Performance ≠ Learning: What recent research says about maths apps for struggling learners
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About this listen
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Episode 264: What happens when a maths app “works” in the moment… but pupils can’t do the same maths the next day on paper?
In this episode, Kieran Mackle and Stuart Welsh dig into a systematic review and meta-analysis on digital mathematics interventions for learners with mathematical learning difficulties/disabilities. They unpack what the evidence suggests (and what it doesn’t), why outcomes vary wildly across studies, and how schools can avoid buying into shiny “silver bullet” claims.
Key themes include:
Why “generally positive” results still hide a real risk of negative impact
The difference between performance in-app and learning that transfers
Mobile vs laptop: what the studies show (and what we’re only guessing)
A simple decision lens
What research still needs to answer so teachers aren’t forced to guess
If you’re a primary teacher, maths lead, SENCo, or school leader weighing up edtech spending, this conversation will help you be both evidence-aware and implementation-smart.