Importance of Teaching Standard Algorithms

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Teaching standard algorithms is crucial as they embody the collective wisdom of the past, developed over centuries, are highly efficient, easy to teach, and scalable in complexity. These algorithms work based on the same principles, starting from basic operations and progressing to more complex ones. Advocating for letting students invent their own strategies is seen as ableist and can be detrimental for students who struggle in mathematics.

In Episode 26, math professor Anna Stokke is joined by David Morkunas, who is an Australian teacher and numeracy learning specialist. Their conversation focusses on practical applications of cognitive load theory and explicit instruction for teaching math.

They discuss David’s role in overseeing a primary math program. He shares strategies for incorporating cognitive science principles into daily math reviews. They discuss the significance of standard algorithms and explore David’s strategies for teaching them. They talk about the role of manipulatives, math anxiety and fostering motivation in math class. Anna also asked David to recommend resources for further exploration of explicit instruction and cognitive load theory.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for teaching math. David’s infectious passion for math and his skill in applying effective teaching methods make this an invaluable episode for educators and math education enthusiasts.

PREVIOUS EPISODES MENTIONED

Raising student achievement with Dylan Wiliam: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-kduiw-15bba36

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-26-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-26-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

Blue Dot Sessions – Town Market, Balti

Podington Bear – Camp, Proliferate

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke