Welcome to Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, the podcast that gives you a peek inside the minds of some truly inspirational primary teachers. Whether you...
Concreteness Fading: Bridging Procedural and Conceptual Understanding
Episode 217: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, John Jackson and Emma Lindley-Thompson from Ambition Institute return to explore the next extract from their expert edit—this time, focusing on concreteness fading and its role in mathematics teaching.We discuss: The relationship between procedural knowledge and conceptual understanding and how this influences mathematics instruction. The challenge of premature reliance on abstract symbols and how teachers can strike the right balance between concrete and abstract representations. The debate over concrete representations—do they make abstract ideas clearer, or do they hinder transfer to new contexts? Key implications for teacher professional development and how educators can implement concreteness fading effectively in the classroom.Whether you’re a maths specialist, a primary educator, or a leader supporting professional development, this episode provides valuable research-backed insights to enhance mathematical understanding in your teaching.If you enjoy this episode, please support us by subscribing to our YouTube channel, leaving a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via www.ko-fi.com/tdape. Join the conversation on our Discord server!Click here for tickets to TDaPE Manchester. 30 wonderful sessions about everything primary education.
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How can schools embed a consistent, research-informed approach to mathematics teaching?
Unseen Question 002:In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education we're diving into an unseen question from our listeners. This week, Stuart Welsh gives his thoughts on ways to develop a consistent, research-informed approach to mathematics teaching.TDaPE Mathematics Playlist (Over 22 hours of mathematics focused episodes) Enjoy this episode? Let us know in the comments, wherever you listen...
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Disciplinary Literacy: Unlocking Deeper Learning with Juli Ryzop
Episode 216: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by Juli Ryzop and Elliot Morgan to explore disciplinary literacy—what it means, why it matters, and how it can transform learning across subjects. Understanding how literacy functions within different disciplines helps students access, engage with, and critically interpret subject-specific content.We discuss: What disciplinary literacy is and why it’s essential in primary education. Practical strategies for embedding disciplinary literacy in our classrooms. The benefits of disciplinary literacy for student comprehension, engagement, and subject mastery.Whether you're a classroom teacher, curriculum leader, or school leader, this episode offers valuable insights into helping students think, read, and write like subject experts.If you enjoy this episode, please support us by subscribing to our YouTube channel, leaving a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via www.ko-fi.com/tdape. Join the conversation on our Discord server!Click here for Juli's Disciplinary Literacy Folder!
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How can I incorporate retrieval effectively in maths lessons without causing unnecessary cognitive overload?
Unseen Question 001:In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education we're diving into an unseen question from our listeners. This week, Stuart Welsh gives his thoughts on ways to incorporate retrieval practice into lessons without contributing to cognitive overload. TDaPE: Retrieval Practice Playlist (Over 11 hours of retrieval adjacent episodes) Enjoy this episode? Let us know in the comments, wherever you listen...
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The Future of School Inspection: Still Analysing Ofsted's Proposed Reforms
Episode 215:This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, we continue our discussion on Ofsted’s reform proposals with Shannen Doherty and Louise McLaughlin. In this second part, we explore the next three points in the proposal, looking at how changes to inspection methodology, full and monitoring inspections, and accountability for state-funded schools could reshape the education landscape.We discuss: Ofsted’s approach to inspection methodology—what’s changing and why it matters. The role of full and monitoring inspections in school accountability. How Ofsted plans to identify and support state-funded schools causing concern.With significant changes being proposed, this episode is essential listening for educators, leaders, and policymakers looking to understand how these reforms might impact schools across the country.If you enjoy this episode, please support us by subscribing to our YouTube channel, leaving a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via www.ko-fi.com/tdape. Join the conversation on our Discord server!
Welcome to Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, the podcast that gives you a peek inside the minds of some truly inspirational primary teachers. Whether you're new to the profession or a school leader with tons of experience this podcast is a must listen. For references, links and extended cut video episodes head over to www.thinkingdeeply.info
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