Chalk & Talk

Math fact crisis: strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncy (Ep 29)

In this first episode of a two-part series, math professor Anna Stokke sits down with Dr. Brian Poncy, a school psychology professor at Oklahoma State University, who specializes in math interventions. His extensive research on basic fact fluency led to the development of a free math program called M.I.N.D, aimed at improving numeracy and computational skills.
In the episode, Brian stresses that we have a basic fact crisis where many students struggle with basic fact fluency, affecting their overall math proficiency. They discuss his research and effective strategies for teaching basic facts and computational skills.
The conversation begins with a description of the instructional hierarchy, a tool for identifying a student's learning stage and selecting suitable tasks, with an accompanying infographic available on the episode resource page. Anna asks Brian to define some key terms such as fluency, automaticity and mastery.  They discuss the impact of his free program, M.I.N.D, particularly its implementation in a low-performing school. They also cover research on decomposition strategies and emphasize the importance of data collection to inform instruction.
Throughout the episode, Brian shares strategies used in the M.I.N.D program, revealing his deep passion for helping children learn math. These two episodes shine a light on the challenges many children face with math and highlight research-backed methods to improve math education.
NOTE: The resource page contains an extensive list of research articles mentioned in the episode: annastokke.com/ep-29-resources
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:00] Introduction[00:03:26] Definition of fluency[00:04:40] The instructional hierarchy [00:14:27] Interventions for building accuracy and fluency[00:22:38] Definition of automaticity[00:30:24] Definition of mastery[00:34:53] Facts on Fire for Tier 1 instruction[00:44:54] Research on decomposition strategies for mental math[00:50:07] Implementing Facts on Fire: A longitudinal study[01:00:53] The need to make data-informed decisions[01:01:45] Closing thoughts and topics in next episode
RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES
Ep 2. Evidence-based teaching strategies with Paul Kirschner https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zgw6i-13b33df
Ep 3. The Science of Math with Amanda VanDerHeyden https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bksbz-13c732d
Ep 4. Cognitive load theory with Greg Ashman https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-thbad-13cea56
Ep 17. Do timed tests cause math anxiety? with Robin Codding https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-9qahp-14aed8a
Ep 20. Reading and math: parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8aj3f-1508af6
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-29-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-29-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Blue Dot Sessions – Town Market, Spindash, Cornicob
Podington Bear – Camp
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c

Autism and evidence-based math instruction with Katharine Beals (Ep 28)

In episode 28, math professor Anna Stokke interviews Dr. Katharine Beals, who is a linguist and expert in using evidence-based instruction to teach students with autism.  Katharine is the author of several books on autism, including one focused on autism-friendly curriculum and instruction.
They begin the episode with an overview of autism, where Katharine describes some of its defining characteristics and the skills typically affected. She discusses how autism impacts math learning and some common instructional techniques that can negatively impact autistic students. They then discuss what research suggests are the most effective instructional methods for students with autism.
Along the way, they discuss facilitated communication, and Katharine recommends math programs that are particularly well-suited for autistic individuals.
A key takeaway from this conversation is that many instructional techniques that are most effective for students with autism benefit the majority of students, but poor instructional methods more adversely affect those with autism. This fascinating and highly informative conversation is a must-listen for educators and anyone passionate about education.
PREVIOUS EPISODES MENTIONED
Ep 21. The right to learn math with Daniel Ansari https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-4nv9n-1527568
Ep 25. Understanding math reform ideology with Tom Loveless https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-7ih4c-15dbf9a
Ep 27. Using evidence in education with Pamela Snow https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jc9mq-161ecac
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-28-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-28-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Blue Dot Sessions – Inamorata, Town Market, The Gran Dias
Podington Bear – Lakeside Path, Camp
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c

Using evidence in education with Pamela Snow (Ep 27)

