Chalk & Talk

• The case for practice and the power of Math Corps with Alex Kontorovich (Ep 52)

  In this episode, Anna Stokke has an engaging conversation Dr. Alex Kontorovich, a math professor at Rutgers University with a strong passion for math outreach. They explore why practice in math is often undervalued compared to disciplines like music or sports. They also discuss Math Corps, which is a summer math program for kids that combines evidence-based learning strategies with high expectations. Alex recently founded a Math Corps chapter in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  The episode wraps up with a lively discussion about A Mathematician's Lament by Paul Lockhart, sparked by a comment from a listener. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, a mathematician, or simply someone interested in education, this episode has something for you. This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Introduction   [00:02:54] The value of math practice  [00:08:11] Engaging in math outreach  [00:11:44] Rutgers Math Corps: Structure and curriculum  [00:21:41] When research confirms what experience already knew  [00:24:05] Why times tables fluency matters  [00:30:07] Science of learning techniques in Math Corps  [00:35:42] Using hand gestures and building classroom culture  [00:40:01] Gamification  [00:42:23] Why well-meaning schools still produce poor results  [00:49:37] Discussion on A Mathematician's Lament  [01:16:03] Conclusion and final thoughts  RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES How we learn:  Naïve, purposeful, and deliberate practice with Stephen Chew https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-mrwn2-18adce0 Math Academy: Optimizing student learning with Alex Smith and Justin Skycak https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jawpr-181e0c3 Applying cognitive science to education with Daniel Willingham https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-szugf-149dff1 Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conrad https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gek66-148967a EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-52-transcript EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-52-resources MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social  

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• Rocking the times tables with Bruno Reddy (Ep 51)

  In this episode, Anna Stokke chats with Bruno Reddy, a math teacher and the creator of Times Tables Rock Stars. They discuss his journey from founding a school to creating Times Tables Rock Stars to address foundational skill gaps. Bruno shares great ideas for generating excitement in the math classroom and motivating students to practice essential math facts. They also discuss the importance of math fluency, insights from a teacher exchange in Shanghai, and effective teaching strategies such as mastery learning and variation theory.  This is an energizing conversation full of useful takeaways for anyone passionate about improving math outcomes. Times Tables Rock Stars will be running national and regional competitions in Australia and New Zealand in August, September and October, 2025.  Follow their socials on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn for more information. Times Tables Rockstars: https://ttrockstars.com TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Introduction [00:04:50] The origin story of Times Tables Rock Stars [00:14:20] Global times tables competitions  [00:15:38] The impact of TTRS on math outcomes [00:18:20] How to motivate students to practice [00:22:56] The importance of positive math experiences [00:28:25] Choral chants and community building [00:30:54] Lessons learned from the Shanghai teacher exchange program [00:34:50] Variation theory [00:43:37] Implementing mastery learning  [00:50:28] Fluency: What most math programs get wrong [00:52:29] The importance of times tables [00:56:05] Finding common ground in educational debates  RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibb https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-zps9p-18c1e97 Math fact crisis: Strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-u9y84-165d773 Math fluency matters with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-pj6z6-166741e Cognitive load theory in math class with David Morkunas https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-znh5k-15f7937 How to build automaticity with math facts: A practical guide https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-3ny3k-17323a9 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-51-transcript MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions: Avoiding the Backroom, Neatly Folded, Cornicob, Partly Sage Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social  

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• Universal screening in math with Amanda VanDerHeyden (Ep 50)

  Host and math professor Anna Stokke talks to Dr. Amanda VanDerHeyden about a topic many Chalk & Talk listeners have asked about: universal screening in math. Amanda explains what universal screening is, why it matters, and how schools can use it to identify students who need extra support.  They also discuss how to choose validated screeners, common mistakes to avoid, and how screening connects to effective intervention. This is a practical, informative episode for teachers, school leaders, and anyone looking to strengthen math instruction. [00:00:00] Introduction   [00:04:17] Overview of universal screening  [00:07:51] Universal screening in math vs reading  [00:11:36] How to find validated screening tools  [00:19:32] Should screeners match the curriculum?  [00:23:31] 145 math skills that forecast success and when to teach them  [00:29:24] The problem with making screeners too easy  [00:31:37] Is Acadience a good screening tool?   [00:32:43] Comparing reading and math screening systems  [00:37:09] Recap: What to look for in a good screener  [00:40:12] Frequency and timing of screening  [00:44:18] The growing importance of math screening  [00:48:45] Addressing teacher concerns with screening results  [00:52:31] Conclusion and final thoughts  RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES The Science of Math with Amanda VanDerHeyden https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bksbz-13c732d Math and the myth of ability with John Mighton https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-22c7a-139dc72 Reading and math: Parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8aj3f-1508af6 Supporting students with math difficulties with Sarah Powell https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ciqgm-17def6b Math fluency matters with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-pj6z6-166741e EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-50-transcript EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-50-resources MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Podington Bear:  No Squirrel Commotion Blue Dot Sessions:  Avoiding the Backroom, Momentary Ease Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social  

