to AQA's resident multiple choice question guru, Zeek Sweiry to discuss the merits of diagnostic multiple choice questions both as a teaching tool and a tool of assessment.

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/multiple-choice-questions-on-trial-with-aqas-zeek-sweiry/ 

Rob is a mathematician, author, presenter and puzzle writer. In this episode we delve deep into the importance of estimation, even in the an age of technology. We also cover the public perception of maths, humour in lessons, the writing and answering of maths puzzles, the relationship between cricket and maths, and even a bit of parenting advice. It is a good one!

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/rob-eastaway-estimation-perception-of-maths-and-the-importance-of-haha/

Bradley Busch and Edward Watson have worked in the fields of education, sport and business, looking at research-informed strategies that help get the very best out of people. Their book - The Science of Learning - is one of the most accessible, easily-actionable education books I have read. In this conversation we discuss everything from research into memory, mobile phones and motivation.

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/the-science-of-learning-77-studies-that-every-teacher-needs-to-know/ 

The band are back together again to reflect on what they learned in 2018/19. Expect contributions from the likes of Dylan Wiliam, Mary Myatt, Harry Fletcher-Wood, Tom Bennett, Oli Caviglioli, and many, many, many more. Roll on the summer!

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/slice-of-advice-2019-what-did-you-learn-this-year/ 

Tom Sherrington returns to the podcast to discuss his new book, Rosenshine's Principles in Action. We discuss which of the principles can be put into action straight away, and which can be developed over time. We also discuss the features of successful schools, and plenty more along the way.

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/tom-sherrington-rosenshines-principles-in-action/ 

Join me and Jo Morgan for a controversial Conference Takeaways podcast from the wonderful MEI 2019 Maths Conference, where we discuss everything from calculator use, schemes of work, and a potential issue with manipulatives.

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/conference-takeaways-mei-maths-conference-2019/ 

Jonny is a legend of maths education, being the brains behind the wonderful RISP activities. And of course in this conversation we dig into those. But we also delve into lots of other territories, ranging from problem solving, textbook writing, and an important discussion about mental health issues in teaching.

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/jonny-griffiths-risps-problem-solving-and-mental-health/ 

Cognitive psychologist, Nick Soderstrom, joins me to talk about all things memory and retrieval. We discuss the important distinction between learning and performance, and then dive into four desirable difficulties: testing, spacing, interleaving and pre-testing. Links can be found in the show notes: mrbartonmaths.com/blog/how-to-remember

Time-stamps:

1. Memory, learning, and career paths with a cognitive psychologist. (7:04)
2. The importance of retrieval practice in learning. (12:25)
3. Learning vs performance in education. (17:51)
4. Retrieval practice and testing in education. (24:26)
5. The benefits of testing students and how it can improve learning. (29:35)
6. Effective feedback strategies in teaching. (36:11)
7. Math testing formats and feedback. (43:03)
8. Retrieval practice in math education. (47:37)
9. Using retrieval practice and spacing to improve learning. (51:33)
10. Spaced repetition in teaching fractions. (56:30)
11. Optimal spacing for effective learning. (1:01:01)
12. Optimal retrieval practice for learning. (1:05:36)
13. Using hints and cues in retrieval practice. (1:10:03)
14. Formative assessments and learning vs performance. (1:13:30)
15. Interleaving and its benefits in learning. (1:17:41)
16. Interleaving in math education. (1:23:55)
17. Math education techniques and interleaving. (1:27:53)
18. Interleaving practice in education. (1:31:41)
19. Pre-testing in education. (1:36:57)
20. Assessing students' prior knowledge in math lessons. (1:44:24)
21. Pre-testing in education and its potential effects on students. (1:47:35)
22. Pre-testing and its benefits in education. (1:52:48)
23. Retrieval practice and its effectiveness in learning. (1:57:43)
24. Learning strategies and debunking myths. (2:02:21)
25. Learning styles, desirable difficulties, and technology in education. (2:08:32)
26. Learning vs performance in education. (2:14:37)
27. Learning strategies and research-backed techniques for teachers. (2:20:22)

Chris is a former head of mathematics in Scotland who now works for La Salle education. Like me, he has undergone something of a mid-career crises when he started to engage in educational research. However, we have reached slightly different conclusions in a number of key areas. In this conversation we delve deep into those areas, as well as discussing how to create or choose a good mathematical task.

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/chris-mcgrane-task-design-and-changing-your-mind/ 

Michael is a maths teacher and blogger from the US. I have been a fan of Michael's writing for a long time, and it was fascinating to get the opportunity to talk in depth about areas of pedagogy that are close to our hearts. We talked about the difficulty of moving schools, our views on problem solving and then the big one... Example-Problem Pairs (spoiler alert: we don't agree upon the best way to use them!)

