How can we build fluency and conceptual understanding of times tables?

Details

Date published: 2020
Research Categories: Key Stage 2, Maths

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the methods in which we teach times tables to children in Lower Key Stage 2 (Year 3 and 4) in order to improve their acquisition and fast recall of multiplication facts. The National Curriculum expectation for Primary Schools across the UK is that, by the end of Year 4, pupils can recall all 12 times tables up to 12×12. In addition, the introduction of the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) for all Year 4 children in 2019 – 2020, (DfE 2019) provides an additional rationale to analyse strategies, raise the profile and enable children to succeed.

Autumn in house data in Lower Key Stage 2 suggested that disadvantaged pupils did not perform as well in comparison to all pupils in maths tests; therefore this research focused on children awarded the additional grant of Pupil Premium (PPG). Over two terms, children followed a structure and timetable for teaching each of the times tables and teachers had a focus timetable each week. Children completed times tables tests in the same format that the statutory tests will take and results were recorded. All teachers involved in the study saw a positive impact on pupil outcomes from their starting points. They also felt more confident and more engaged in teaching the concepts of times tables.

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