[Maths-Education] Draft Key Stage 3 Framework for teaching mathematics

[marybj]

Inter alia, Jim Smith wrote:


>I also welcome the general emphasis on direct teaching, and upon engaging
>the class in purposeful discussion and fruitful activity.


What counts as indirect teaching ?  I have for many years taught using an 
individualised system (SMILE, if you must know) and all my teaching has 
been very direct and fruitful on a one to one or small group basis.  

When I have engaged in "whole class direct teaching" (as I must in FE, 
since that is what the customers expect) I have found that the appearance 
of engagement and understanding is just that: an appearance.  It is 
certainly the quickest way of telling a class something, but not everyone 
can absorb and understand at the same rate.  I learned this very early on 
during teaching practice when I did a splendid observed session that 
earned much praise from the class' teacher and my tutor.  I was told that 
the whole class discussions, and my questioning and the answers were 
excellent and that the pupils had all clearly understood.  3 out of 25 
got the homework correct.  Thus I learned not to rely on the appearance 
of rapt attention and correct answers to questions, however cleverly put.

Why do we have to welcome a "general emphasis on direct teaching" ?  What 
is wrong with meeting the needs of pupils as individuals ?  

Paul

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Hoc fama mihi, cursum sinuosum secuta, nuntiat
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