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-example-problem-pairs-problem-solving-and-moving-schools/ 

Mark McCourt returns to the podcast by popular demand! In his previous appearance back in 2016, Mark claimed he had never marked a book in his life. Now in 2019 Mark shares his wisdom on all things to do with teaching for mastery, including his views on problem solving, starters, schemes of work, and much more. This is a corker of an episode.

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/mark-mccourt-the-return-teaching-for-mastery/ 

Episode 1 of my new podcast series where I go behind the scenes of an awarding body in an attempt to answer the questions you want to ask. This episode is all about the language used in exam papers! To access all episodes in the series, please visit the Inside Exams home page.

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/inside-exams-episode-1/ 

Join me and Jo Morgan for 2 days at the ATM MA joint maths conference, for discussions about the evolution of maths vocabulary, problem solving, lesson observations, listening to learners, visual representations and much 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/conference-takeaways-atmma-2019-conference-day-2/ 

Join me and Jo Morgan for 2 days at the ATM MA joint maths conference, for discussions about the evolution of maths vocabulary, problem solving, lesson observations, listening to learners, visual representations and much 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/conference-takeaways-atmma-2019-conference-day-1/ 

Pete is Director of Maths & Numeracy in a secondary school in the Midlands. He is a Secondary Mastery Lead for the EMS Maths Hub, and Maths SLE & PD Lead. He is also the author of Visible Maths - a book that looks at using visual representations to help students sense-make. In this conversation we take a deep-dive into all things visual, as well as discussing planning sequences of lessons and running a maths department.

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/peter-mattock-visible-maths-planning-lessons-and-running-a-department/ 

Join Jo Morgan and I for a jam-packed discussion following the excellent Educating Northants Conference about mastery at primary, a knowledge curriculum, multiple mathematical methods, dual coding, variation starters... and a breathing exercise.

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/conference-takeaways-educating-northants-2019/ 

Simon Cox and I sat down to discuss our key takeaways from the excellent sessions we saw at researchEd Blackpool 2019. Hear reflections on workshops by the likes of Mark McCourt, Mark Lehain, Anne Watson, Oliver Caviglioli, Colin Foster, Simon Cox and Ben Gordon. It's a good one!

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/conference-takeaways-researched-blackpool-2019/ 

Alex Quigley is a former English teacher and now Senior Associate at the Education Endowment Foundation. He is also the author of one of my favourite books of any genre over the last 12 months - Closing the Vocabulary Gap. In this interview we delve into the importance of vocabulary across all subjects, and I discover an exciting way of introducing students to a new concept.

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/alex-quigley-closing-the-vocabulary-gap/ 

Teacher, author and my arch-rival podcaster, Ollie Lovell, joins me from the land Down Under for the seventh of our monthly chats. We each share three things we have been thinking about from the world of education recently. In this episode, we discuss CPD, checking for understanding, rehearsal, lesson planning, and more. For show notes, videos and links please visit this page: mrbartonmaths.com/blog/tools-and-tips-for-teachers-7

Time-stamps:

1. Plan CPD around the in-between times (10:04)
2. Questions to ask during CPD (17:52)
3. Ask Who got 8/10? (28:16)
4. Importance of rehearsal when coaching (35:42)
5. Move slowly (50:47)
6. What’s harder, planning lessons from scratch, or adapting existing lessons? (57:27)

Jemma is Head of Maths at Haybridge High School and Sixth Form in Worcestershire. Jemma is a governor at a primary school, and a professional development lead for the NCETM. She is also the creator of one of my favourite educational blogs - jemmaths.wordpress.com - and the author of How To Enhance Your Maths Subject Knowledge. In this conversation we go deep into Jemma's planning process for a sequence of lessons, and talk about the importance of silence!

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/jemma-sherwood-part-1-sequences-of-lessons-and-the-importance-of-silence/ 

Naveen Rizvi is Maths Curriculum Advisor for United Learning, and has previously taught at Michaela and Great Yarmouth schools, both of which have been in the public eye over the last few years. In what will no doubt prove a controversial episode (always good for the listening figures!) Naveen takes us through how she plans a sequence of lessons on rearranging formulae, completed with a scripted resource booklet which you can download from the podcast page. It is fascinating listening.

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/naveen-rizvi-part-1-scripted-lessons-examples-and-social-media/ 

Chris Smith is a maths teacher, Pi Day lover, TED Talker, popular newsletter writer, and the 2018 Scottish teacher of the Year. In this conversation we cover everything from lesson planning, time-management, running successful revision days, and the role of fun in maths lessons. Enjoy!

