Digging for the Why

Send us Fan MailIn 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 which students feel safe to make mistakes, share ideas and engage in discussion to enhance their understanding and shift traditional teaching practices.Meet our Guest:Author of ‘Yes But Why? Teaching for Understanding in Mathematics, Curriculum Lead for Oak National Academy and editor-in-chief of the Mathematical Association, Ed Southall, is the perfect guest for our podcast.Ed specialises in speaking about conceptual teaching in maths and making maths make sense for children of all ages. He has an array of experience in teaching and senior leadership, as well as experience teaching in the Middle East.@edsouthallEnjoyed this episode? Help us reach more people by leaving us a 5*!! review You can find us on XAndy - @desire2undrstnd/Bluesky Alison - @AlisonHopperMEI A talented young creative iingledew produced our intro/outro – check out his Soundcloud.

Send us Fan MailIn 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 supportive learning environment.Meet our Guest:As an experienced maths teacher and communicator, Susan aims to encourage thought and discussion about how we can improve numeracy levels in this country and how we can make maths more engaging in the classroom. Susan is also a podcast host for Maths Appeal and a BBC Radio 4 puzzle writer. Susan is passionate about showing that maths is everywhere and for everyone.@DoTheMathsThingListen to Maths Appeal now! Acast |Apple | Spotify |YouTube Enjoyed this episode? Help us reach more people by leaving us a 5*!! review You can find us on XAndy - @desire2undrstnd/Bluesky Alison - @AlisonHopperMEI A talented young creative iingledew produced our intro/outro – check out his Soundcloud.

Send us Fan MailIn 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 Guest:Alex Bellos studied Mathematics and Philosophy at Cambridge before going into Journalism. For over 5 years, he lived in Brazil, working for The Guardian as their South American correspondent. In 2010, when he returned to the UK, Alex published ‘Alex’s Adventures in Numberland’, followed shortly by ‘Alex Through the Looking Glass’ in 2014. Alex is also an experienced public speaker and gives talks to a whole range of students, profesionals and the general public.@alexbellosEnjoyed this episode? Help us reach more people by leaving us a 5*!! review You can find us on XAndy - @desire2undrstnd/Bluesky Alison - @AlisonHopperMEI A talented young creative iingledew produced our intro/outro – check out his Soundcloud.

Send us Fan MailEpisode 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 Agg, group lead and experienced maths teacher. Catriona works with her local maths hub as a Work Group Lead developing A level pedagogy. She has also been a Work Group Lead for Year 5 to 8 Continuity, which, as listeners of season one will know, is very close to our hearts! Catriona is also well known in the maths-twitter world for her awesome geometry puzzles.@Cshearer41Enjoyed this episode? Help us reach more people by leaving us a 5*!! review You can find us on XAndy - @desire2undrstnd/Bluesky Alison - @AlisonHopperMEI A talented young creative iingledew produced our intro/outro – check out his Soundcloud.

Send us Fan MailJoin 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 accessible learning environment for all students.  Meet our Guest:Ben is an experienced mathematician, musician and public speaker. He hosts maths talks and workshops around the world.Ben is currently part freelance and an Area Coordinator with the AMSP, and is based at the University of Bath. His performances include regular work with the Numberphile YouTube channel, where his videos have been watched over 12 million times. He also runs his own YouTube channel, SparksMaths. @SparksMaths | https://www.bensparks.co.uk/ Enjoyed this episode? Help us reach more people by leaving us a 5*!! review You can find us on XAndy - @desire2undrstnd/Bluesky Alison - @AlisonHopperMEI A talented young creative iingledew produced our intro/outro – check out his Soundcloud.

Send us Fan MailJoin 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. Whilst not classing herself as a mathematician, she is passionate about education and has a background in teaching. Sam edits all our podcast episodes and has a comprehensive understanding of what we do. We thought we’d get her on so she can discuss her thoughts on Season 2.Enjoyed this episode? Help us reach more people by leaving us a 5*!! review You can find us on XAndy - @desire2undrstnd/Bluesky Alison - @AlisonHopperMEI A talented young creative iingledew produced our intro/outro – check out his Soundcloud.

