Michael Gove might think that rigorous daily and weekly testing in maths is the answer, but my experience tells me that testing doesn’t work for all types of students. There are some students that lift their game when tested. Their competitive juices get going, and their drive to get a good grade is palpable. Then there are students who need to learn in a less pressurised and more r
elaxed setting. They freeze during formal testing, but progress extremely well when the focus is on the skill or concept rather than the grade.
Michael Gove disagrees:
All primary school children should be given daily maths lessons and weekly tests to stop pupils falling behind those from the Far East, Michael Gove suggested today.
Mr Gove said schools should also “bear in mind” a system used in Shanghai where pupils have daily maths lessons and regular tests to “make sure that all children are learning the basics”.
What disappoints me as a Primary Maths teacher, is that in the quest for better results the focus becomes testing instead of engagement. I believe that Maths can be taught in a turgid and lifeless way. Conversely, it can be taught in an interesting, engaging and creative way. Whilst constant testing will make students resent the subject, there are ways of teaching maths which can engage and excite students.
The answer to improving our students’ maths skills should not result in them hating the subject.
Topical Teaching 