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• From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibb (Ep 49)

  In this episode, Anna Stokke interviews The Right Honourable Sir Nick Gibb, former Minister of State for Schools in England. Nick discusses the bold, evidence-based reforms he led over a decade to reverse declining academic performance in English schools. From phonics-based reading instruction to math mastery, he explains how high expectations, rigorous curricula, and a focus on teacher training transformed outcomes—helping England rise to 4th in the world in reading on PIRLS and one of the highest-performing countries on TIMSS.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in meaningful education reform. TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Introduction  [00:04:05] The state of English education in 2005 [00:05:50] Problems with progressive education [00:08:12] Math teaching in England before the reforms [00:13:13] Education: A non-partisan issue [00:14:48] Learning about math teaching from Shanghai and Singapore [00:18:01] Competency-based curriculum debate [00:22:00] Reading reforms  [00:26:09] Resistance to the phonics movement [00:32:10] Math reforms implemented for primary education [00:38:08] Attention to detail in curriculum development [00:41:11] Debates on educational standards [00:42:41] Reforming initial teacher training [00:48:24] The Education Endowment Foundation [00:50:21] Liberating the teaching profession  [00:55:07] How the reforms improved student outcomes [00:57:42] Educational outcomes in Scotland and Wales [01:00:38] The future of education reforms [01:06:24] Advice for policymakers and advocates [01:16:00] Reflections and closing remarks RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES Education myth-busting with Daisy Christodoulou https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-z2q9q-14ce080 The tweet that roared with Tom Bennett https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bpgqn-14326ef Using evidence in education with Pamela Snow https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jc9mq-161ecac Exploring evidence for equitable education with Nidhi Sachdeva and Jim Hewitt https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-fjdnt-1685615 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-49-transcript EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-49-resources  MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Oy Studio: Light comedy Blue Dot Sessions: Avoiding the Backroom, Neatly folded, Momentary Ease, Balti Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

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• How we learn: Naive, purposeful, and deliberate practice with Stephen Chew (Ep 48)

  Join math professor Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Stephen Chew, a cognitive psychologist at Samford University. They explore the different types of practice—naive, purposeful, and deliberate—and why understanding these distinctions can transform teaching and improve learning. The discussion also covers how to use feedback effectively, structure worked examples in math class, address common student misconceptions, and build trust in the classroom. They even tackle the term “active learning"—whether it actually means anything useful, and why the research on it may not be as clear as it seems. Packed with practical advice and research-based strategies, this episode is a must-listen for educators at all levels. NOTE: The resource page contains research articles mentioned in the episode: https://www.annastokke.com/resources/episode-48-resources TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Introduction [00:02:53] Understanding naive, purposeful, and deliberate practice [00:13:46] The importance of feedback in learning [00:20:03] Effective use of worked examples [00:25:13] Addressing student misconceptions [00:31:18] Debunking learning myths: Struggle and engagement [00:34:58] Is active learning just a buzzword? [00:37:40] The problem with research on active learning [00:42:35] Nine cognitive challenges for effective teaching [00:44:51] Building trust in the classroom [00:47:55] Desirable difficulties vs. unnecessary challenges [00:51:23] Formative assessment techniques for large classes [00:53:47] The complexity and importance of teaching [00:54:32] Bridging the gap between research and practice RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES Ep 2. Evidence-based teaching strategies with Paul Kirschner https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zgw6i-13b33df Ep 4. Cognitive load theory with Greg Ashman https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-thbad-13cea56 Ep 7. How to excel in math and other tough subject with Barbara Oakley https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bqs8p-14068f2 Ep 16. Applying cognitive science to education with Daniel Willingham https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-szugf-149dff1 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/ep-48-transcript EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/resources/episode-48-resources MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions – Cornicob, Momentary Ease, Town Market, Noe Noe 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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