Episode description

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:

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