Relational understanding;
knowing both what to do and why.
The Instrumental Maths Teacher
by Vince Borg
She wrote up the objective on the interactive board.
They copied it into their books to show it had been shared.
‘If you want to get your sums right to pass your key stage test
You’d better listen to me and you'd better do your best.
Copy out the grid now to times these numbers out.
Twenty-four times thirty-five…If you’re stuck give me a shout.
Now Johnny what’s the problem. You’re falling right behind.
Partition twenty-four, oh your planner isn’t signed….
It’s instrumental teaching, Johnny wipe away the frown.
Take x to the other side…..turn fractions upside down.
The answer’s the objective, understanding is a fuss.
Just times the two top numbers… minus minus gives you plus.
Instrumental teaching. That’s what it’s all about.
Do lots and lots of questions…just churn those answers out.
It didn’t harm your mother, it didn’t harm your dad.
It’s not their fault they hated maths, they didn’t get it. Sad.
So it’s left them all their lives feeling hollow sometimes sick.
They should have learnt the rules, they’d have got their answers quick.
It’s not my fault you’re failing, Johnny, to get a better grade.
‘Cos that’s the way that maths is, and to teach you that I’m paid.’