In Episode 27, math professor Anna Stokke talks with Dr. Pamela Snow, a cognitive psychology professor at La Trobe University’s School of Education in Australia.    She is renowned for her expertise in language and literacy instruction and co-founded the Science of Language and Reading (SOLAR) Lab at La Trobe, which assists schools in adopting scientific approaches to enhance reading instruction.
Pamela emphasizes viewing school as a health intervention and effective language and reading instruction as a social justice issue.  The conversation spans a range of topics, including evidence-based methods for teaching reading, the golden mean fallacy in education, and foundational skills in both reading and math.  They also discuss ways to improve teacher preparation and whether programs like the one at La Trobe might start emerging in other universities.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in education, whether from a reading perspective or a math perspective.
PREVIOUS EPISODES MENTIONED
Ep 17. Do timed tests cause math anxiety? with Robin Codding https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-9qahp-14aed8a
Ep 20.  Reading and math: parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8aj3f-1508af6
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-27-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-27-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Blue Dot Sessions – Balti, Coulis Coulis, Lissa, Cornicob
Podington Bear – Proliferate
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c

Cognitive load theory in math class with David Morkunas (Ep 26)

In Episode 26, math professor Anna Stokke is joined by David Morkunas, who is an Australian teacher and numeracy learning specialist.  Their conversation focusses on practical applications of cognitive load theory and explicit instruction for teaching math. 
They discuss David’s role in overseeing a primary math program.  He shares strategies for incorporating cognitive science principles into daily math reviews.  They discuss the significance of standard algorithms and explore David’s strategies for teaching them.  They talk about the role of manipulatives, math anxiety and fostering motivation in math class.  Anna also asked David to recommend resources for further exploration of explicit instruction and cognitive load theory.
This episode is packed with actionable advice for teaching math.  David’s infectious passion for math and his skill in applying effective teaching methods make this an invaluable episode for educators and math education enthusiasts. 
PREVIOUS EPISODES MENTIONED
Raising student achievement with Dylan Wiliam: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-kduiw-15bba36
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-26-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-26-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Blue Dot Sessions – Town Market, Balti
Podington Bear – Camp, Proliferate
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c

Understanding math reform ideology with Tom Loveless (Ep 25)

In this episode, math professor Anna Stokke is joined by education policy expert, Dr. Tom Loveless.  They discuss the National Math Advisory Panel and some of the recommendations in from its final report.  They talk about the influential 1989 NCTM standards and their global impact on math education as well as the history of the math wars.
Tom discusses some of his concerns about the California Math Framework and whether its recommendations are aligned with those in the National Math Advisory Panel report.  They cover many other topics such as San Francisco’s unsuccessful de-tracking initiative and the importance of memorizing math facts.  This episode is a must listen for anyone who teaches math, as well as parents and policymakers.
PREVIOUS EPISODES MENTIONED
Red flags in education research with Ben Solomon (Ep 23)
Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conrad (Ep 15) 
California’s math controversy with Jelani Nelson, Part I (Ep 11)
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-25-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-25-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Blue Dot Sessions – Avoiding the Backdrop, Godmother’s Visit, Lakeside Path, Momentary Ease, Sonatina Kemf
Komiku – Bleu
Podington Bear - Kitten
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c

Raising student achievement with Dylan Wiliam (Ep 24)

In Episode 24, Anna Stokke interviews Dr. Dylan Wiliam, who is an education researcher renowned for his expertise on formative assessment.  They begin by discussing PISA scores and the need to improve math proficiency. They then focus on Dylan's two primary recommendations for raising student achievement – a knowledge-rich curriculum and investing in enhancing teacher effectiveness. 
They also discuss both formative and summative assessment. Dylan provides some concrete examples for how educators, whether in school or post-secondary settings, can effectively use formative assessment to support student learning.  Along the way, they discuss math specialists in primary schools and things teachers can focus on to have the largest impact.   This episode provides a wealth of practical wisdom for teachers, policy makers and parents.
The resource page for this episode includes books, studies and videos mentioned in the episode.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-24-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-24-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Blue Dot Sessions – Balti, Noe Noe, Cherry Heath, Lemon and Melon, Haventhorn, Thannoid
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c

Red flags in education research with Ben Solomon (Ep 23)

