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by Anna Stokke
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.
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What if many of the errors students make in math are predictable consequences of the way we teach them? In this episode, Anna is joined by Kristopher Boulton, founder and CEO of Unstoppable Learning to explore how better instructional design can help prevent misconceptions and make difficult math concepts more accessible. Kris insists that it should be possible to achieve 100% success in math for 100% of the students. They discuss how carefully chosen examples, better sequencing, atomisation, and careful instructional design makes misunderstandings less likely. Kris also shares insights from his experience as a teacher and school leader and his work helping schools improve outcomes in mathematics. Chalk & Talk website: www.chalkandtalkpodcast.com This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke TIMESTAMPS [00:00:04] Introduction [00:03:16] Logically faultless communication [00:08:39] Identifying 4 types of mathematical knowledge make teaching easier [00:10:13] Type 1: Categorical concepts [00:12:25] Teaching with examples and non-examples [00:14:52] The four principles for choosing effective examples [00:19:59] Type 2: Transformations [00:26:49] Example of a carefully sequenced math lesson [00:31:44] Dealing with arithmetic difficulties [00:39:13] Type 3: Facts [00:43:23] Type 4: Cognitive routines [00:44:56] How atoms are different from steps [00:52:32] Mastering each atom before tackling the full routine [00:54:11] Quadratic and linear equations [00:57:51] How atomization is different from scaffolding [01:02:24] Why this teaching approach is important EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://chalkandtalk-beta.ubmepsilon.com/episode/ep-82/ RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES Teaching Math So Students Learn with Craig Barton https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-63/ The Power of Explicit Instruction with Anita Archer https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-57/ Project Follow Through: Direct Instruction’s Overlooked Success https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-39/ Cognitive Load Theory in Math Class with David Morkunas https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-26/ MUSIC Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band - ColorFilmMusic Website: http://www.chalkandtalkpodcast.com/ FB: Chalk & Talk IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
In this episode, Anna is joined by Dr. Montserrat Gomendio, former Deputy Director for Education at the OECD, to discuss the newly released PISA 2025 results. They explore why student achievement is falling in many countries. They discuss whether COVID, smartphones, and AI explain the declines, why some education systems are holding up better than others, and what policymakers can learn from countries that are seeing better results. They also answer questions from listeners that were submitted during a livestream version of the episode. Chalk & Talk website: www.chalkandtalkpodcast.com This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke TIMESTAMPS [00:00:04] - Introduction: PISA 2025 and student achievement [00:05:41] - Why did reading become the dominant PISA story? [00:08:23] - Do phones, digital technology, and AI explain the decline? [00:14:54] - Did COVID and school closures cause the decline? [00:20:58] - What can England teach us about education policy after COVID? [00:22:14] – Scores started declining before COVID [00:27:35] - What do top-performing education systems have in common?[00:34:32] - What makes effective teacher training? [00:39:59] - How can countries improve teacher quality in the short term?[00:45:24] - Why evidence-based professional development matters [00:48:10] - What can countries learn from England’s approach to math? [00:51:22] - What should teachers do when they disagree with their training?[00:56:10] – How to encourage teachers to change [00:59:14] - How should schools design a knowledge-rich curriculum? [01:03:35] - What makes an effective math curriculum? [01:06:44] - Does PISA data hide differences between education systems?[01:10:41] - What does the OECD get wrong about interpreting PISA data? [01:16:14] – Finland: PISA declines and bad advice about following Finland [01:21:54] - Final thoughts EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-81/ RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES (linking to website) The Story Behind Mississippi’s Education Turnaround with Rachel Cante https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-76/ The Finland myth, East Asia’s rise, and what makes education systems work with Montserrat Gomendio https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-68/ When a mathematician became education minister: Nuno Crato on transforming education https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-58/ From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibb https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-49/ MUSIC Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band - ColorFilmMusic Website: http://www.chalkandtalkpodcast.com/ FB: Chalk & Talk IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
In this episode, Anna is joined by two elementary school teachers from California who are appearing anonymously so they can speak candidly about their experiences. Both teach at a school where math achievement has remained consistently low. After watching many of their students struggle with the curriculum they were expected to use (Illustrative Math), they began exploring research, learning about the science of learning and evidence-informed teaching practices, and rethinking what they had been taught about how children learn math. They changed the way they taught math and the results were remarkable. Their students began the year below the national average in math and finished well above it. This inspiring conversation explores what happens when teachers refuse to accept poor outcomes and take the initiative to find better ways to help their students succeed. Max and Todd are also interested in hearing your thoughts and questions. Submit feedback and questions about this episode here: https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-80/ Sept. 29, 11:00 AM CST Livestream for Making Sense of PISA 2025: Live with Montserrat Gomendio): https://www.youtube.com/live/g_VTy4q55zo?si=9CWypiuqR1GyHIWc Chalk & Talk website: www.chalkandtalkpodcast.com TIMESTAMPS [00:00:04] Introduction [00:04:03] Remarkable math gains in a struggling school [00:07:05] What they learned in teacher education about math instruction [00:14:49] A school facing years of poor math outcomes [00:17:54] When classroom reality didn’t match what was being