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/chris-smith-injecting-fun-into-lessons-resources-pi-day-revision-days/  

David Didau is a former English teacher turned educational consultant, blogger and author. He has written two of my favourite educational books of all time: What If Everything You Knew About Education Was Wrong? and What Every Teacher Needs to Know About Psychology, which he co-wrote with former podcast guest Nick Rose. David now has a new book out - Making Kids Cleverer: A manifesto for closing the advantage gap - and it is a little on the controversial side! In this thought-provoking conversation we cover everything from intelligence, IQ, heritability, cognitive load theory, desirable difficulties, and parenting!

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/david-didau-making-kids-cleverer/ 

In this special podcast to celebrate Jo's 100th Maths Gem blog post, we end up talking about so much more than resources - although there is plenty of chat about that, so don't you worry. We also cover the role of fun in lessons, practical use of cognitive science in teaching, SSDD problems, what Jo has learned this year, and plenty more besides. Oh, and there is even a quiz!

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-100th-maths-gems-special/ 

Dr Helen Williams has been teaching, and learning about mathematics teaching, for over 30 years. Her particular expertise is in learning maths with children from 3 to 8 years of age, which is most certainly not my area of expertise! In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss exactly what an early years maths lesson might look like, why manipulatives are so important for children of all ages, and why Helen is not exactly sold on Cognitive Load Theory!

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/helen-williams-early-years-teaching-and-manipulatives/ 

Professor Becky Allen is Professor of Education at UCL Institute of Education, co-creator of TeacherTapp, and the co-author of The Teacher Gap. Here we discuss just how happy (or unhappy!) teachers are, and what the very best schools are doing about it. We also discuss the mistakes schools make in terms of Pupil Premium students and measuring progress, both of which may well contribute to teacher unhappiness, with little positive benefits. There is so much in this conversation!

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/becky-allen-workload-happiness-expertise-progress-pupil-premium/ 

Bernie Westacott is a master of teaching key mathematical concepts in a visual way, using manipulatives and other representations. In this episode he takes me through 3 demonstrations: introducing number, operations with negative numbers, and simultaneous equations. In a world first for the Mr Barton Maths Podcast, this episode is available in both audio and also video so you can see Bernie in action, and watch me struggle!

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/bernie-westacott-teaching-maths-with-visuals-and-manipulatives/ 

Dr Hannah Fry is a mathematician, and a legend. In this interview we discussed her career, books, and TV work, covering topics such as the role maths can play in relationships, parenting, solving crime and driverless cars. The includes a discussion of Hannah's book Hello World, which is outstanding.

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/hannah-fry-algorithms-love-and-being-a-mathematician/ 

After MathsConf16 at Glasgow High School on 6th October 2018, Stuart Welsh (@maths180) and I sat down to share our thoughts and takeaways on the sessions we had seen. We discuss atomising - which was very much the word of the day - provocative statements in maths education, teaching perimeter, solving linear equations with 100% success guaranteed, and much, 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/conference-takeaways-mathsconf16-glasgow/ 

Where to begin? Mark McCourt has done it all. From maths teacher, head of maths, head teacher, Ofsted inspector, CEO, founder, and the creator of MathsConf. I first met Mark almost 20 years ago, and have learned from him ever since. This is Mark’s 3rd appearance on the podcast, and given he recently announced his retirement, I fear it may be his last.

To access the show-notes, please visit: mrbartonmaths.com/blog/mark-mccourt-part-3/

Time-stamps:

1. Retirement and career changes. (4:43)
2. Potential and ability in education. (13:30)
3. The meaning of "ability" in education. (21:31)
4. Teaching methods and class organization. (25:30)
5. Teacher performance and subject-specific knowledge. (33:28)
6. Education trends and subject matter in schools. (38:06)
7. Education sector fear and lack of agency among teachers. (44:14)
8. Assessing student learning and understanding. (53:21)
9. Teaching methods and mini whiteboards. (58:59)
10. Maths education and manipulatives. (1:03:41)
11. Using manipulatives in math education. (1:10:22)
12. Maths education and teacher training. (1:16:35)
13. Inadequate teacher training in the UK. (1:22:47)
14. Teaching math concepts in a personalized manner. (1:28:42)
15. Math education and assessment methods. (1:33:34)
16. Formative assessment and teacher vulnerability. (1:41:00)
17. Teaching mathematics with formal language and forward-thinking methods. (1:44:53)
18. Teaching methods and fear of inspections. (1:51:26)
19. The power of education and knowledge transfer. (1:59:05)
20. Education as a maturation process. (2:05:01)
21. Mastery approach in education with a focus on math and FE. (2:15:16)
22. FE college math reset issues. (2:20:03)
23. Improving mathematical literacy through precise language use. (2:27:29)
24. Educational approach and its impact on school performance. (2:33:45)
25. The importance of shared values and beliefs in schools. (2:40:44)
26. The effectiveness of Ofsted and potential systemic problems. (2:46:23)
27. Ofsted's effectiveness and potential biases. (2:52:34)
28. Education system and curriculum design. (2:56:56)
29. Maths education, curriculum, and technology. (3:04:41)
30. Mastery-based education and assessments. (3:09:48)
31. The role of teachers in education and the potential for online learning. (3:14:19)
32. The importance of classroom experience in teaching. (3:21:58)
33. Career challenges and personal growth. (3:26:44)
34. Teaching, grief, and pride in education. (3:31:41)
35. Retirement, relationships, and personal growth. (3:40:39)
36. Education, values, and priorities with Mark McCourt. (3:45:59)

