mbal88

The Power of the ‘I Do, You Do’ Approach in Maths Learning

When it comes to mastering maths, having a structured approach to learning can make all the difference. One of the most effective methods used in teaching is the I do, you do approach. This technique provides a clear, step-by-step pathway for students to gain confidence and proficiency in mathematical concepts. On Maths Walkthrough, we’ve embedded this approach into our resources, ensuring that students not only see worked examples but also have the opportunity to apply their learning independently.

What is the ‘I Do, You Do’ Approach?

The I do, you do approach is a method that scaffolds learning by breaking it down into two key phases:

I Do – The teacher (or resource) demonstrates a worked example, guiding students through each step and explaining the thought process behind it.
You Do – Students then attempt similar questions independently, applying what they have just learned.

This structure allows students to first observe and understand a concept before actively engaging with it themselves. It bridges the gap between theory and application, helping students build the confidence to tackle problems independently.

Why is this Approach So Effective?

Reduces Cognitive Load – When students see a step-by-step demonstration before trying problems themselves, they are less likely to feel overwhelmed. The I do, you do method ensures that students aren’t thrown into the deep end but are instead gradually introduced to problem-solving.
Encourages Active Engagement – Rather than passively reading solutions, students are encouraged to engage with the material actively. This hands-on practice reinforces understanding and retention.
Promotes Independent Learning – Once students have seen the correct approach modelled, they develop the confidence to attempt similar problems on their own. Over time, this leads to greater independence in problem-solving.
Builds Exam Confidence – In maths exams, students need to be able to apply their knowledge to unfamiliar problems. By practising with guided and independent tasks, they become more adept at tackling a variety of question types.

How Our Exam Papers Support This Approach

At Maths Walkthrough, we’ve adapted exam papers to align with the I do, you do structure. Here’s how they help students make progress:

Worked Examples with Explanations – Each question is introduced with a fully worked example, clearly breaking down each step so students understand the reasoning behind the methods used.
Gradual Progression – Students start with guided practice questions before moving on to more challenging exam-style problems, reinforcing their learning at each stage.
Topic-Based Papers – Instead of overwhelming students with full exam papers too soon, our topic-based papers allow them to master one area at a time, ensuring thorough understanding before moving on.(Coming soon)
Exam-Style Questions – To help bridge the gap between learning and exam success, our questions closely mirror the types of problems students will encounter in their GCSE maths exams. (Coming soon).

Final Thoughts

The I do, you do approach is a proven strategy for building confidence and success in maths. By combining this method with structured exam papers, Maths Walkthrough provides students with the tools they need to improve their understanding and boost their exam performance.

Explore our resources today and take the next step towards mastering maths!