London South West Maths Hub

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Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics Programmes (Primary TA's) Cohort 2

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Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics Programmes (Primary TA's)

 

 

This Work Group has been designed to support primary Teaching Assistants who wish to develop their mathematical subject knowledge in conjunction with understanding the pedagogy that underpins the teaching of it. Understanding of mathematical structures will be explored so participants gain a detailed understanding of how children learn early mathematical concepts.

 

Who is this for? 

This programme is aimed at Teaching Assistants who would like to develop their specialist knowledge for teaching or supporting mathematics. This may be particularly relevant for new TA's.

 

What is involved?

Classroom practice will develop through a series of gap tasks where participants try out activities to promote depth of understanding, reasoning and fluency; these might include pupil interviews, lesson study and work scrutiny. Research and evidence are used to inform their practice and participants are encouraged to share these more widely in schools to support discussion on current policies and approaches.

The programme will have the following elements:

  • Independent study and setting-based work including gap tasks and evaluation
  • Online discussion as part of a professional community.

 

Intended outcomes

TA's will develop knowledge of the pedagogy of maths teaching and understand how children think and where their misconceptions stem from. Participants will understand the role that certain representations, models and manipulatives can play in the development of pupils’ understanding of number and calculation, particularly place value and proficiency. Those involved will get better at working within classes and with small groups of pupils; they will gain knowledge of practical ways to apply the skills and understanding developed during the programme.

 

Expectations of participants and their schools

Participants are expected to be working as classroom Teaching Assistants.  All participants are expected to attend all the sessions and complete gap tasks in their schools between the sessions. They will also be asked to keep a learning log for their own use and contribute to the national evaluation process, probably through a short online survey after the Work Group has finished.

 

When?

Cohort 2

Day 1 Thursday 21st May 2020

10:30 - 12:00 Number sense

13:00 - 14:30 Place value

Day 2 Thursday 4th June 2020

10:30 - 12:00 Fractions part 1

13:00 - 14:30 Fractions part 2

Day 3  Friday 12th June 2020

10:30 - 12:00 Additive reasoning

13:00 - 14:30 Multiplicative reasoning

 

Location: Online

Work Group Lead:  Caroline Clissold