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Communicating mathematically in algebra

The Project

Communicating mathematically in algebra is an online professional development programme focused on exploring the opportunities and challenges associated with the language around key concepts in algebra.

The programme offers research-based teaching strategies that support students to communicate in mathematical ways. It focuses on exploring the opportunities and challenges associated with the language around key concepts in algebra, particularly at Key Stage 3 (students aged 11-14).

Introduction to the project

An evidence-informed approach to support students’ communication of mathematical ideas and their mathematical communication. The programme has been designed by drawing on high-quality evidence and the expertise of the team at the Department of Education, University of Oxford.

This professional development programme targets the use of communication-focused teaching strategies. These strategies are established in research as supporting students’ learning of mathematics. It examines the linguistic demands of key concepts within algebra, and teaching strategies that can improve students’ communication, argumentation and reasoning in mathematics.

What will the programme involve?

We have recruited schools to deliver the programme and provide feedback for future development. All enrolled schools will receive a £2,000 payment for their participation in research.

The programme is taking place from September to December 2025 and includes:

Completing 9 short online modules that take between 30 minutes and 45 minutes to complete.
Implementing communication focused teaching strategies with a range of different topics, and the algebra specific modules during the teaching of algebra in Key Stage 3.
Reflect and refine these strategies between each module.
There are no assignments or prerequisites for these modules.
During delivery, participating teachers and senior leaders will be required to take part in a small number of feedback activities (e.g. surveys and group discussions) to help us understand your experiences of implementing the programme.

How will participants be supported to deliver the programme?

All participating teachers will have access to all resources through an online platform containing the modules focusing on the teaching and learning of algebra. They will have access to these resources for the full term.

During the term, the project team will check-in after the first module and every 3-5 modules. Participants can opt to have a virtual coaching conversation at these check-ins.

What do we hope the programme will offer?

For teachers: Teachers will become more aware of the linguistic demands of the mathematical content and strategies that can enable students to engage in mathematical communication around this content. Teachers will also find it easier to identify opportunities to support and develop students’ mathematical communication.

For pupils: Students will use mathematical terms appropriately and with confidence. Students will also improve their mathematical explanations, argumentation and reasoning, making connections between different representations, methods or ideas.