Join math professor, Anna Stokke, for a discussion with Dr. Ben Solomon in the final episode of the first season of Chalk & Talk.  Ben is a psychology professor and a researcher in math assessment and intervention, known for his expertise in research methodology. One of the goals of this episode is to provide teachers, parents, and the wider public with tools for critically evaluating claims in education.  The resource page for this episode describes five red flags to watch for in education research studies. 
Anna asked Ben to analyze two specific education papers.  The first paper has often been used to justify misguided claims about standard algorithms. They discuss flaws with the methodology in that paper.  Ben also analyzes a high-quality education paper, highlighting the qualities that elevate it to the status of a rigorous education study, from which meaningful conclusions can be drawn.  Along the way, they have a passionate discussion about the importance of teaching standard algorithms.
The conversation wraps up with a discussion on the science of learning and the need for education to evolve to use evidence-based practices and data-driven decision-making to achieve best outcomes for students.  They hope this episode equips educators and parents with some tools to critically evaluate claims, ensuring that educational practices are grounded in sound research.
Thank you for joining Anna Stokke for the first season of Chalk & Talk! Follow Anna on X @rastokke to receive advance notifications for new episodes.
researchED Toronto, Canada: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/researched-canada-the-science-of-learning-toronto-may-3-4-2024-tickets-765640259627
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-23-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-23-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Blue Dot Sessions – Arroz con leche, Cherie’s Polvo, Haventhorn, Mazamorra, Tarte Tatin, Noe Noe, Cornicob
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
Threads: @rastokke37
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Mindsets and educational misconceptions with Carl Hendrick (Ep 22)

Join math professor, Anna Stokke, in conversation with author and educator Dr. Carl Hendrick.  They begin by discussing research on growth mindset. Then, they discuss whether motivation is a precursor to academic success or if, in fact, success is more likely to lead to motivation. They talk about whether engagement is a valid measure of learning and whether it's possible to teach generic skills like critical thinking. Anna asks Carl how we might define the science of learning and they discuss teaching methods that are in line with the science of learning. They wrap up the conversation with a discussion on the impact of mobile phones on learning, and Carl gives some valuable advice for new teachers.  This episode will be of interest to teachers, parents and anyone interested in education.
researchED Toronto, Canada: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/researched-canada-the-science-of-learning-toronto-may-3-4-2024-tickets-765640259627
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-22-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-22-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch It
Blue Dot Sessions – Building the Sled, Cherie’s Polvo, Cherry Heath, Cigar Singles, Haventhorn, Lemon and Melon
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
Threads: @rastokke37
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Ep 21. The right to learn math with Daniel Ansari

Join math professor, Anna Stokke, as she interviews Dr. Daniel Ansari, who is a Canada Research Chair in developmental cognitive neuroscience.  They discuss the importance of early numeracy skills and his research on symbolic representations. They talk about similarities and differences between math and reading. They also debunk the misconception of gender differences in math.
Responding to a question from a teacher, Daniel discusses the role of manipulatives in teaching math. He also discusses dyscalculia and provides some tips for helping students who struggle with math.  They close the episode by discussing some common neuromyths.  Among other things, Daniel stresses the fundamental right of every child to learn math.
The resource page for this episode includes studies mentioned in the episode and resources for helping children who struggle with math.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-21-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-21-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Podington Bear – Proliferate
Blue Dot Sessions – Balti, Hedgeliner, Cornicob, Coulis Coulis, Lissa
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
Threads: @rastokke37
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Ep 20. Reading and math: parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns

Join math professor, Anna Stokke, for a discussion about reading and math with Dr. Matthew Burns.  He is well-known for his research in reading instruction, including research on the effectiveness of the Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System.  He has also published research on math interventions.  He gives a brief history of reading instruction and explains how ideas about how to teach reading became pervasive despite lacking scientific evidence.  They then move on to discuss parallels with math instruction, which is the focus of the episode.
A noticeable shift is happening in reading, with educators and policymakers now recognizing the importance of phonics and other principles from the science of reading.  Math has not received the same level of attention as reading, despite being extremely important.  Anna asks Matt to discuss what turned things around for reading and to offer suggestions for how we might create a similar shift for math.
The resource page for this episode includes studies mentioned in the episode and resources for helping children develop automaticity with math facts.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-20-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-20-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Podington Bear – Lakeside Path
Blue Dot Sessions – General Inamorata, The Gran Dias, Tarte Tatin, Thannoid
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
Threads: @rastokke37
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social