Everyone wants to see children and young adults succeed in math, but it can be difficult to sort myths from facts in education. Join math professor, Anna Stokk...
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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1:14:55
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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58:53
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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54:23
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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1:15:54
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
Everyone wants to see children and young adults succeed in math, but it can be difficult to sort myths from facts in education. Join math professor, Anna Stokke, for conversations with leading educators about the importance of math, effective teaching methods, and debunking common myths about math and teaching. Chalk and Talk is a podcast for anyone interested in education, including educators, parents and students.