Oracy in the Maths Classroom
What is the definition of oracy, why is it important and how can it be transformative in the maths classroom?
In this podcast, Kathleen McBride from Voice 21 and Jane Hawkins from the NCETM’s Secondary Team and Jurassic Maths Hub, discuss the definition of oracy and its significance for students' mathematical development, behaviour and overall well-being. They also discuss the role of Research and Innovation Work Groups (RIWGs) in exploring oracy's impact in classrooms and 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
Listen to Part 2 of this podcast episode
All-Party Parliamentary Group Report Speak for Change
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.