Chalk & Talk
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 and researchers about the importance of math, effective teaching methods, and debunking common myths about math and teaching. Chalk & Talk is a podcast for anyone interested in education, including educators, parents, and students.
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Episodes
Friday Nov 07, 2025
Friday Nov 07, 2025
In this episode, Anna Stokke welcomes Dr. Nuno Crato, research professor of mathematics and statistics at the University of Lisbon. He was Portugal’s former Minister of Education and led major education reforms from 2011 to 2015. His education reforms contributed to Portugal’s strongest-ever results on international assessments like PISA and TIMSS. Nuno shares his belief that everything starts with the curriculum and stresses the importance of clear standards, accountability, and student support. He also explains how Portugal raised academic rigor while helping struggling learners. They also discuss what Nuno’s research on PISA and TIMSS reveal about the characteristics of effective education systems and the lessons policymakers can draw from Portugal’s success. This episode is a must-listen for educators, policymakers, and anyone with an interest in improving education.
This episode is also available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke
Nuno Crato’s website: https://www.nunocrato.org
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:22] Introduction[00:05:12] Becoming Portugal’s Minister of Education [00:08:51] Adjusting to the position of Minister of Education[00:13:07] The landscape of the Portuguese Education System, early 2000s[00:19:08] The importance of a good curriculum[00:23:07] Using TIMSS data to structure a knowledge-based curriculum[00:26:22] Using testing to ensure curriculum goals are met[00:29:11] Concerns about project-based learning[00:34:18] Standard assessments and evaluations[00:39:31] Accountability markers and incentives for standard assessments[00:43:08] Addressing testing and accountability criticisms [00:44:59] Becoming informed about evidence-based pedagogy [00:48:23] What PISA data reveals about effective types of instruction[00:51:04] Does more money spent on education translate to better outcomes?[00:52:15] What changes are more likely to lead to better outcomes?[00:54:58] Results of PISA and TIMSS in 2015 Portugal[00:59:53] Pushback to education reforms and where it came from[01:04:54] Advice to policymakers
RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES
From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibbhttps://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zps9p-18c1e97
The importance of practice and the power of Math Corps with Alex Kontorovichhttps://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-d8bef-1916f6d
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-58-resources
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-58-transcript
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
Thursday Oct 30, 2025
Thursday Oct 30, 2025
This episode features top takeaways from Anna Stokke’s interview: The Power of Explicit Instruction with Dr. Anita Archer. If you haven’t heard the full conversation yet, you can find the entire episode on the Chalk & Talk YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/EE5wvi-xQTM?si=Wx8W4eb5YOqdWEvM
Anita is one of the world’s leading experts on explicit instruction and co-author of the bestselling book Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching.
Resource page: https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-57-resources
Saturday Oct 25, 2025
Saturday Oct 25, 2025
Episode 57: The power of explicit instruction with Anita Archer
In this episode, Anna Stokke welcomes Dr. Anita Archer, one of the world’s leading experts on explicit instruction and co-author of the bestselling book Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching. They discuss what explicit instruction is, why it’s both effective and efficient, and what the research says about its impact. Together, they discuss who benefits from explicit instruction, common mistakes teachers make, and practical strategies such as the “I do, we do, you do” model. Dr. Archer also shares insights from her 50-year career in education and offers advice for teachers looking to strengthen their instructional practices and help all students succeed.
This episode is also available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:22] Introduction[00:05:26] Anita’s background in explicit instruction[00:07:30] The three big C’s (clear, concise, and consistent)[00:10:25] What is explicit Instruction?[00:13:30] Problems with multiple strategies[00:15:50] Explicit instruction is effective and efficient[00:20:58] Research on explicit instruction[00:27:11] Who does explicit instruction benefit?[00:30:56] When to begin using explicit instruction[00:38:24] Lack of awareness about effectiveness of explicit instruction[00:42:32] Teaching well from the start reduces tier 2 intervention[00:45:55] identifying the different stages/phases: I do, we do, you do[00:44:48] Phase 1: I do[00:47:43] Phase 2: We do[00:49:47] Phase 3: You do[00:53:29] Importance of giving students opportunities to respond[00:58:57] What are unison choral responses?[01:03:17] The importance of structured turn and talks[01:08:31] Resource recommendations and Archerisms
RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES
The Science of Math with Amanda VanDerHeyden
https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/ep-3-the-science-of-math-with-amanda-vanderheyden/
Maximizing learning through explicit instruction with Zach Groshell
https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/ep-10-maximizing-learning-through-explicit-instruction-with-zach-groshell/
Balanced literacy didn’t work—will balanced math? with Ben Solomon
https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/balanced-literacy-didn-t-work%e2%80%94will-balanced-math-with-ben-solomon-ep-54/
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-57-resources
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-57-transcript
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
Friday Oct 10, 2025
Friday Oct 10, 2025
In this episode, Anna Stokke welcomes three leading experts in education, Dr. Paul Kirschner, Dr. Carl Hendrick, and Dr. Jim Heal for a fascinating discussion about their new book, Instructional Illusions. Drawing on decades of experience and research, they explore key ideas from the book, including how to bridge the gap between educational research and classroom practice. Together, they discuss the science of learning, evidence-informed teaching, and how educators can apply research insights to improve instruction. This engaging conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about effective teaching and student learning.
