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Book Review: Explicit and Direct Instruction

The researchEd Guide to EXPLICIT & DIRECT INSTRUCTION

Edited by Adam Boxer (published by John Catt, 2019)

This is a very useful little book to have read if you are new into Explicit & Direct Instruction. It very clearly outlines the key pieces of research that make it an ‘evidence informed guide for teachers’. In fact, by the time you have read Adam Boxer’s (@adamboxer1) excellent introduction you have grasped all the main ideas. From then on, it’s all about the detail underneath. I particularly liked this quote from Hannah Stoten (now working high up in Ofsted as HMI and subject lead for early mathematics). Notice how Hannah picks up on an idea that’s familiar to this website, i.e. that teaching essential Number Knowledge to young children is best seen as being ‘like phonics for Maths‘:

Using a direct instruction programme of mathematics education in Reception and Year 1 would provide the same high level of instruction and practice as the teaching of systematic phonics does and could potentially radically change, for the better, the attainment profiles of at-risk as well as traditionally high achieving groups.’ (p. 128)

 

 

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I have been hugely impressed by the level of forensic thinking that sits behind WWN. It is far from a simple programme, but rather an approach that is rooted in robust evidence of how number can be taught in a way that is accessible to all pupils. WWN offers a cohesive and evidence-informed approach to teacher-development too. It is clear that WWN has been created by people who understand school leadership, curriculum design, teaching and learning.

Sean

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Teagan

Y3 Teacher, Cardiff

Anything by Ben gets my vote! It is great to see something that has been created by someone who understands children, teachers, workload and numeracy. Through Ben's expertise, I have improved my skills in teaching maths and he has made me want to teach maths rather than fear it. This is exactly what we want for children also.

Julia

Maths Leader, Harrogate

The Winning With Numbers training was fantastic, we learned so much and have been really inspired. I'm still blown away with how brilliant the platform is and I'm excited to be getting going with it. It has already made a big difference in our school.

Charlotte

Class Teacher, West Wales

What Ben doesn't know about maths and the way we teach it...!!! His huge amount of expertise and experience has been a game changer for the way we teach maths! His programme makes us think differently about maths and both staff and students now really enjoy teaching and learning in this key subject.

Joanna

Tutor, Northumberland

I love the simplicity of Winning with Numbers - the focus on putting in place the small building blocks of mastering foundational maths skills, in a very ordered way. I also love how there are ways for a student to review a topic if they feel they need to; giving them some ownership of their learning. This programme is a great addition to my tutoring sessions.

Shelley

Deputy Headteacher, London

WWN is a highly effective programme that is deeply rooted in the science of learning with the pay off that teacher workload is minimised. It ticks all the boxes! We have seen progress maximised in each session and within a few weeks of teaching WWN.

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Home-Educator, South Wales

My daughter is really enjoying Winning With Numbers and it is showing me the gaps she has in her knowledge. It has been really good going back to fill the gaps. She loves getting the celebration videos when she does well. She smiles so much! I never thought it meant this much to her but it definitely does! I would definitely recommend.

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My son is loving it! As a teacher, I know he is getting what he needs and it is great to have something my son can work through on his own. The timer is a really helpful option. He has first built his confidence and then we can add to the challenge by using the timer option. Thank you!

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