Hello 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 why
  • Rich tasks don't need to last a lesson, just have a thinking question
  • Listening to student conversations to guide the teaching
  • Is 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 model

Links to things mentioned in this episode:

  • Ann Watson & John Mason - Mathematical thinking
  • Colin Foster and Tom Francome - Plenary or just ponder?
  • Transum - Starter of the day
  • Transforming primary mathematics - Mike Askew
  • Thinkers - ATM
  • Algebradabra
  • Mathematical challenges for able pupils

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 - @desire2undrstnd
Alison - @AlisonHopperMEI
Richard - @learning maths

Our intro/outro was produced by a talented young creative - check out his Soundcloud.