
Chalk & Talk
Everyone wants to see children and young adults succeed in math, but it can be difficult to sort myths from facts in education. Join math professor, Anna Stokke, for conversations with leading educators and researchers about the importance of math, effective teaching methods, and debunking common myths about math and teaching. Chalk & Talk is a podcast for anyone interested in education, including educators, parents, and students.
Latest episodes

25 snips
Jun 15, 2023 • 1h 4min
Ep 9. The tweet that roared with Tom Bennett
Join math professor, Anna Stokke, in conversation with Tom Bennett. He is a teacher, author and founder of the grass roots, non-profit organization ResearchED. Tom has a captivating sense of humour, making this a great listen. They discuss many things in this episode, such as education research, group work, cell phones in schools and evidence-informed teaching. But the conversation begins with the story of ResearchED, which has started an evidence revolution in education. It all started with one tweet – as Tom Bennett calls it “The Tweet that Roared.” Anyone interested in education will enjoy this episode!
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-9-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-9-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Podington Bear – Sunset Stroll, Camp, Proliferate
Blue Dot Sessions – Cases to Rest, Partly Sage
OYStudio – Light Comedy
Website: www.annastokke.com
Twitter: @rastokke

7 snips
Jun 1, 2023 • 53min
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

May 18, 2023 • 59min
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

May 4, 2023 • 56min
Ep 6. Math teaching tips with Barry Garelick and JR Wilson
Experienced math teachers Barry Garelick and JR Wilson share teaching strategies including getting students excited about math, using the 'I do, we do, you do' method, teaching word problems, challenging advanced students, and helping struggling students. They discuss the importance of understanding in math teaching, effective strategies for teaching word problems, building confidence in weaker students, teaching factoring methods, and advice for new teachers.

Apr 20, 2023 • 58min
Ep 5. Critical issues in education with Matt Henderson
Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Matt Henderson, an assistant superintendent of a school division in Winnipeg. They discuss challenges in online teaching, the impact of COVID-19 on education, the role of cell phones and social media, and the implications of AI on education. They also explore the challenges faced by math teachers and offer practical advice for new teachers.

13 snips
Apr 6, 2023 • 1h 1min
Ep 4. Cognitive load theory with Greg Ashman
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.

Mar 25, 2023 • 59min
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

11 snips
Mar 11, 2023 • 52min
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

10 snips
Feb 24, 2023 • 50min
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