The government is introducing new exams from next year that will mean that primary school pupils need to know their times tables off by heart.
In what it sees as part of its “war on innumeracy”, the government’s new exams will see pupils expected to memorise their times tables, and be able to recite them by heart. Commenting on the new tests, Education Secretary Nicky Morgan stated, “Maths is a non-negotiable of a good education. Since 2010, we've seen record numbers of 11 year olds start secondary school with a good grasp of the three Rs. But some continue to struggle.
"That is why, as part of our commitment to extend opportunity and deliver educational excellence everywhere, we are introducing a new check to ensure that all pupils know their times tables by age 11. They will help teachers recognise those pupils at risk of falling behind". The scheme will be piloted in 80 primary schools in the summer, before being rolled out to all schools the following summer. Tests will be taken on a computer, timed and scored instantly.
The move, however, has been met with criticism; particularly as Ms Morgan refused to answer a times table question(7x8) on live television.
Many believe the tests won’t show a pupil’s true ability, as it relies on their memory rather than understanding of simple numeracy. Further, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), Christine Blower, argues: "As primary school pupils already have to learn their times tables by the end of year 4 , Nicky Morgan's announcement is clearly not about educational attainment but about the introduction of yet another test. We already have the most tested pupils in Europe. Such endless testing stifles creativity and is ruining many children's experience of learning."
Ms Blower also pointed out that pupils could simply look up times tables on their phones, rendering memorising the answers useless. She argues strongly against memorising as a learning style for mathematics, stating: “Recall is not the only way to make sure you understand mathematical concepts.”
Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary Lucy Powell accused the government of presenting an old idea as something new, stating: “"Times tables have long been a core part of excellent numeracy in our primary schools, and of testing.”
At NCFE, we’re strong advocates of different learning styles. We understand that not everyone learns in the same way, and to force children to learn in a rigid way can be detrimental (we wouldn’t want learners to become disheartened if a specific technique doesn’t work for them). Introducing yet another test to school children will at best prove they can memorise numbers, and at worst have a negative impact on their mental health, as it’s yet another test to worry about.
For some, recall is an effective way of learning but for others, it’s better to learn how the maths actually works in a practical way. The issues with numeracy in Britain have been well-documented, and we welcome a strong focus on improving those vital skills. We’ve produced a number of single-unit bite sized awards for learners struggling with particular areas of maths, giving them the confidence and skills needed in everyday life. They can be delivered as pre-GCSE stepping stones, or alongside your existing curriculum to ensure your learner is confident in every area of maths. What’s more Functional Skills are an effective way of upskilling people in numeracy skills as these qualifications test maths in a practical environment using everyday scenarios that learners would encounter in work and life in general.
What do you think? Learning by rote – outdated or the way forward?
