Talks
About me
I am the maths curriculum designer for Oak National Academy, and have worked for the last seven years as the maths specialist for the primary and secondary PGCE at the University of Huddersfield. I am a former teacher, head of faculty and assistant headteacher, and I have authored 5 mathematics books including the best selling subject knowledge book 'Yes, But Why? Teaching for Understanding in Mathematics'. I am currently the editor-in-chief for the Mathematical Association and am in my PhD write-up year specialising in studying the intended and enacted primary mathematics curriculum.
Recent talks
Making abstract maths make sense
For MathsMeet 22 at Maynooth University I spoke to delegates about the importance of coupling procedural mathematics with conceptual understanding. We looked at strategies to enable students to make sense of abstract maths.
Newton we have a problem
As part of Maths in Action I worked with sixth formers from around the country to introduce and explore approaches to a number of geometry problems.
Getting textbooks right
At ResearchEd I discussed the merits of high quality textbooks and potential pitfalls of relying solely on worksheets for delivering practice in maths. A summary of this talk can be found here.
Areas of work:
Developing subject knowledge (all phases, especially non-specialists & ECTs)
Strategies for developing conceptual understanding in maths (all phases)
Task design and asking better questions
Student motivation and classroom culture (secondary, FE)
Developing departmental strategy (secondary)
Representations and the Concrete Pictorial Abstract model
Problem solving
Textbook research
Geometry Snacks (exploring multiple approaches to geometry problems)
Mathematical etymology