Teaching for Mastery in FE maths is an 18-hour modular course for teachers, developed and piloted as part of the CfEM programme. The course features evidence-based approaches which were developed and researched by CfEM centres and their partners. The aim is to support learners to engage with and develop a deep understanding of key maths concepts, increasing their chances of success in GCSE re-sit and Functional Skills qualifications.
The aims of the course are to:
- develop a toolkit of strategies to overcome learners’ negative attitudes, so that they become more resilient maths learners
- embrace ways of working which respond to gaps in learners’ skills and understanding, both in and out of the classroom
- adopt teaching approaches which deepen learners’ understanding of key concepts and improve learners’ mathematical reasoning and problem solving.
The course is designed to be delivered face-to-face, as this provides the best opportunity for teachers to interact and share their ideas and experiences, maximising the impact on their practice. In addition, participants are asked to complete short ‘gap tasks’ in preparation for each face-to-face session. During the CfEM programme, 50 teachers from the 21 CfEM centres and their network partners were trained to pilot the course for their local network.
Course materials for delegates
Pre-course
Prior to attending module 1, you are asked to watch this short (10 min) screencast which provides an introduction to the course:
It is also recommended that you read through the CfEM handbook Teaching for Mastery in further education and familiarise yourself with the rest of this CfEM Resources and Evidence Hub.
Gaps tasks to be completed before module 2
Read the following documents:
- Motivation and Engagement: Practical ideas for developing positive attitudes towards maths in FE colleges
- A diagnostic and responsive approach to teaching Maths Functional Skills and GCSE re-sits
Make brief notes on the second article to discuss during module 2.
Gap tasks to be completed before module 3
- Work through this question and note the different approaches that could be used to solve it: Module 2 Gap task 1
- Watch this video about ‘Mathematical Connections’ and consider:
What surprised you?
What interests you?
What you agree with?
What you disagree with?
Anything else?
Make brief notes to bring to module 3.
Gap tasks to be completed before module 4
Watch this video ‘What we’ve got wrong about learning mathematics’ and consider:
What surprised you?
What interests you?
What you agree with?
What you disagree with?
Anything else?
Make brief notes to bring to module 4
Optional: watch ‘Simultaneous equations for reception children’
Gap tasks to be completed before module 5
Watch this video: ‘Math class needs a makeover’
What surprised you?
What interests you?
What you agree with?
What you disagree with?
Anything else?
Make brief notes to bring to module 5.
- Module 5 slides
- Module 5 handouts and resources
Gap tasks to be completed before Module 6
- Read these two blog posts which concentrate on curriculum design:
- Developing a mastery approach with GCSE resit at Leyton Sixth Form College
- CfEM blog: the ‘Focused 15’ at Grimsby Institute
2. Read the rationale for the CfEM scheme of work and browse the content. You can choose between:
Think about:
- What considerations have informed the scheme of work?
- How does this relate to the curriculum design approaches from gap task 1?
- How could you adapt this scheme of work for your teaching?
Make brief notes on each to bring to module 6.
- Module 6 slides
- Module 6 handouts and resources
- 6.10 Lesson materials – speed
- 6.11 Lesson materials – Arithmetical sequences
- 6.12 Lesson materials – Using ratios
- 6.13 Lesson materials – Percentages with a calculator
- 6.14 Lesson materials – Understanding equations
- 6.15 Lesson materials – Frequency charts and averages
These additional resources for PD leads are intended to be used alongside the resources for delegates, above.