Oracy in the maths classroom - Part 1

In Part 1 of our discussion with Kathleen McBride from Voice 21 and Jane Hawkins from the NCETM’s Secondary Team and Jurassic Maths Hub, we discuss the definition of oracy, its significance for students' mathematical development, behaviour and overall well-being, and the role of Research and Innovation Work Groups (RIWGs) in exploring oracy's impact in classrooms. We also take a look at Voice 21’s Oracy Framework for schools and teachers.

A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.

Show notes

Taking part in the discussion:

• Kathleen McBride, Senior Learning and Innovation Lead, Voice 21
• Jane Hawkins, Assistant Director for Secondary, NCETM, and Assistant Maths Hub Lead, Jurassic Maths Hub
• Julia Thomson, Communications Manager, NCETM.

Episode chapters

• 00:06 Welcome and introductions
• 03:03 Definition, importance and research
• 08:58 Oracy challenges and misconceptions
• 13:01 Oracy Research and Innovation Work Groups
• 14:21 Oracy’s impact on learning
• 15:54 Purposeful talk
• 17:07 The Oracy Framework
• 19:54 Oracy in the maths classroom
• 28:33 Reflecting on teaching practice
• 30:15 Conclusion.

Useful links

• All-Party Parliamentary Group Report Speak for Change
• Voice 21 Impact Report 2022-2023
• Voice 21 Oracy Framework
• Maths Hubs Research and Innovation Work Groups
• Bullock Report: A Language for Life (Bullock, 1975)
• EEF Dialogic Teaching Report (2017, 2022)
• School 21 and University of Cambridge Oracy Programme Pilot (2013/14)
• Coordinating Mathematical Success: the mathematics subject report (Ofsted, 2023)
• Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive
• The NCETM Maths Podcast on Instagram.