Maths education books – reviewed and distilled

Lisa Coe reviews education books, alongside being primary maths lead for a MAT in the East of England. In this interview she talks about the maths books that she has found most useful, what she has learned from them and why she writes a blog to summarise their most useful points. Many of the books she reads are written by secondary maths specialists, and she talks about what these can offer primary, as well as secondary teachers. Show notes Taking part in the discussion are: Lisa Coe, Primary Maths Lead for the Inspiration Trust Gwen Tresidder, NCETM Communications Manager. Episode chapters 00:58 - Lisa’s summer reading (novels) 02:10 - Lisa’s work as Maths Lead for five primary schools 04:08 - How Lisa started reviewing books 07:30 - ‘How I wish I’d taught maths’ - Craig Barton 09:11 - ‘Visible Maths’ - Peter Mattock (and also 20:40) 11:21 - What secondary books can offer primary teachers 12:11 - ‘Mathematical Tasks’ - Chris McGrane 13:54 - How Lisa finds the time to read 16:13 - Cover-to-cover, or dipping in? 17:02 - ‘Mathematical methods’ - Jo Morgan 18:33 - How reading fits in with other CPD 20:46 - Recommendations for new teachers or trainees 23:04 - ‘Thinking deeply about primary mathematics’ - Kieran Mackle 25:36 - Lisa’s next reads Useful links Lisa tweets as @Elsie2110. Her blog is at elsie2110.wordpress.com Lisa talks about the following books: A Little Life. Hanya Yanagihara. 2020 How I Wish I Had Taught Maths: Lessons learned from research, conversations with experts, and 12 years of mistakes. Craig Barton. 2018 Visible Maths: Using representations and structure to enhance mathematics teaching in schools. Peter Mattock. 2019 Mathematical Tasks: The Bridge Between Teaching and Learning. Chris McGrane. 2020 A Compendium of Mathematical Methods. Joanne Morgan. 2020 Thinking Deeply about Primary Mathematics. Kieran Mackle. 2020 Also, Kieran Mackle’s podcast: ‎Thinking Deeply about Primary Education Teaching Math With Examples. Michael Pershan. 2021 The Future of Teaching And The Myths That Hold It Back. Guy Claxton. 2021