Oracy
The role of oracy in the context of teaching for mastery
What is oracy?
Oracy is the ability to express your thoughts and ideas fluently through speech. In the maths classroom, it means pupils articulating their mathematical thinking and reasoning. Through discussion, pupils develop deeper understanding of the maths they are learning. Oracy is important in the maths classroom, as it gives pupils the chance to explore and verbalise their ideas, and to develop their thinking. It also gives teachers the chance to assess what pupils know and understand.
Oracy Research and Innovation Work Groups
Over the past four years, the NCETM and Maths Hubs have been exploring oracy in the context of teaching for mastery through Research and Innovation Work Groups (RIWGs). Hundreds of teachers have developed evidence-informed practices which have led to improved mathematical talk in their classrooms.
Voice 21
We have been working closely with Voice 21, the national charity that supports schools to build speaking and listening into the curriculum, teaching and learning and wider school life. Voice 21 equips teachers with oracy expertise to transform their pupils' learning and life chances through talk.
They have created school and teacher oracy benchmarks, and a document of specific Talk for Maths Benchmarks, which you may find useful as you explore the role of oracy in your school.
Ofsted guide
We have produced a guide to Reasoning through Talk. It explores what the latest Ofsted maths report says about talk in the maths classroom, and focuses on reasoning; in particular it explains how talk in the secondary maths classroom enables students to explore and articulate their understanding of the maths they are learning.
Podcast episodes on oracy
- Conversation with Kathleen McBride of Voice 21: a two-part discussion on how oracy can enrich the maths classroom.
- Geoff Barton interview: the Chair of the Oracy Education Commission discusses the commission's 2024 report and its significance for maths teaching.
Features and articles on oracy
- We need to talk (about maths): the NCETM's Dr Debbie Morgan (primary) and Jane Hawkins (secondary) unpack the Oracy Education Commission Report's recommendations in the context of the maths classroom.
- Our feature, Four ways to create better mathematical talk in the classroom, explains how to promote oracy through teaching approaches.
EEF blog posts
These blog posts from the EEF will also give you more ideas and information about the role of talk in the maths classroom.