Conceptual Understanding

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Author

Kieran Mackle
May 12, 2025

Thinking Deeply about Conceptual Understanding

Good Morning, TDaPE Massive,

Hope you’re doing well and that SATs week passes smoothly for those of you impacted by end of KS2 assessments. For the last year and a bit, I’ve been thinking deeply (pun totally intended) about the different elements of the podcast and how to tie them all together in a way that is both manageable and conducive to getting the most from the great interviews I’m lucky enough to release each week.

Going forward the plan is to connect the newsletter to the current episode, publishing on the Monday after the episode is release. For example, I released Thinking Deeply about Conceptual Understanding with Will Mcloughlin on May 10th and today’s (May 12th) newsletter will share all the wonderful stuff he had to offer during the chat.

I’ll keep the chat light and the content heavy. If you ever have an issues or questions, just respond to the email and I’ll do what I can to help.

Here’s a summary of what to expect each week:

  • At least one awesome cinema inspired thumbnail

  • A link to where the episode is hosted. This should offer the option to visit your preferred podcast provider.

  • YouTube audio episode link.

  • A short visual summary of the episode and it’s key messages.

  • A ‘five-minute’ summary video for use in briefings, meetings or when you’re in a rush.

  • The main links to recommendations shared by the guests.

  • Updates on the latest TDaPE events.

  • Anything else that might be of interest.

Thinking Deeply about Conceptual Understanding by Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

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.

spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/1fysWFnNeTb

Visual Summary

A ‘six-minute’ summary video for use in briefings, meetings or when you’re in a rush.

Does Far Transfer Exist? - Sala & Gobet, 2017

The Subgoal Learning Model - Catrambone, 1998

Cognitive Load Theory - Will Mcloughlin

The Thinking Deeply about Primary Education Conference is back on September 27th and this time we’re coming to Cardiff for #TDaPECymru. Will all funds going to Velindre Cancer Centre we’re all set to enjoy a day of the highest-quality professional learning while raising money for a great cause. It would be great to see you there. Speakers to be announced in the coming months…

If you know someone who would enjoy reading this newsletter, please do share with them. I don’t have a free guide to give away but as we reach different milestones, I’ll put on special events and giveaways to celebrate. The newsletter is lagging way behind the podcast’s listener base (understandably) so right now the race to 1,000 subscribers is on. Can we get there before the end of July? Only with your help.

That’s all for this week. I deleted my X account a while ago and I feel like I’m phasing myself out of traditional social media platforms, so let us know if you enjoyed any of the recommendations or have any questions via the comments section wherever you listen or by replying to this email.

Until next time, thanks for listening.