#181 Mark McCourt: Tips for teachers, Mastery, Reflections and Retirement

Where to begin? Mark McCourt has done it all. From maths teacher,
head of maths, head teacher, Ofsted inspector, CEO, founder, and
the creator of MathsConf. I first met Mark almost 20 years ago,
and have learned from him ever since. This is Mark’s 3rd
appearance on the podcast, and given he recently announced his
retirement, I fear it may be his last.


To access the show-notes, please visit:
mrbartonmaths.com/blog/mark-mccourt-part-3/





Time-stamps:
Retirement and career changes. (4:43) Potential and ability in
education. (13:30) The meaning of "ability" in education. (21:31)
Teaching methods and class organization. (25:30) Teacher
performance and subject-specific knowledge. (33:28) Education
trends and subject matter in schools. (38:06) Education sector fear
and lack of agency among teachers. (44:14) Assessing student
learning and understanding. (53:21) Teaching methods and mini
whiteboards. (58:59) Maths education and manipulatives. (1:03:41)
Using manipulatives in math education. (1:10:22) Maths education
and teacher training. (1:16:35) Inadequate teacher training in the
UK. (1:22:47) Teaching math concepts in a personalized manner.
(1:28:42) Math education and assessment methods. (1:33:34)
Formative assessment and teacher vulnerability. (1:41:00) Teaching
mathematics with formal language and forward-thinking methods.
(1:44:53) Teaching methods and fear of inspections. (1:51:26) The
power of education and knowledge transfer. (1:59:05) Education as a
maturation process. (2:05:01) Mastery approach in education with a
focus on math and FE. (2:15:16) FE college math reset issues.
(2:20:03) Improving mathematical literacy through precise language
use. (2:27:29) Educational approach and its impact on school
performance. (2:33:45) The importance of shared values and beliefs
in schools. (2:40:44) The effectiveness of Ofsted and potential
systemic problems. (2:46:23) Ofsted's effectiveness and potential
biases. (2:52:34) Education system and curriculum design. (2:56:56)
Maths education, curriculum, and technology. (3:04:41)
Mastery-based education and assessments. (3:09:48) The role of
teachers in education and the potential for online learning.
(3:14:19) The importance of classroom experience in teaching.
(3:21:58) Career challenges and personal growth. (3:26:44)
Teaching, grief, and pride in education. (3:31:41) Retirement,
relationships, and personal growth. (3:40:39) Education, values,
and priorities with Mark McCourt. (3:45:59)