Chalk & Talk

• Math Academy: Optimizing student learning with Alex Smith and Justin Skycak (Ep 42)

  Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Alex Smith, Director of Curriculum, and Justin Skycak, Director of Analytics, from Math Academy.  Math Academy is an AI-powered online learning platform designed around science of learning principles.  They discuss Bloom's 2 sigma problem and explore how Math Academy aims to address it. They also explain how the platform leverages knowledge graphs to support mastery learning and highlight key instructional strategies such as worked examples, spaced practice, and the testing effect. They explore how Math Academy manages cognitive load to optimize learning as well as its success with adult learners and advanced students.  They also discuss the concrete-pictorial-abstract approach in math instruction.  To wrap up, Justin and Alex share exciting updates and future plans for Math Academy.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in math education. NOTE: The resource page contains resources and research articles mentioned in the episode: annastokke.com/ep-42-resources TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 04:41 Bloom's 2 sigma problem 10:11 Mastery learning 13:17 Math knowledge graph 21:03 Importance of prerequisite skills 26:42 Worked examples 33:11 Concrete-pictorial-abstract discussion 40:56 Incorporating spaced practice 47:47 Leveraging the testing effect 52:14 Independent learning and incentives 55:51 Math Academy for adult learners 01:01:49 Accelerating advanced students 01:09:57 The future of Math Academy 01:13:26 Final thoughts RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES Ep 32. Identifying and educating advanced students with Jonathan Plucker https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-y6cxs-16ad6f1 Ep 15. Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conrad https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gek66-148967a Ep 7. How to excel in math and other tough subjects with Barbara Oakley https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bqs8p-14068f2 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/ep-42-transcript EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/ep-42-resources MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions – Balti, Betty Dear, Willow Willow, Partly Sage Podington Bear – Camp, Kitten Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

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• Supporting students with math difficulties with Sarah Powell (Ep 41)

  Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Sarah Powell, a leading expert in teaching students with math difficulties. They discuss the shortcomings of a recent joint position statement by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) on teaching math to students with disabilities. Sarah critiques the statement’s failure to include critical evidence-based practices, such as explicit instruction, and its reliance on vague or unsupported recommendations. She highlights research-backed strategies that can truly help students struggling with math, emphasizing the ethical responsibility of educators, policymakers, and advocates to ensure effective math instruction.  Sarah also co-authored a response to the position statement. Note: The resource page for this episode contains a link to the NCTM/CEC position statement, Sarah’s group’s response, and other articles mentioned in the episode: annastokke.com/ep-41-resources TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction  05:06 Understanding math disabilities 08:19 The NCTM/CEC position statement 17:06 Does growth mindset help math outcomes? 17:53 Is UDL evidence based? 21:57 Evidence-based practices for teaching math 29:07 The omission of explicit instruction 30:55 Why explicit instruction is important 35:51 The IES practice guide 38:50 Consequences of poor instruction 41:44 The Influence of NCTM and CEC 43:26 Recommendations for effective math instruction 49:43 Preventing math difficulties 56:02 Final thoughts RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES Ep 29 Math fact crisis: Strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-u9y84-165d773 Ep 30 Math Fluency matters with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-pj6z6-166741e Ep 25 Understanding math reform ideology with Tom Loveless https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-7ih4c-15dbf9a Ep 21 The right to learn math with Daniel Ansari https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-4nv9n-1527568 Ep 3 The Science of Math with Amanda VanDerHeyden https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bksbz-13c732d EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/ep-41-transcript EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/ep-41-resources MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions – Thannoid, Tarte Tatin, Cornicob, Momentary Ease Podington Bear – Proliferate Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

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• From math to science: How weak math skills hurt students with Therese Markow (Ep 40)

  In this episode, Anna Stokke welcomes Dr. Therese Markow, Professor Emeritus at the University of California, San Diego, and host of the Critically Speaking podcast. They discuss the critical intersection of math and science education. Therese shares her firsthand experiences as a geneticist and post-secondary educator, highlighting the alarming decline in basic numeracy among students and its impact on their success in fields like biology and genetics. The conversation covers fascinating studies linking math experience to logical reasoning and brain development.  Therese tackles the question of whether math skills have a genetic component. They also discuss societal and educational implications of weak math skills, including how some popular teaching philosophies might be failing students. Whether you're an educator, a math or science enthusiast scientist, or simply passionate about improving education, this episode offers something for everyone. NOTE: The resource page contains research articles mentioned in the episode: annastokke.com/ep-40-resources TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 03:24 Math skills in science students 11:25 Impact on university curriculum standards 19:36 Links between math and logic skills 28:03 Are math abilities genetic? 28:40 Heritability studies: Twins and math abilities 38:06 Effective math teaching influences math ability 41:27 Gender and math: Debunking myths 42:48 Personal stories about math interest 50:56 Importance of basic math skills in life 52:58 Conclusion and final Thoughts RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES Ep 2. Evidence-based teaching strategies with Paul Kirschner https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zgw6i-13b33df Ep 16. Applying cognitive science to education with Daniel Willingham https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-szugf-149dff1 Ep 22. Mindsets and educational misconceptions with Carl Hendrick https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-78zv9-15493b1 Ep 35. Preparation for university math with Darja Barr and Dan Wolczuk https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-b8ssx-171a631 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/ep-40-transcript EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/ep-40-resources MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions – Balti, Cases to Rest Podington Bear – No Squirrel Commotion, Kitten Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social    

