Podcast

Problem-solving schools

Making reasoning and problem-solving a coherent part of the maths curriculum

13/11/2024

Problem-solving schools

In this episode, we talk to Liz Woodham, Primary Coordinator at NRICH, about the Problem-solving Schools initiative and its aims to support the development of reasoning and problem-solving skills for pupils and students from Reception to post-16. Liz shares insights into the initiative's process, including the use of webinars and rich tasks to support schools, and we also look at the relationship between problem-solving and reasoning and their importance in a well-rounded maths education.

A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.

Show notes

Taking part in the discussion:

  • Liz Woodham, Primary Coordinator, NRICH, University of Cambridge
  • Julia Thomson, Senior Communications and Marketing Manager, NCETM.

Episode chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 04:00 Problem-solving Schools initiative
  • 05:08 The Kilpatrick Rope Model
  • 08:39 The Five Big Ideas in Teaching for Mastery
  • 10:26 Framework and goals of the Problem-solving Schools initiative
  • 17:22 ‘NRICH-style’ problems and SATs-style problems
  • 20:05 Developing a ‘productive disposition’
  • 22:16 Making time for problem-solving
  • 26:12 What is reasoning and problem-solving?
  • 29:52 Exploring and noticing
  • 37:26 Conclusion and how to get involved.

Useful links