What
Teaching maths effectively begins with understanding what students need at each stage of learning. It is about knowing which tools to use, when to use them and why they work.
In this course Brendan will unpack what research reveals about how students learn maths and how teachers can match their instruction to the stage of learning. He will explore how the right choice at the right time can strengthen acquisition, build fluency and support generalisation so students can apply their knowledge with confidence.
Across the sessions Brendan will move beyond theory and show how to bring each idea to life in the classroom. The learning will be practical and interactive with plenty of opportunities to engage, practise and reflect.
You will also explore how to implement these ideas within real school settings so that effective instruction becomes part of daily practice rather than an occasional event.
Where
Previous versions of this course went for two days, but feedback from participants was that they needed more time! So, this time it will be spread across three days. By the end of each day, participants will leave with an actionable plan to implement. A workbook will be provided to support your learning over the three days.
How
For all primary teachers who want to improve their teaching of maths. Participants who are familiar with the science of learning will recognise many of the strategies and see the links in maths. If teachers attending are new to the science of learning, they’ll be encouraged to be kind to themselves and focus on taking away one key element from each session.
Who
For all primary teachers who want to improve their teaching of maths. Participants who are familiar with the science of learning will recognise many of the strategies and see the links in maths. If teachers attending are new to the science of learning, they’ll be encouraged to be kind to themselves and focus on taking away one key element from each session.
When
Spaced out across three days:
– Day 1: Friday 13 February, 2026
– Day 2: Friday 20 February, 2026
– Day 3: Friday 27 February, 2026
9am-3pm (break 1: 11am-11.30am and break 2: 1.30pm-2pm) AEDT
Overview of the program
Session 1 (5 hours of learning): This session will provide an overview of the science of learning before delving into the key principles required for effective maths instruction. In the afternoon, Brendan will cover Daily Reviews and the importance of understanding what desirable difficulties are and how to get students to experience it. He’ll review the do’s and don’ts, common mistakes and how to address them.
Session 2 (5 hours of learning): In the second session, Brendan will explain the significance of the Instructional Hierarchy for teachers, detailing the “what” and “when” of specific teaching tactics. He will cover the Gradual Release of Responsibility model and various scaffolding techniques to support maths learning. This session will also describe how teachers can use the concrete-pictorial-abstract framework effectively.
Session 3 (5 hours of learning): The final session will unpack teaching for generalisation, the holy grail of maths instruction! However, before you get there, you’ll learn how it’s actually fluency that enables generalisation to happen. You will learn about some evidence-based fluency-building routines and the differences between them all. The last part will involve attack strategies, schema-based instruction and how to ask questions that extend mathematical thinking.
Cost
$450 + GST per participant
Includes three full-day sessions, workbook and access to recordings and resources.
Testimonials
“Brendan’s PL is next level – one of the best yet. His ability to show both the ‘why’ & ‘how’ with the implementation of SOL in the Maths space with such purpose & clarity was actually refreshing. Our team left the PL with more of a ‘we can do this’ attitude. Thanks Brendan for bringing the love to learning.”
Carolyn Mather, Eastbourne Primary School
“The PL was so informative. It was practical and gave you strategies to take back to the classroom. Time was provided to discuss ideas and share. This was extremely beneficial.”
Sarah P, St Andrew’s Catholic College
“This course was a fantastic, well-paced sequence of two online full day workshops that explored a variety of methods and strategies for productive learning in maths. Informed by the Science of Learning, Brendan’s workshops provided a range of useable teaching approaches to support maths learning from acquisition to fluency in mathematics. The combination of expert presentation and time to work with colleagues was engaging and productive. So many great resources to explore now too! Thanks for providing the direction our school needs in mathematics, Brendan.
Liz Williams, Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School
“These sessions helped me to understand the bigger picture of effective maths teaching. I loved the practical ideas and ways that you can refine what you may already be doing.”
Scott, Botanic Ridge Primary School
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers
FAQ
Can multiple participants attend from the same school?
Yes, but they all need to individually register (you’ll receive a 10% discount for 4 or more participants). They can watch the presentation together, but it is recommended that they all have individual mini-whiteboards.
Will it be recorded?
Yes, if you miss a session, you’ll receive a recording within 24 hours. However, attending live is recommended for maximum engagement.
Can I join if I'm located outside of Australia?
Absolutely! The event is fully online, so anyone with an internet connection can participate. Just be mindful of the time difference from AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time).
Is there pre-reading or preparation required?
No mandatory preparation is needed, but reviewing basic concepts on the science of learning and explicit instruction can be helpful, especially for those newer to the topic.
Can I ask specific questions about my classroom or school challenges?
Yes! Brendan encourages participants to bring real-life examples and questions, and there will be Q&A periods and interactive discussions where he can provide tailored insights.
Will I get access to the presentation slides or resources after the session?
Yes, all participants will receive access to the presentation slides and other relevant resources after each session for further reference.
Will there be a certificate of completion?
Yes, participants will receive a certificate upon completing both days, which may contribute to professional development hours.
You can download a PDF version of this information here.