Chalk & Talk

Ep 8. Lessons from around the world with Lucy Crehan

In this episode math professor, Anna Stokke, interviews Lucy Crehan, who is a teacher and an author.  In her book, Cleverlands, she presents her first-hand observations of the education systems in different countries.
They discuss teacher qualifications in Finland and Singapore, teacher professional development in Japan and math lessons in Shanghai. They cover some commonalities in high-performing countries, such as the use of high-quality textbooks, and the role of practice and memorization in East Asian countries.  The conversation then shifts to cultural differences, some of which may impact educational outcomes. If you are curious about education systems in different parts of the world, you won’t want to miss this episode! 
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-8-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-8-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Podington Bear – Lakeside Path
Blue Dot Sessions – Tall Harvey, Hundred Mile
Lexin Music - Upbeat Documentary
OYStudio – Light Comedy
Website: www.annastokke.com
Twitter: @rastokke

Ep 7. How to excel in math and other tough subjects with Barbara Oakley

Join Anna Stokke as she interviews Dr. Barbara Oakley, an engineering professor whose work focusses on the relationship between neuroscience and social behaviour.  She is an expert on learning tough subjects and has written several books for teachers and students that detail science-based techniques for learning. 
They cover learning techniques such as chunking and deliberate practice.  They explore why being a slower learner may not necessarily be a drawback and consider whether it’s possible to catch up on math skills later in life.  Dr. Oakley shares some effective study techniques and offers strategies for overcoming procrastination.
Post-secondary educators and teachers will not want to miss this episode.  The learning tips discussed will also be invaluable for students, parents and anyone who wants to become better at learning math.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-7-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-7-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Podington Bear – Lakeside Path, Kitten, Camp
Blue Dot Sessions – Cases to Rest, Thannoid
OYStudio – Light Comedy
SoulProdMusic – Upbeat and Happy Music
 
Website: www.annastokke.com
Twitter: @rastokke

Ep 6. Math teaching tips with Barry Garelick and JR Wilson

In this episode, Anna Stokke is joined by two experienced teachers, Barry Garelick and JR Wilson. They have recently published a book called Traditional Math: an effective strategy that teachers feel guilty using. Throughout the interview, Barry and JR share strategies and practical advice that they have used in their own classrooms with great success.
They cover topics that will resonate with teachers, including how to get students excited about math, how to effectively use the “I do, we do, you do” method of teaching and the role of understanding in math.  They also discuss critical math topics that teachers should focus on, tips for teaching word problems, how to keep advanced students challenged, and how to help struggling students, among other things.  This episode will be interesting to teachers, parents and anyone with an interest in math education.
MUSIC
Intro and Outro music by Coma Media - Catch it
Transition music by Podington Bear – Camp
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-6-transcript
BOOKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-6-resources
 
Website: www.annastokke.com
Twitter: @rastokke
 
 
 

Ep 5. Critical issues in education with Matt Henderson

Join math professor, Anna Stokke, in conversation with Matt Henderson, an assistant superintendent of a school division in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. They discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education, challenges with online teaching, and the pervasive use of cell phones and social media. They also discuss the implications of AI, particularly ChatGPT, on education.  The conversation then turns to math teaching, as Matt shares his insights on the challenges facing math teachers and approaches that have helped teachers in his school division. He also provides practical advice for new teachers.  This episode a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone interested in education.MUSIC
Intro and Outro music by Coma Media - Catch it
Transition music by Podington Bear – Camp
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-5-transcript
Website: www.annastokke.com
Twitter: @rastokke

Ep 4. Cognitive load theory with Greg Ashman

In this episode, math professor Anna Stokke sits down with Dr. Greg Ashman, an Australian teacher, writer and researcher with a wealth of knowledge on cognitive load theory.  Dr. Ashman shares his journey into education writing and research, including some of the challenges he has faced along the way.  He shares some pitfalls of education research studies and discusses what happened when he tried to track down the references for a claim that timed tests cause math anxiety. The conversation also includes a discussion on cognitive load theory and its implications for effective teaching.  Dr. Ashman explains what good explicit instruction looks like in a math classroom and provides practical advice for new teachers.
This episode is a must-listen for teachers, parents and anyone with an interest in education.
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-4-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro music by Coma Media - Catch it
Transition music by Podington Bear – Camp
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-4-transcript
Website: www.annastokke.com
Twitter: @rastokke

Ep 3. The Science of Math with Amanda VanDerHeyden

Join math professor Anna Stokke as she interviews Dr. Amanda VanDerHeyden, a leading expert in using evidence-based methods to improve math instruction in schools.  Dr. VanDerHeyden is a co-founder of The Science of Math, a group of experts advocating for evidence-based math instruction. 
Dr. VanDerHeyden shares the origins and goals of the Science of Math movement, as well as addressing common misconceptions. Do timed tests cause math anxiety?  Do standard algorithms hinder understanding?  Is explicit instruction only helpful for struggling learners?  The discussion also covers what happens when kids fall behind in math, among other topics. 
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in education, especially teachers and parents.
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-3-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro music by Coma Media - Catch it
Transition music by Podington Bear – Camp
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
http://www.annastokke.com/ep-3-transcript
Website: www.annastokke.com
Twitter: @rastokke
 

Ep 2. Evidence-based teaching strategies with Paul Kirschner

Join math professor, Anna Stokke, in conversation with Dr. Paul Kirschner, a renowned  educational psychology researcher and speaker.  This episode will be of interest to anyone involved in teaching, whether they work with children or adults, or simply have an interest in education.
Dr. Kirschner explains how we process information in our brains, and how this can be applied to improve teaching practices. He shares insights on effective teaching techniques such as spaced practice, scaffolding, the worked example effect, among others. Additionally, he dispels some common education myths and critiques teaching methods lacking research-based evidence.
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-2-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro music by Coma Media - Catch it
Transition music by Podington Bear – Camp
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-2-transcript
Website: www.annastokke.com
Twitter: @rastokke

Ep 1. Math and the Myth of Ability with John Mighton

In this episode, math professor Anna Stokke sits down with mathematician and best-selling author John Mighton to discuss his passion for teaching math and his founding of JUMP Math, a charity dedicated to helping children achieve their full potential in mathematics.
Mighton shares his insights on the persistent myth that some people are not wired to be good at math and how this false belief has held back many students from realizing their full potential. They discuss the science of learning and the characteristics of successful math programs, highlighting the importance of providing ample opportunities for students to practice and master foundational skills.  Mighton shares practical advice for teachers on how they can assess whether math instruction programs align with the science of learning.  He shares his vision for a world where all children have access to high-quality math education.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in math education.
RESOURCES
Principles of Instruction:  Research-based strategies all teachers should know by Barak Rosenshine
All Things Being Equal:  Why Math is the Key to a Better World by John Mighton
For the Love of Math by John Mighton
MUSIC
Intro and Outro music by Coma Media - Catch it
Transition music by Podington Bear - Camp
Website: www.annastokke.com
Twitter: @rastokke
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep1-transcript