Gaynor Chapman: When are we going to have a Multiplication Times Tables Check ?

Our Ministry of Education maths curriculum states students are to recall multiplication facts. But teachers have been led to believe rote-learning facts counters deep thinking and problem solving.

Studies however, since the 1980s, show students succeed better in maths when automaticity in the basic facts is developed, leading to enhanced maths learning and problem solving. Further, neuro- and cognitive sciences explain why rote learning facts and direct instruction are essential. Cognitive load theory (CLT) adds details.