Chalk & Talk

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Sarah Powell, a Professor of Special Education at the University of Texas at Austin, critiques a recent joint position statement on math instruction for students with disabilities. She highlights the lack of evidence-based practices, particularly the omission of explicit instruction, and argues for better recommendations to enhance learning outcomes. Powell emphasizes educators' ethical responsibility to employ effective methods and promotes research-backed strategies to tackle math difficulties, ensuring that every student can succeed.

Therese Markow, Professor Emeritus at UC San Diego and host of the Critically Speaking podcast, dives into the alarming decline of basic math skills among students and its critical impact on science education. She shares insights from her experience as a geneticist, exploring the fascinating link between math proficiency and logic. The conversation also tackles the potential genetic aspects of math abilities and debunks myths about gender and math skills. Markow emphasizes the importance of foundational math for success in life and academic pursuits.

Join Dr. Marcy Stein, professor emeritus from the University of Washington, Tacoma, as she unpacks the fascinating yet overlooked story of Direct Instruction (DI) and Project Follow Through, the largest educational experiment in the world. She reveals how DI effectively supports all students, not just the struggling ones, while discussing its origins and misconceptions. Marcy walks through a typical DI math lesson and shares strategies for bridging skill gaps, calling for a shift toward evidence-based educational practices amidst the political hurdles in academia.

In this discussion, Blake Harvard, a secondary AP psychology teacher known for his innovative methods and author of "Do I Have Your Attention?", delves into cognitive psychology and its impact on education. He shares fascinating insights on memory constraints and attention contagion, highlighting how classroom dynamics influence learning. Blake emphasizes the effectiveness of retrieval and spaced practice in reducing test anxiety and improving retention. He also challenges conventional views on creativity, arguing that a strong knowledge base actually fosters innovation.

Join Dr. Jo Castelino, a secondary school science teacher and author of "The Homework Conundrum," as she dives into the significance of homework in education. She explores the ideal amount of homework using the Cooper 10-minute rule and shares effective strategies for designing assignments. Jo discusses the relationship between homework and self-regulation, the challenges of academic integrity in the era of AI, and how to foster a supportive school culture around homework. Her insights are invaluable for educators and parents alike!

Discover effective strategies to help students master math facts with automaticity. Techniques like flashcards, cover-copy-compare, and incremental rehearsal make learning engaging and dynamic. Learn why timed practice is crucial for building fluency and how to implement these methods across various learning stages. Consistency and daily practice are key themes, ensuring students develop a strong foundation in mathematics while enjoying the process. Perfect for educators, parents, and students looking to enhance their math skills!

Darja Barr, a Senior instructor from the University of Manitoba, and Dan Wolczuk, a Lecturer at the University of Waterloo, dive into the essentials for succeeding in university math. They discuss the critical topics needed for eventual success in calculus, emphasizing algebraic fluency and foundational skills. The duo explores the gap between high school preparation and university demands, touching on diagnostic tests and the importance of study habits. Their insights are invaluable for educators and aspiring students alike!

Kimberly Berens, a behavior scientist and founder of FIT Learning, passionately discusses the intersection of behavior science and educational practices. She emphasizes measurable outcomes, effective reinforcement strategies, and the transformative impact of Direct Instruction and precision teaching, particularly in math. Kimberly also tackles issues like math anxiety and the need for personalized instruction to address diverse learning needs. Her insights advocate for systematic educational reform to enhance student performance through scientifically-backed methodologies.

Host Anna Stokke speaks with Scott Hill, Superintendent of Evergreen School Division. They discuss Evergreen's proactive approach to improving education, particularly focusing on mathematics and literacy.  Scott shares how his division tackled low math scores by interviewing students, addressing behaviour issues, employing structured instructional methods, and providing consistent common assessments. They also touch on broader pedagogical narratives, the role of schools in society, and the importance of setting higher expectations for students. Additionally, Scott highlights the critical strides made in early literacy instruction, with Evergreen School Division being recognized with a national award from Dyslexia Canada.  A key takeaway from this episode is that strong leadership, data-informed decision making, and a commitment to addressing weaknesses can significantly impact student learning.  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Introduction [00:03:39] Evergreen School Division's math challenges and student feedback [00:08:43] Grade inflation and reporting to parents [00:11:24] Divisional changes to improve math scores [00:14:42] Higher expectations for students [00:20:05] The role of schools in society [00:26:02] Is inquiry-based pedagogy accomplishing the stated goals? [00:30:45] Instructional caricatures and foundational skills [00:37:09] Setting behavioural standards [00:40:02] Cell phones in schools [00:46:01] Common assessments and provincial exams [00:56:30] Award-winning literacy initiatives [01:01:08] Final thoughts RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES Ep 1 Math and the myth of ability with John Mighton https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-22c7a-139dc72 Ep 18 Education myth-busting with Daisy Christodoulou https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-z2q9q-14ce080 Ep 20 Reading and math: parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8aj3f-1508af6 Ep 27 Using evidence in education with Pamela Snow https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jc9mq-161ecac Ep 30 Math fluency matters with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-pj6z6-166741e EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/ep-33-transcript EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/ep-33-resources MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions – Cornicob Podington Bear – Camp Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c

In this conversation with Dr. Jonathan Plucker, a professor and director of the Education Policy Program at Johns Hopkins University, he reveals the flaws in current methods for identifying advanced students. He advocates for universal screening to ensure equitable access to advanced programs. Topics include the importance of acceleration over enrichment, the drawbacks of de-streaming policies, and the need for flexible grouping strategies. Jonathan emphasizes that meeting the needs of every student, including high achievers, ultimately benefits all learners.