Thinking Deeply about Conceptual Understanding

Episode 227: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by mathematics educator and doctoral researcher Will Mcloughlin to explore the complex and vital theme of conceptual understanding in mathematics education. Drawing on his teaching experience in the UAE and his academic research into how conceptual understanding develops, particularly through the use of animations, Will shares insights that challenge surface-level thinking and encourage educators to think more deeply about the knowledge their students are building.

We discuss:
– What conceptual understanding really means and why definitions matter
– How Will developed his own definition through doctoral research
– The challenges of developing conceptual understanding in the classroom
– The potential role of visual tools and animations in fostering deeper comprehension
– Practical implications for classroom teachers and curriculum designers

If you’ve ever wondered whether your students are truly making connections or simply memorising procedures, this episode will offer food for thought and practical guidance to support your professional thinking.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing to our YouTube channel, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via www.ko-fi.com/tdape. You can also join our community on Discord, where conversations like this continue throughout the week.

For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the What You Reading For newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Click for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449