I was lucky to observe a year seven lesson being taught by visiting Shanghai teachers (Chinese maths class,27 November). I was impressed by the expend of algebraic formulae to demonstrate the distributive law being used to simplify numerical calculations. I was also by the praise that was continually given to pupils – one girl was clapped for her expend of algebra.
However, one reason for the success of mathematics teaching in Shanghai has not been mentioned. They have twice as many teachers as we finish, and so that although class sizes are larger,the number of classes taken by an individual teacher is much less. All classes are in the morning. Teachers heed the class work immediately to check on the progress of the class. Any child who is struggling with the topic is seen either during the afternoon or after school to ensure that they are able to cope with the next lesson. All teachers have time to regularly observe each others’ classes and discuss them. This is done in a non-judgmental way and aims to ensure that the very beat practices are followed. Sadly in our frenetic schools such opportunities are not available.
Dr Anne Becket
Newcastle-under-Lyme, StaffordshireContinue reading...
Source: theguardian.com