§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent assessment he has made of the advantages of whole-class teaching. [135033]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisEffective whole-class teaching is a key characteristic of high quality teaching in primary schools. Reviews of the research evidence on whole class teaching and other issues were published as part of the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies. The literacy hour and daily mathematics lesson, which were introduced in September 1998 and 1999 respectively, include substantial elements of whole class teaching in order to maximise the amount of direct teaching that all pupils receive. The Office for Standards in Education has500W confirmed that these lessons have resulted in "better teaching and better achievement in English and mathematics."