Co-operative Learning and Embedded Multimedia in mathematics learning

The Institute for Effective Education (IEE) at the University of York is developing an approach to primary maths in the UK that has the potential to greatly improve performance in all schools, but especially those in deprived areas. This approach, called PowerTeaching Maths for KS2, takes advantage of the nearly universal availability of interactive whiteboards in UK schools to create an engaging, fast-paced, and well-organised approach that, if effective, can be readily replicated.

Its main elements are the use of co-operative learning, active learning and embedded multimedia. This approach incorporates pedagogical strategies that will inform classroom practice of teachers in terms of their approaches to learning and teaching throughout the UK. It should also provide information to managers and policy makers in terms of how to maximise the effective use of the investment that has been made in interactive whiteboards. We propose carrying out a cluster randomised evaluation of PowerTeaching Maths in schools in deprived areas throughout England.