S2 E2 - The Power of Puzzles with Catriona Agg

Digging for the Why

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Episode 2 of ‘Digging For The Why’ explores the idea of enquiry-based learning in mathematics education.

This week, we talk to Catriona Agg, a specialist in continuity between years 5 – 8, about the benefits of incorporating puzzles into your lessons.

We also look at independent learning across educational levels and explore strategies for engaging students in mathematics and reflecting on education in the post-pandemic world.
Meet our Guest:
We are joined by Catriona Agg, group lead and experienced maths teacher. Catriona works with her local maths hub as a Work Group Lead developing A level pedagogy. She has also been a Work Group Lead for Year 5 to 8 Continuity, which, as listeners of season one will know, is very close to our hearts! Catriona is also well known in the maths-twitter world for her awesome geometry puzzles.

@Cshearer41

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Andy - @desire2undrstnd/Bluesky
Alison - @AlisonHopperMEI
A talented young creative iingledew produced our intro/outro – check out his Soundcloud.

Chapter

1. Welcome to Episode 2 and Introducing Catriona Agg (00:00:00)

2. A Curious Division Puzzle: Engaging Year Sevens with Palindromes  (00:01:43)

3. Exploring the Depths of Division and Place Value  (00:04:21)

4. The Power of Not Knowing: Embracing Curiosity in Maths Education  (00:08:55)

5. Reflecting on Effective Maths Teaching Strategies  (00:12:43)

6. The Importance of Pattern Recognition and Geometry Puzzles  (00:24:44)

7. Challenges and Opportunities in Teaching Geometry  (00:31:51)

8. Reflecting on the Impact of the Pandemic on Learning and Teaching  (00:39:23)

9. Debating the Concept of Independent Learning in Education  (00:45:03)

10. Final Thoughts and Takeaways for Maths Teachers  (00:49:49)