Dispatches: Kids don't count programme

This is my first entry into the world of blogging. So, it's good to have something really topical to comment on! Did you catch the Channel 4 Dispatches programme last Monday (15 February 2010) on the problems in primary mathematics? Make sure you catch the next part on 22 February – especially since it features the brilliant Rachel Riley from Countdown! There seemed to be three main messages from the programme, which I would want to endorse.

First, did you notice that Richard Dunne made such a difference because he focused on helping children to make connections between language, symbols and practical/concrete experiences? Anyone whose read any of my books will know that this is one of the major themes of my work.

Second – oh dear – the programme exposed the ongoing problem of teachers in primary schools not really understanding well enough the maths they have to teach. I have to agree, I'm afraid. This is so important. Those in initial teacher training, whether tutors or trainees, must really give this priority. Here's a quote from the introduction to the 4th edition of Mathematics Explained for Primary Teachers (available July 2010): 'The best teachers have a secure personal understanding of the structure and principles of what they are teaching.' As was said on the programme, that's not all they need, but it's absolutely essential.

Third, the programme really showed the way in which the end-of-Key-Stage 2 national tests contribute to an awful experience of learning mathematics for children in Year 6. We've got to get some more enlightened way of assessing children than this.

Did you see the programme? What do you think?