After researchED Scotland at Dollar Academy on 22nd September 2018, Chris McGrane (@ChrisMcGrane84) and I sat down to share our thoughts and takeaways on the sessions we had seen. We discuss the 7 myths of education, the role of metacogntion, feeding forward, curriculum, variation and smashing the bell-curve.

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/conference-takeaways-researched-scotland-september-2018/ 

Jeremy is a Professor of mathematics education researcher at UCL Institute of Education, the co-author, along with Dylan Wiliam, of Mathematics Inside the Black Box, and the co-creator of the ICCAMS project. We had a fascinating and wide-ranging discussion that covered is findings on a project into the best way to teach low-achieving students, the importance of mathematical stories, how to deal with relevance in mathematics, and the key role fingers have to play in learning!

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/jeremy-hodgen-teaching-low-ability-students-relevance-and-fingers/ 

In this episode, I got to interview one of my all-time heroes, Simon Singh. Simon is the author of some of my favourite books, including Fermat's Last Theorem and the Codebook. But not content with retelling some of the most wonderful stories about our subject, Simon also wants to help develop mathematics excellence through his work with the Parallel Project. This is an episode not to be missed.

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/simon-singh-fermats-last-theorem-and-stretching-high-attainers/  

Slice of Advice returns, and in this episode over 30 world-class educators give their answer to the question: What does the first lesson with your class look like? You will hear about specific activities, setting expectation, establishing routines, and much more from the likes of Bruno Reddy, Mark McCourt, Jemma Sherwood, Jo Facer, and many more besides. I love this episode!

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/slice-of-advice-what-does-the-first-lesson-with-your-class-look-like/ 

Following his game-changing appearance on the podcast in early 2017, Greg Ashman returns to talk about his wonderful book, The Truth about Teaching. And this is one sequel that does not disappoint. We cover everything from effect sizes to growth mindset, calling in at game-based learning, slow-motion problem solving and whole class feedback along the way. This is definitely one to share with your non-maths teaching colleagues.

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/greg-ashman-the-truth-about-teaching/ 

In an experimental episode, I asked 50+ of my favourite people one question: "what did you learn this year?". You will hear from the likes of Dylan William, Andrew Smith, Katharine Birbalsingh, Claire Sealy, Andrew Percival, Dan Meyer, and many others talking all things from feedback, work-life balance, signalling, metacognition, working abroad, and everything in between. A must listen for teachers of all subjects and age groups.

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/slice-of-advice-what-did-you-learn-this-year/ 

After the JustMaths on 25rd June 2018, Jo Morgan (@mathsjem) and I sat down in Alton Towers to share our thoughts and takeaways on the sessions we had seen. We discuss the interesting ways AQA are using their exam questions, Mel and Seagar's secrets of their success, Ofqual's take on last summer's GCSEs, Edexcel's reaction to Year 11s Twitter postings, Jo's favourite new maths resource sites, and just why am I both dangerous and clueless?