Register for the Masterclass: Evidence-informed Mathematics Teaching, La Trobe School of Education
Read the book, Instructional Illusions, here: https://tinyurl.com/instructional-illusions
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:22] Introductions
[00:05:15] What are Instructional Illusions?
[00:07:30] The difference between illusions and myths
[00:11:13] The discovery illusion
[00:12:50] Why do people believe in discovery learning?
[00:19:50] The curse of knowledge
[00:24:29] The innovation illusion
[00:30:01] Unmasking the innovation illusion
[00:32:59] The expertise Illusion
[00:38:04] The Dunning-Kruger effect
[00:43:48] Unmasking the expertise illusion
[00:47:50] The uniqueness illusion
[00:50:52] The engagement illusion
[00:57:10] Shifting the focus to cognitive engagement
[01:01:28] The student-centred illusion
[01:05:00] Unmasking the student-centred illusion
[01:06:23] Is the science of learning a fad?
RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES
Evidence Based Teaching Strategies with Paul Kirschnerhttps://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/ep2-evidence-based-teaching-strategies-with-paul-kirschner/
Mindsets and Misconceptions with Carl Hendrick
https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/ep-22-mindsets-and-misconceptions-with-carl-hendrick/
EPISODE RESOURCES
Why Minimal Guidance During Instruction Does Not Work: An Analysis of the Failure of Constructivist, Discovery, Problem-Based, Experiential, and Inquiry-Based Teaching: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/s15326985ep4102_1
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-56-transcript
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch itWebsite: www.annastokke.comX: @rastokkeLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4cBluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
Friday Sep 26, 2025
Friday Sep 26, 2025
In this episode, Anna Stokke hosts an informative mailbag edition with guest Jonathan Regino, supervisor of math (pre-K-12) at Interboro School District in Pennsylvania and an experienced classroom teacher.
Drawing on their combined experience and expertise, they tackle listener questions, ranging from how to address large knowledge gaps among students to program recommendations. They also offer guidance on becoming informed about evidence-based practices, effective ways to assess students, and more. This engaging conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to strengthen math instruction and improve student learning.
This episode is also available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke
Register for the Masterclass: Evidence-informed Mathematics Teaching, La Trobe School of Education
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:22] Introduction
[00:04:52] Question 1: How can new teachers learn about evidence-based practices?
[00:09:52] Book recommendations
[00:16:08] researchED
[00:18:12] Question 2: Grading math assessments with points versus using standards-based grading
[00:23:00] The 1,2,3,4 scale breakdown
[00:26:16] Consistency with the grading system
[00:27:30] Question 3: Free class-wide interventions to address math knowledge gaps
[00:28:40] Delta Math RtI
[00:33:09] Supporting high school math students with large knowledge gaps
[00:38:46] Recommended resources
[00:43:22] Question 4: England’s times table check
[00:47:40] Question 5: Are spiraling programs ineffective?
[00:50:02] Understanding spiraling vs. interleaving vs. spaced practice
[00:56:14] Program recommendations
[00:59:44] Final thoughts
RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES
From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibbhttps://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zps9p-18c1e97
Cognitive load theory in math class with David Morkunashttps://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-znh5k-15f7937
Rocking the times tables with Bruno Reddyhttps://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/rocking-the-times-tables-with-bruno-reddy/
Math fact crisis: Strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncyhttps://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/math-fact-crisis-strategies-for-improving-numeracy-with-brian-poncy/
EPISODE RESOURCEShttps://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-55-resources
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-55-transcript
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
Friday Sep 12, 2025
Friday Sep 12, 2025
In this episode, Anna Stokke speaks with Dr. Ben Solomon, professor and researcher at the University at Albany with expertise in math assessment and intervention. Ben returns to the podcast to discuss “balanced math” and the recently released New York math briefs, which are part of the state’s numeracy initiative, and are set to shape professional development across New York.
He explains why he and his colleagues launched a petition calling for the retraction of the briefs, pointing to omissions, misleading claims, and misuse of the term “evidence based.” They also unpack common math myths, such as the claim that timed tests cause math anxiety, and highlight the importance of explicit instruction while drawing parallels to balanced literacy and the reading wars.
This timely conversation is essential for educators, policymakers, and anyone committed to improving math education.
