Maths: prioritising problem solving

In this episode, Alex Quigley and Grace Coker explore problem solving in maths and why it is a priority.  

They are joined by Professor Camilla Gilmore (Professor of Mathematical Cognition at Loughborough University and Curriculum Specialist at Maths Horizons), Dr Helen Drury, (Dean of Maths Education at Purposeful Ventures and Co-Lead at Maths Horizons), and practitioners Tom Pole (Director of Tudor Grange Research School and Associate Principal at Tudor Grange Academy) and Mike Williams  (Maths lead and Year 6 teacher at Alexandra Park primary school).

Together, they draw on insights from research and the classroom to unpack what effective problem solving looks like, and why giving all pupils opportunities to tackle rich mathematical tasks is important. 

Guest speakers:

• Professor Camilla Gilmore (Professor of Mathematical Cognition at Loughborough University and Curriculum Specialist at Maths Horizons) LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/camilla-gilmore 
• Dr Helen Drury (Dean of Maths Education at Purposeful Ventures and Co-Lead at Maths Horizons) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-drury/ ; https://www.linkedin.com/company/maths-horizons/ 
• Tom Pole (Director of Tudor Grange Research School and Associate Principal at Tudor Grange Academy) LinkedIn: LinkedIn - @Tudor Grange Research School; Bluesky - @tgresearchsch.bsky.social
• Mike Williams (Maths lead and Year 6 teacher at Alexandra Park primary school) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-williams-2021bb413/; X: https://x.com/mikewteach?s=21

Resources

• Education Endowment Foundation (2021) Improving mathematics in Key Stages 2 and 3 Guidance Report. London: Education Endowment Foundation. Available at: EEF-Improving-Mathematics-in-Key-Stages-2-and-3-2022-Update.pdf
• Education Endowment Foundation (2021) Improving mathematics in Early Years and Key Stage 1 Guidance Report. London: Education Endowment Foundation. Available at: EEF_Maths_EY_KS1_Guidance_Report.pdf
• Education Endowment Foundation (2025) Metacognition and Self-regulated Learning: Guidance Report. London: Education Endowment Foundation. Available at: Metacognition and Self-Regulated Learning - Guidance report | Education Endowment Foundation

Further resources:

• Maths Horizons problem-solving and reasoning resources
• EEF blog, Using worked examples to support mathematical problem-solving
• EEF blog, Thinking Aloud to support mathematical problem-solving

Episode Transcript

Maths: prioritising problem solving | Evidence into Action