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/conference-takeaways-justmaths-conference-2018/ 

After the LaSalle Maths Conference in Manchester on 23rd June 2018, Jo Morgan (@mathsjem) and I sat down to share our thoughts and takeaways on the sessions we had seen. In a cracker of an episode (if I do say so myself!), we discuss AQA's Level 2 Certificate, the role of storytelling, Desmos, teaching indices in depth, working in a department with non-specialists, intelligent variation, and plenty 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/conference-takeaways-mathsconf15/ 

I had the pleasure of attending and speaking at the Festival of Education. And if that wasn't enough, I also got to reflect on each day's session with Kris Boulton (@Kris_Boulton) from a sun-soaked Master's garden. So sit back, relax and listen to us discuss everything from curriculum, knowledge, reading, measuring progress, Ofsted, and even Love Island

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/conference-takeaways-festival-of-education-day-2/ 

With the summer 2018 Maths GCSEs finally behind us, I thought it would be nice to reflect on the experiences of teachers and students over the first two years of sitting of the new GCSE Maths specification. And who better to join me on this voyage of discovery than my very own Head of Department, Karen Wilkinson, and the Head of Maths at Edexcel, Graham Cumming. Settle yourselves down for an enlightening discussion on good and bad questions, tiering decisions, and much, 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/gcse-maths-exam-special-graham-cumming-and-karen-wilkinson/ 

The episode features a conversation with Ofsted's Maths Subject Lead, Steve Wren. We discuss everything from inspections, subject deep-dive, lesson observations, book scrutinies, COVID and more. For show notes, please visit: mrbartonmaths.com/blog/ofsted

Time-stamps:

1. Education career, controversies, and accents. (13:13)
2. Maths education, policy, and personal interests. (15:31)
3. Maths education and refereeing football. (20:56)
4. Football refereeing and teaching career insights. (23:27)
5. Lesson planning and the importance of cutting losses. (26:31)
6. Ofsted inspections and their practicalities. (29:12)
7. School inspection process and expectations. (35:33)
8. School inspection and grading. (39:09)
9. School inspection process and leadership. (42:40)
10. Ofsted inspections and deep dives in a secondary school. (49:15)
11. Maths curriculum and lesson observations. (51:13)
12. Teaching maths in a school. (55:22)
13. Ofsted inspections and lesson quality. (1:00:18)
14. Ofsted inspections and consistency in teaching practices. (1:04:45)
15. Using mini whiteboards in the classroom. (1:07:45)
16. Using books to support deep dives in education. (1:11:37)
17. Effective lesson observations and deep dives in education. (1:15:14)
18. Inspector training and subject expertise in education. (1:18:27)
19. Keeping bias out of inspections and tailoring approaches to individual schools. (1:21:55)
20. Effective department meetings in schools. (1:26:44)
21. Maths education report and its findings. (1:29:32)
22. Maths education challenges and solutions. (1:34:23)
23. Teaching methods and exam preparation in schools. (1:39:01)
24. Secondary school teaching strategies and retention. (1:43:47)
25. Primary and secondary school math education. (1:48:12)
26. Problem-solving in math education. (1:52:30)
27. Effective problem-solving strategies in math education. (1:56:35)
28. Maths education balance and practice. (2:00:12)
29. Problem-solving in math education. (2:04:43)
30. Using departmental meetings to support math problem-solving skills. (2:07:06)
31. Curriculum design and problem-solving strategies. (2:11:02)
32. Problem-solving strategies in math education. (2:16:07)
33. Sharing high-quality educational resources and Ofsted's research review. (2:18:51)
34. Maths education and the importance of balancing different perspectives. (2:23:56)
35. Ofsted's stance on marking and feedback. (2:28:39)
36. Effective math teaching methods and workload management. (2:32:53)
37. Using centrally planned resources in maths lessons. (2:36:26)
38. Maths education during COVID-19 pandemic. (2:40:29)
39. Maths education, homework, and curriculum. (2:45:51)
40. Ofsted inspections and curriculum development. (2:49:35)
41. The future of math teaching and the importance of skilled teachers. (2:53:04)
42. Educational blogs and podcasts for personal growth. (2:57:30)

Tom Sherrington is a vastly experienced teacher and headteacher, blogger, speaker, and the author of one of my favourite books, The Learning Rainforest: Great teaching in real classrooms. In the episode we tackle all the big issues, from curriculum to assessment, lesson observations to different approaches to teaching. No matter what your subject, I think you will enjoy this one.

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/tom-sherrington-the-learning-rainforest/ 

After the researchEd in Rugby on 9th June 2018, Jemma Sherwood (@jemmaths) and I sat down to share our thoughts and takeaways on the sessions we had seen. We discussed when it is best to introduce algebra, things we have not borrowed from higher performing regions, knowledge organisers, marking, getting carried away with research, 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/conference-takeaways-researched-rugby/ 

I have been a huge fan of Harry Fletcher-Wood's writing for many years. He was a great inspiration for my work on Diagnostic Questions, and his innovative use of Twitter to summarise research findings is essential reading. I loved this interview. We structure our conversation around Harry's book, Responsive Teaching, and get into areas including writing lesson objectives, formative assessment, marking, feedback and much 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/harry-fletcher-wood-responsive-teaching/