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
