A secondary maths teacher explains the benefits of using algebra tiles, and shares some practical tips.

A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.

Show notes
Taking part in the discussion:

• Lizi Pepper, secondary maths teacher and KS3 maths lead at Tytherington School, and Secondary Mastery Specialist


• Becky Donaldson, NCETM Assistant Director for Secondary


• Beth Goodliff, Senior Communications Manager at the NCETM.

Episode chapters

• 00:34 – Introductions


• 01:16 – The big picture: why use algebra tiles?


• 03:39 – Where to start with algebra tiles


• 09:09 – Evidence that they are impacting on students’ understanding


• 11:16 – A learning sequence


• 17:24 – Limitations and benefits of the tiles

Useful links

• Lizi is @mathspeptalk on Twitter


• Becky is @donaldson_maths on Twitter


• Lizi’s blog is at https://mathspeptalk.blogspot.com/


• NCETM feature: Completing the square


• NCETM resource: Using mathematical representations at KS3.