Welcome to Season Two of Digging for the Why!
Digging for the Why is back for a second season!
Podcast Focus
In season one, Andy and Alison explored the transition from KS2 to KS3 and how Digging for the Why can help with continuity across years 5 to 8. Season two takes the Why? outside of the maths classroom and to a wider audience. We talk to educational professionals and mathematicians from a whole range of fields to delve into pedagogy-based classroom discussion and ‘dig for the why’.
We are excited to have special guests joining us, including:
Ben Sparks, Ed Southall, Alex Bellos, Catriona Agg, and Susan Okereke.
What to Expect
Across five engaging episodes, our hosts, Andy and Alison, explore everything from changing perceptions of maths education. They also rethink classroom dynamics to the shifting culture and emotional landscape of maths education. Most importantly, we ask each of our guests why Digging for the Why is important.
Listen Now!
Don’t miss out, and listen now. You can either follow the links below, or you can find us on all your favourite podcast streaming sites.
Episode Guide
Episode 0
What is Season Two All About?
Join us for the preview episode of season two of ‘Digging for the Why’! Where we explore the deeper questions behind mathematics education.
In this episode, we’ll glimpse into what listeners can expect from the upcoming season.
Episode 1
The Importance of Engaging Teaching Methods with Ben Sparks
Join us and our special guest, Ben Sparks, as we discuss everything from engaging teaching methods and practical applications to fostering curiosity among students.
We emphasise the need for teachers to make maths interesting and accessible beyond the traditional curriculum.
Episode 2
The Power of Puzzles with Catriona Agg
Episode 3 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.
Episode 3
Creating Safe and Encouraging Learning Environments with Alex Bellos
In this captivating episode, we invite Alex Bellos, renowned author, mathematician, and puzzle-maker, to join the discussion on why we dig for the why.
Alex is an expert on the narrative approach to making maths engaging.
Episode 4
The Impact of Attitudes Towards Maths on Society with Susan Okereke
In this week’s episode, we invite Susan Okereke to open the conversation on whether students should study maths till age 18.
We take a look at the enhancing numeracy levels in the UK and the positive effects that might have.
Episode 5
Moving Away From Traditional Teaching Methods with Ed Southall
In our final episode of season two of ‘Digging For The Why’, we talk to Curriculum Lead for Oak National Academy, Ed Southall.
In this week’s episode, Ed emphasises the need to nurture curiosity from an early age to encourage participation in the classroom.