Reflect, Expect, Check, Explain: Sequences and behaviour to enable mathematical thinking in the classroom: Sequences and behaviour to enable mathematical thinking in the classroom

by Craig Barton

Some students think mathematically. They have the curiosity to notice relationships, the confidence to ask why, and the knowledge to understand the answer. They are the lucky ones. Many others just “do” maths. They look at a question, think about how to answer it, answer it, and then move on. In this book, Craig Barton, maths teacher and best-selling author of How I wish I’d taught maths , offers an approach to help all our students think mathematically. It requires the careful sequencing of questions and examples, the role of the teacher, and the mathematical behaviour of our students. It has transformed his teaching. Drawing upon research into the Self-Explanation Effect, the Hypercorrection Effect and Variation Theory, together with two years of developing this approach with teachers and students around the world, Craig describes exactly what this looks like in the classroom. But be not everyone agrees. Indeed, it is this very approach that led to Craig being labelled as “the most dangerous and clueless man in maths education.” If that is not a recommendation to keep reading, we don’t know what is.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Mathematics

550 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2020

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started back in late fall and read through slowly, meticulously, trying each idea out with my students and seeing how it evolved. I've definitely learned a lot from Craig's podcast discussions over the year. This book gave a vehicle to actually aim at when developing my explicit instruction. Instead of teaching to the test, I was teaching to the mathematical thinking required for an Intelligent Practice sequence of problems. There are so many gems throughout this book that can be woven into explanations, choice of examples, etc. It's been a lot of fun "having" Craig in my classroom this semester.

[Richard Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful read again. If you enjoyed the first Barton book I'm sure you'll find this a useful and engaging read. Also, very helpfully all of the resources mentioned are available on the Mr Barton website under 'Book links'.

One of the things that comes across consistently in this book is (despite the incredible expertise and hundreds of hours of research and on the ground application) is such humility. As a reader I feel more compelled to continue to adapt my practice as a result.

Warning: Despite what Goodreads says it is not 300 pages!!! (545!).

[Alice Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge Craig Barton fan. I have spent many, many hours listening to his podcast and his thoughts and those of his guests are incorporated into my teaching. This book follows on from his first and pulls many of the ideas together. A real just read for any maths teacher.

[Sancho De · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on teaching math