Is there a science of learning?

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Is there a science of learning that tells us the best ways to teach novice learners? Yes, there are basic principles such as direct instruction and modeling. Research shows that explicitly teaching kids how to do things works. The learning hierarchy suggests that kids need modeling, explicit instruction, and corrective feedback when learning something new. Lots of practice is also important for speed and accuracy. Once kids can do something quickly and accurately, they can generalize it. Speed and automatization of math facts are important for generalization. These principles apply to all learning. Kids need to know their math facts.

Join math professor, Anna Stokke, for a discussion about reading and math with Dr. Matthew Burns. He is well-known for his research in reading instruction, including research on the effectiveness of the Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System. He has also published research on math interventions. He gives a brief history of reading instruction and explains how ideas about how to teach reading became pervasive despite lacking scientific evidence. They then move on to discuss parallels with math instruction, which is the focus of the episode.

A noticeable shift is happening in reading, with educators and policymakers now recognizing the importance of phonics and other principles from the science of reading. Math has not received the same level of attention as reading, despite being extremely important. Anna asks Matt to discuss what turned things around for reading and to offer suggestions for how we might create a similar shift for math.

The resource page for this episode includes studies mentioned in the episode and resources for helping children develop automaticity with math facts.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-20-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-20-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

Podington Bear – Lakeside Path

Blue Dot Sessions – General Inamorata, The Gran Dias, Tarte Tatin, Thannoid

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

Threads: @rastokke37