Chalk & Talk

Ep 4. Cognitive load theory with Greg Ashman

Apr 6, 2023

In this episode, Dr. Greg Ashman, an Australian teacher, writer, and researcher, discusses cognitive load theory and its implications for effective teaching. He debunks claims about timed tests causing math anxiety and highlights the importance of rigorous research in education. The podcast also explores explicit instruction in math classrooms and provides practical advice for new teachers.

01:01:02

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Episode guests

Greg Ashman

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Quick takeaways

Cognitive load theory emphasizes leveraging long-term memory and minimizing overload for effective teaching.

Education systems often adopt new trends without thorough evaluation, leading to constant change and abandonment of previous initiatives.

Critical evaluation of education gurus and demand for empirical evidence is essential to ensure effective teaching practices.

Deep dives

Cognitive load theory: understanding how we learn

Cognitive load theory explains the distinction between biologically primary and secondary knowledge. It highlights the limited capacity of working memory and emphasizes the importance of leveraging long-term memory. The theory suggests that effective teaching methods should minimize cognitive load by avoiding overload and providing appropriate scaffolding. It also encourages the use of explicit instruction and careful sequencing of learning tasks. Cognitive load theory provides valuable insights for educators to design instruction that optimizes learning.

Exactly the same as was thought. Not more difficult.

01:20

You get more motivate at math by getting better at math.

01:22

A: Treatment B: Explicit C: Business as usual

01:20

Introduction

3min

From Teaching Physics to Education Research

10min

Debunking Claims on Math Anxiety and Time Testing

8min

The Lack of Rigorous Research in Education

6min

Cognitive Load Theory and Learning

10min

Teaching Math: Importance of Explicit Instruction

21min

Advice for New Teachers and the Importance of Skepticism

3min

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