Chalk & Talk

Join educational heavyweights Paul Kirschner, Carl Hendrick, and Jim Heal as they unravel the secrets behind 'Instructional Illusions.' Kirschner highlights the pitfalls of discovery learning, debunking its allure with cognitive insights. Hendrick critiques the obsession with novelty in education, urging educators to question what innovations truly solve. Heal discusses the expertise illusion and the crucial differences between novice and expert learning. Together, they advocate for a balanced approach that combines student-centered methods with effective teaching strategies.

In this discussion, Jonathan Regino, a pre-K–12 math supervisor with extensive teaching experience, dives into addressing knowledge gaps in math education. He shares key insights on evidence-based practices for new teachers and recommends essential books to enhance their teaching skills. The conversation explores the pros and cons of standards-based grading, effective free interventions for students, and strategies to support high school students with significant skill gaps. Regino emphasizes the importance of consistency in grading and the value of community collaboration in improving math instruction.

In a compelling discussion, Dr. Ben Solomon, a professor and researcher at the University at Albany, critiques the New York math briefs that are set to shape statewide math instruction. He argues for their retraction, citing misleading claims and a misuse of 'evidence-based' terminology. Solomon debunks common myths, like the idea that timed tests lead to math anxiety, and emphasizes the need for explicit instruction. Drawing parallels to literacy debates, he advocates for structured teaching methods to improve student outcomes in math.

Brendan Lee, a dedicated educator and educational consultant, shares insights on enhancing math instruction. He discusses the instructional hierarchy, highlighting stages like acquisition and fluency. Brendan offers practical strategies for teachers to adapt their methods based on student needs. He dives into effective teaching techniques, including think-alouds and the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach. Listeners gain actionable advice on supporting struggling students, promoting confidence, and ensuring mastery in math, leaving them informed and inspired for their classrooms.

Join Dr. Alex Kontorovich, a Rutgers math professor and passionate math outreach advocate, as he champions the importance of practice in mathematics, comparing it to music and sports. He shares insights into the innovative Math Corps, a summer program that combines rigorous learning with high expectations, ensuring inclusivity in math education. The discussion also delves into engaging teaching strategies like gamification and unique hand gestures to foster collaborative learning. Plus, a thought-provoking conversation on 'A Mathematician's Lament' rounds out the enlightening dialogue.

Bruno Reddy, a passionate math teacher and the mind behind Times Tables Rock Stars, shares insights on enhancing math education. He discusses his journey from starting a school to revolutionizing times tables learning. Bruno highlights innovative strategies to motivate students through engaging practices and the significance of math fluency. He shares valuable lessons from an international teacher exchange in Shanghai, explores the value of mastery learning, and addresses the challenges of nurturing a positive math mindset among young learners.

Join Amanda VanDerHeyden, a leading researcher and founder of Spring Math, as she untangles the complexities of universal screening in math. She emphasizes the crucial role of valid screening tools in identifying students needing support. Discover the key skills that predict math success and the pitfalls of overly simplified assessments. Amanda also shares her insights on the differences between math and reading screening, and how effective data collection aligns interventions with student needs. A must-listen for educators looking to improve math instruction!

Nick Gibb, former Minister of State for Schools in England, shares insights on the remarkable educational reforms he spearheaded to combat declining academic performance. He emphasizes the shift to phonics-based reading and enhanced math teaching, drawing lessons from top-performing countries. Gibb discusses the importance of high expectations, rigorous curricula, and teacher training, illustrating how these strategies propelled England to the forefront of global education rankings. His passion for evidence-based policy and its impact on student outcomes is inspiring and thought-provoking.

In a captivating discussion, Dr. Stephen Chew, a cognitive psychologist at Samford University, unpacks the nuances of naive, purposeful, and deliberate practice in education. He emphasizes the power of structured feedback and effective worked examples, particularly in math. The conversation also exposes common misconceptions in learning and questions the clarity of the term 'active learning.' Chew shares practical strategies to foster trust in the classroom and the significance of embracing productive challenges to enhance student engagement and retention.

In this engaging mailbag discussion, the host tackles a tricky logic puzzle that leaves some listeners pondering. A deep dive into the importance of mastering multiplication facts reveals why calculators can't replace this essential skill. The conversation shifts to a positive trend in literacy, highlighting impressive gains in Southern states due to focused educational reforms. These success stories offer hope and inspiration for other regions aiming to improve foundational reading and teaching practices.