This episode is also available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke
Petition to Retract the New York Math Briefs: https://shorturl.at/bN7PF
Masterclass: Evidence-informed Mathematics Teaching, La Trobe University https://shortcourses.latrobe.edu.au/masterclass-evidence-informed-mathematics-teaching
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:23] Introduction
[00:04:22] Understanding the New York Math Briefs
[00:09:46] The science of learning and its frameworks
[00:16:18] Myth 1: Time Testing causes Math Anxiety
[00:22:00] Myth 2: Explicit Instruction is Only for Students with Disabilities
[00:27:10] What is Explicit Instruction?
[00:29:45] The Importance of Explicit Instruction
[00:34:07] Similarities between Balanced Literacy and Balanced Math
[00:38:30] The Fundamental Misunderstandings of Explicit Instruction
[00:41:51] Myth 3: Structured Practice of Math Facts and Standard Algorithms Isn’t Useful
[00:43:56] Misconceptions about Conceptual Understanding
[00:47:13] Myth 4: Discovery Learning Should be Prioritized in the Early Stages of Acquisition
[00:51:50] The New York Math Scores
[00:57:03] The Benefits of Math Fluency Programs
[00:58:52] Replacement Documents for the New York Math Briefs
[1:05:38] Final Thoughts
RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES
Red flags in education research with Dr. Ben Solomonhttps://www.annastokke.com/podcast/episode/3a372141/red-flags-in-education-research-with-ben-solomon-ep-23
How to build automaticity with math facts (Anna Stokke)https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-3ny3k-17323a9
Math fact crisis: strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncyhttps://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/math-fact-crisis-strategies-for-improving-numeracy-with-brian-poncy/
Do timed tests cause math anxiety? with Robin Coddinghttps://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/ep-17-do-timed-tests-cause-math-anxiety-with-robin-codding/
Universal screening in math with Amanda VanDerHeydenhttps://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/universal-screening-in-math-with-amanda-vanderheyden-ep-50/
From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibbhttps://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/from-decline-to-top-rankings-how-england-transformed-education-with-nick-gibb-ep-49/
Teachers Talk Radiohttps://www.ttradio.org/
RESOURCES
Found here: https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-54-resources/
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
Found here: https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-54-transcript/
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
Friday Aug 22, 2025
Friday Aug 22, 2025
In this episode, Anna Stokke chats with Brendan Lee, a teacher and educational consultant focused on bridging the gap between educational research and classroom practice. They discuss the instructional hierarchy and how teachers can tailor their teaching based on where students are in their learning journey––whether it’s the acquisition, fluency, generalisation, or adaptation stage. Brendan shares practical strategies and actionable advice that teachers can immediately apply in the classroom to better support student learning. This is an insightful discussion that will leave educators feeling informed, inspired, and ready to take on their next lesson.
Brendan Lee’s website: www.learnwithlee.net
This episode is also available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:23] Introduction
[00:03:15] Understanding the Instructional Hierarchy
[00:04:40] The acquisition stage
[00:08:28] Teacher’s Talk Radio
[00:10:39] Students’ struggles in the acquisition stage
[00:12:48] Effective teaching techniques in the acquisition stage
[00:19:37] Think-alouds: The meaning and purpose
[00:23:45] Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract
[00:33:47] Backwards fading method
[00:34:58] Make or break method
[00:36:50] Fluency stage: what teaching techniques work best
[00:47:34] Generalization/adaptation stage
[00:55:11] When to use teaching tools
[01:00:55] Advice for new teachers using the Instructional Hierarchy
RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES
Reclaiming learning time to boost literacy and numeracy with Ross Fox https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bpy4n-188c9c5
Supporting students with math difficulties with Sarah Powellhttps://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-ciqgm-17def6b
Math fact crisis: Strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-u9y84-165d773
Math fluency matters with Brian Poncyhttps://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-pj6z6-166741e
Cognitive load theory in math class with David Morkunas https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-znh5k-15f793
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-53-transcript
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
Monday Jul 28, 2025
Monday Jul 28, 2025
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 Chewhttps://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-mrwn2-18adce0
Math Academy: Optimizing student learning with Alex Smith and Justin Skycakhttps://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jawpr-181e0c3
Applying cognitive science to education with Daniel Willinghamhttps://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-szugf-149dff1
Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conradhttps://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
Monday Jul 07, 2025
Monday Jul 07, 2025
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 Gibbhttps://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 Poncyhttps://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-pj6z6-166741e
Cognitive load theory in math class with David Morkunashttps://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
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
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 VanDerHeydenhttps://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bksbz-13c732d
Math and the myth of ability with John Mightonhttps://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-22c7a-139dc72
Reading and math: Parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burnshttps://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 Poncyhttps://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