Send us Fan MailHello 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 the Oak National AcademyAlison Hopper – Primary lead for the Oak National Academy (and usual co-host for DFTW!)Vicky Wheelhouse – Secondary lead for the Oak National AcademyThis was a 45 minute Q&A about the planned Oak curriculum for maths where teachers and other audience members go the chance to ask questions of the panel.The questions include:·       Why choose MEI?·       How will Oak address the various transitions across KS1-4?·       As a student, will I feel ‘Oak fatigue’?·       How does this project differ from other ‘bought in’ curriculums?·       How do the Oak resources empower teachers rather than deskill them?·       How are the resources created and how can teachers adapt them?·       Is accessibility considered for these resources?·       Are there any resources for SEND? If not, are they planned for the future? Links to things mentioned in this episode:The Oak National AcademyEquatioFind Ed and VIcky here:·       Ed – @edsouthall·       Vicky - @v_wheelhouseEnjoyed this episode? Help us reach more people by leaving us a 5*!! review You can find us on XAndy - @desire2undrstnd/Bluesky Alison - @AlisonHopperMEI A talented young creative iingledew produced our intro/outro – check out his Soundcloud.

Send us Fan MailHello 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 using technology in the classroom?What is happening with technology use in the primary sector?How can we improve teaching through the use of technology?Take simple steps to experience success with technologyLinks to things mentioned in this episode:Calculator CrunchGraphing software - Autograph/Desmos/GeoGebra SAMR modelFlipgrid - now called Flip!Desmos ClassroomGlobalGEGIf you enjoyed this episode please help us reach more people by leaving us a (good and 5*!!) review :-)You can find us on twitter:Andy - @desire2undrstndAlison - @AlisonHopperMEITom - @MathsTechnology Our intro/outro was produced by a talented young creative - check out his Soundcloud.Enjoyed this episode? Help us reach more people by leaving us a 5*!! review You can find us on XAndy - @desire2undrstnd/Bluesky Alison - @AlisonHopperMEI A talented young creative iingledew produced our intro/outro – check out his Soundcloud.

Send us Fan MailHello 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 questionListening to student conversations to guide the teachingIs there still a space for coursework?Does there need to be a right answer?As a teacher, be open to learning Where can you go to read about rich tasks and get some starting points?The power of a collaborative planning modelLinks to things mentioned in this episode:Ann Watson & John Mason - Mathematical thinkingColin Foster and Tom Francome - Plenary or just ponder?Transum - Starter of the dayTransforming primary mathematics - Mike AskewThinkers - ATMAlgebradabraMathematical challenges for able pupilsIf you enjoyed this episode please help us reach more people by leaving us a (good and 5*!!) review :-)You can find us on twitter:Andy - @desire2undrstndAlison - @AlisonHopperMEIRichard - @learning mathsOur intro/outro was produced by a talented young creative - check out his Soundcloud.Enjoyed this episode? Help us reach more people by leaving us a 5*!! review You can find us on XAndy - @desire2undrstnd/Bluesky Alison - @AlisonHopperMEI A talented young creative iingledew produced our intro/outro – check out his Soundcloud.

Send us Fan MailHello 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 classWhose responsibility is it to embed problem-solving time in lessons?Does a schools' vision for maths impact on what happens in the classroom?How do I plan a lesson as a new teacher that can challenge and motivate students and it doesn't wear me out by half term?Using 'I wonder' and 'I notice' statements to engage and motivateTeachers owning the lesson but still letting the students have space to explore and discoverLinks to things mentioned in this episode:Ken Robinson's TED talk - Do schools kill creativity?If you enjoyed this episode please help us reach more people by leaving us a (good and 5*!!) review :-)You can find us on twitter:Andy - @desire2undrstndAlison - @AlisonHopperMEITom - @CoreMathsTomOur intro/outro was produced by a talented young creative - check out his Soundcloud.Enjoyed this episode? Help us reach more people by leaving us a 5*!! review You can find us on XAndy - @desire2undrstnd/Bluesky Alison - @AlisonHopperMEI A talented young creative iingledew produced our intro/outro – check out his Soundcloud.