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• Project Follow Through: Direct Instruction's overlooked success with Marcy Stein (Ep 39)

  Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Marcy Stein, professor emeritus from the University of Washington, Tacoma, about her firsthand experience with Direct Instruction (DI) and Project Follow Through—the world’s largest educational experiment. Despite showing DI’s effectiveness with at-risk students, the results were largely ignored. Marcy shares insights into the origins of DI, its instructional design, and emphasizes that it’s effective for all students, not just those struggling academically. She also addresses common misconceptions, walks through a typical DI math lesson, and gives advice on how to bridge skill gaps in the classroom. This episode unpacks the story of Project Follow Through and the ongoing fight for evidence-based education. NOTE: The resource page contains resources and research articles mentioned in the episode: annastokke.com/ep-39-resources TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Introduction  [00:03:52] Marcy Stein’s background [00:07:11] Origins of Direct Instruction [00:11:26] Overview of Project Follow Through [00:14:40] Instructional models and results of Project Follow Through [00:23:30] What makes DI effective? [00:25:12] Why were the results of PFT ignored? [00:29:28] Difference between DI and di [00:31:52] Instructional design in DI [00:37:50] Pitfalls of multiple strategies [00:42:55] Understanding instructional delivery in DI [00:45:51] Managing varying abilities in the classroom [00:48:28] Addressing prerequisite skills in older students [00:52:40] Spiral vs. strand curriculum [00:55:12] A typical DI math lesson structure [00:59:34] List of DI math programs [01:01:17] Common misconceptions about DI [01:05:03] Challenges and resistance to DI [01:09:02] Role of leaders and faculty in DI implementation [01:13:51] Final thoughts  RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES Ep 34 Transforming education through behaviour science with Kimberly Berens https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-9tfz7-16f2e02 Ep 31 Exploring evidence for equitable education with Nidhi Sachdeva and Jim Hewitt https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-fjdnt-1685615 Ep 20 Reading and math: Parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8aj3f-1508af6 Ep 10 Maximizing learning through explicit instruction with Zach Groshell https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-px8h6-1443528 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/ep-39-transcript EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/ep-39-resources MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions –Tall Harvey, Little Poder, Momentary Ease, Betty Dear Podington Bear – Camp, Kitten Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social  

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• Boosting attention and learning with Blake Harvard (Ep 38)

  Join math professor, Anna Stokke, in conversation with Blake Harvard, a secondary teacher in Alabama.  They discuss insights from his new book, Do I Have Your Attention?, including how he incorporates cognitive psychology into his teaching. Their conversation explores topics like cognitive architecture, memory constraints, attention contagion and common learning pitfalls. Blake provides practical strategies for implementing retrieval practice and spaced practice, highlighting their benefits in reducing test anxiety and enhancing long term learning outcomes. The episode wraps up with a thought-provoking discussion on creativity, where Blake challenges the notion that traditional schooling stifles creativity—arguing instead that a strong knowledge foundation fosters it. Whether you’re an educator or simply curious about the science of learning, this episode offers valuable insights for teaching and learning in any subject. NOTE: The resource page contains resources and research articles mentioned in the episode: annastokke.com/ep-38-resources TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 02:44 Blake's Teaching Journey 03:13 Discovering cognitive psychology 05:18 Understanding memory constraints 13:55 Attention contagion 21:54 Overcoming overconfidence in learning 25:32 The role of forgetting in learning 27:53 Maximizing learning with effective strategies 28:36 The power of retrieval and spaced practice 29:45 Retrieval practice in math 33:10 Diminishing cues retrieval practice 36:21 The Brain Book Buddy strategy 41:13 The importance of honest self-assessment 42:56 Reducing test anxiety with retrieval practice 45:48 The benefits of spaced practice 47:06 Last lesson, last week, last month strategy 49:38 Debunking myths about creativity in education 52:48 Final thoughts and advice for teachers RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES Ep. 26 Cognitive load theory in math class with David Morkunas https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-znh5k-15f7937 Ep. 13 Powerful teaching with Patrice Bain https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-d77g4-14602e3 Ep 4 Cognitive load theory with Greg Ashman https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-thbad-13cea56 Ep. 2 Evidence-based teaching strategies with Paul Kirschner https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-zgw6i-13b33df EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/ep-38-transcript EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/ep-38-resources MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions – No Squirrel Connection, Thannoid, Momentary Ease, Betty Dear Podington Bear – Camp Scott Holmes – Happy Logo Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

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