Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. It was interesting to read “the principles of a maths lesson” as outlined in the article on explicit teaching (“ Little school turns its fortunes around ”, June 4). It could have been the exact model that I and other colleagues of my vintage have used for many years teaching maths in Sydney schools.
Thus, it is not new but, thankfully, is now being recognised, as it should always have, as being the most effective method of teaching, particularly mathematics, for the vast majority of students. For too long, many teachers have been instructed to abide by the “student-centred” model which may be suitable for some of the more capable students but detrimental for most. Max Redmayne, Drummoyne Explicit teaching Credit: iStock Fancy schools making the dramatic discovery that, among other things, teachers giving pupils clear instructions and breaking down information into bite-sized chunks improves learning and student engagement.
Well done, Charlestown South Public. Every time I see a young shop assistant using a calculator to work out simple additions, I am reminded of the morning routine 60 plus years ago as primary school classes recited the times tables at great speed. I could still give the calculator a run for its money in speed and accuracy.
But that was before teachers became facilitators of student-led discovery. The best discoveries are made by those who have mastered the basics. Irene Nemes, Rose .