In Part 1 of this discussion with Dr Ems Lord and Liz Woodham from NRICH and Grace Coker from the EEF, we explore the many benefits of using maths games in both primary and secondary classrooms.

A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.

Show notes

Taking part in the discussion:

• Ems Lord, Director of NRICH, University of Cambridge
• Liz Woodham, Primary Coordinator, NRICH, University of Cambridge
• Grace Coker, Maths Content Specialist, Education Endowment Foundation (EEF)
• Julia Thomson, Communications Manager, NCETM.

Episode chapters

• 00:06 - Introduction
• 00:27 - Understanding the role of maths games in education
• 00:40 - Context and background: NRICH and the EEF
• 02:56 - The importance of maths games in the classroom
• 04:55 - Advice from NRICH on effective use of maths games
• 08:14 - Common misconceptions about using games in the classroom
• 11:33 - The evidence and research on the use of maths games
• 15:06 - The concept of embodied learning in maths education
• 17:00 - Using games to facilitate and develop mathematical talk
• 18:58 - Conclusion and teaser for Part 2.

Useful links

• EEF Improving Mathematics in the Early Years and Key Stage 1
• EEF Blog: Let’s Get Physical!
• NRICH games mentioned in podcast: Got It and Nim-7
• NRICH Secondary parental engagement project: Solving Together
• NRICH Primary games
• NRICH Secondary games
• NCETM Checkpoints
• Maths games - part 2
• Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive.