Welcome to Season One of Digging for the Why!
The MEI Podcast for Key Stage 2-3 Teachers
Podcast Focus
In season one of Digging for the Why, we explore the critical transition between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3. We equip you with the tools and insights to ensure your students do not get “lost in transition” and to make this transition as smooth and effective as possible.
What to Expect
Across eight engaging episodes, our hosts Andy and Alison, along with a range of special guests, will discuss strategies, share experiences, and offer practical advice on improving communication and teaching practices during this pivotal educational phase.
Listen Now!
Don’t miss out, and listen now. You can either follow the links below to listen, or you can find us on all your favourite podcast streaming sites.
Episode Guide
Episode 0
Introducing Your Hosts!
Get to know your hosts, Andy and Alison, where they will discuss the overarching themes of the season. They will introduce the podcast’s goals and what listeners can expect from future episodes.
Episode 1
Teaching Tricks
In this episode, Andy and Alison discuss, ‘What do we mean by digging for the why?’ Along with exploding the ‘Why’ behind why we shouldn’t teach tricks and what is better, a student-led vs teacher-led classroom.
Episode 2
Teaching for Mastery with Steph Kirk
Andy and Alison welcome special guest Steph Kirk @Steph_mathsive. in this week’s episode. Join them as they discuss what they mean by mastery in your planning and teaching. As well as the weather – again!
Episode 3
Managing the Transition from KS2 to KS3 with Vicky Osborne
Andy and Alison welcome special guest Vicky Osborn @CheerVix. Vicky has years of experience in the transition years. She also brings her unique perspective on ‘Why do Year 7s put their hand up and ask what to do when they finish their page?’.
Episode 4
Curiosity in the Classroom with Alison Clark-Wilson
Andy and Alison welcome special guest Alison Clark-Wilson @AliClarkWilson. Together, they discuss why curiosity is important. They also try to answer the question, ‘Can we build the right atmosphere in our classrooms?’.
Episode 5
Why Can Students Appear Switched Off from Maths Already in Year 7?
This week, Andy and Alison explore how you can move from planning what we want students to have ‘done’ in the lesson to how we want the students to have ‘thought’ in the lesson. Plus, much more.
Episode 6
Motivating and Challenging Students with Tom Rainbow
Andy and Alison welcome special guest Tom Rainbow @CoreMathsTom. Tom shares his thoughts on challenging and motivating students with us. It also explores how teachers can own the lesson but still let students have space to explore and discover.
Episode 7
Rich Tasks and Problem-Based Learning with Richard Perring
Andy and Alison welcome special guest Richard Perring @LearningMaths. This week, they discuss the power of asking Why. They also explore the question of whether there is still space for coursework.
Episode 8
Does Technology Have a Place in the Classroom with Tom Button
In the last episode of the season, Andy and Alison welcome special guest Tom Button @MathsTechnology. Tom discusses how students and teachers can benefit from technology. Plus, our hosts explore what is happening with technology use in the primary sector.