taught [00:23:43] Illustrative Math and issues with problem-based instruction [00:33:50] A close look at an Illustrative Math lesson [00:43:14] Recognizing the teaching approach didn’t work [00:46:35] How they transformed their math instruction [00:54:28] What explicit instruction looks like in the classroom [00:58:52] Creating more opportunities for students to respond [01:01:54] How administrators responded to the results [01:06:11] Evidence-informed teaching has a huge impact [01:11:38] Advice for teachers [01:15:03] When a teacher’s work feels hopeless EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-80/ RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES Cognitive load theory and learning math with John Sweller https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-s2zyd-1a717d6 Teaching math so students learn with Craig Barton https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-vr69j-1a277a2 Using the Instructional Hierarchy to teach math with Brendan Lee https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-3zux7-193d0fc Transforming education through behaviour science with Dr. Kimberly Berens https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-9tfz7-16f2e02 The Science of Math with Amanda VanDerHeyden https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bksbz-13c732d Math & the Myth of Ability with John Mighton https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-22c7a-139dc72 MUSIC Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band - ColorFilmMusic Website: http://www.chalkandtalkpodcast.com/ FB: Chalk & Talk IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
In this episode, Anna is joined by returning guest Dr. Brian Poncy to discuss math fact fluency and whether improving students’ fluency with basic number operations leads to better overall math achievement. Brian shares new results from the first year of a large implementation of the free Facts on Fire program in a Texas school district. They discuss what the data shows, how the program has evolved based on teacher feedback, and what educators are saying about it. They also revisit five evidence-based reasons why fluency—being able to do math both accurately and effortlessly—matters. With a new school year underway, this episode offers practical and encouraging ideas for helping students build automaticity with math facts through clear instruction, practice, and feedback. This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke TIMESTAMPS [00:00:04] Introduction [00:04:25] What’s changed with Facts on Fire? [00:08:15] Measuring fluency in problems per minute [00:14:47] How Facts on Fire builds fluency through practice and feedback [00:17:29] How much practice do students need? [00:20:11] Facts on Fire goes school-wide in Texas [00:23:22] Teachers’ experiences implementing Facts on Fire [00:24:56] Did Facts on Fire improve math achievement? [00:30:10] What the MAP data reveals [00:34:40] The impact of Facts on Fire and the results [00:42:40] Five reasons why fluency matters [00:43:01] Cognitive load and working memory [00:46:15] Increasing opportunities to respond [00:47:31] Effort, reinforcement, and building confidence [00:49:23] Maintaining skills and promoting generalization [00:52:14] Recapping the five reasons fluency matters [00:54:26] The future of Facts on Fire [00:56:19] A call to action for the new school year [00:57:58] Final thoughts EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-79-resources EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-79-transcript RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES Math fact crisis: Strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-u9y84-165d773 Math Fluency matters with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-pj6z6-166741e How to Build Automaticity with Math Facts: A Practical Guide https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-3ny3k-17323a9 Rocking the Times Tables with Bruno Reddy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-2pbdy-18f76df MUSIC Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band - ColorFilmMusic Website: www.annastokke.com FB: Chalk & Talk IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
In this episode, Anna is joined by returning guests Dr. Nidhi Sachdeva and Dr. Paul Kirschner, authors of the upcoming book Becoming an Expert Teacher: Deliberate Practice for Effective Teaching. They explore what makes an expert teacher and how teaching expertise can be deliberately developed. They discuss the importance of deep subject knowledge, mental models, deliberate practice, and reflection, while explaining the difference between the science and the craft of teaching. They also examine how teaching expertise can be measured and why striving to become an expert teacher is both a professional responsibility and an equity issue. This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke TIMESTAMPS [00:00:22] Introduction [00:03:26] What makes an expert teacher? [00:12:09] Why teacher content knowledge matters [00:13:24] Why content knowledge isn’t enough [00:16:00] Schemas & pattern recognition explained [00:18:04] How expert teachers think [00:22:55] Deliberate practice to develop teaching expertise [00:30:31] The challenge and importance of deliberate practice [00:38:31] The importance of reflection in teaching [00:40:51] The science and craft of teaching [00:47:57] A reflection on teacher education preparedness [00:55:21] Can teaching expertise be measured ?[00:01:07] The responsibility to become an expert teacher [01:11:40] Final thoughts RESOURCES Becoming an Expert Teacher: Deliberate Practice for Effective Teaching https://www.routledge.com/Becoming-an-Expert-Teacher-Deliberate-Practice-for-Effective-Teaching/SachdevaKirschner/p/book/9781041107453 Code to get 20% off: 26AFLY2 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-78-transcript RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES We know more about teaching than ever ¬– so why is change so slow? With Joanna Barbousas https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/we-know-more-about-teaching-than-ever––so-why-is-change-so-slow-with-joanna-barbousas-ep-69/ Rebuilding teacher training through cognitive science with Jonas Linderoth https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/rebuilding-teacher-training-through-cognitive-science-with-jonas-linderoth-ep-60/ How we learn: Naive, purposeful, and deliberate practice with Stephen Chew https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-mrwn2-18adce0 How advocacy is changing reading instruction with Jamie Metsala https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/how-advocacy-is-changing-reading-instruction-with-jamie-metsala/ Exploring evidence for equitable education with Nidhi Sachdeva and Jim Hewitt https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-fjdnt-1685615 Using evidence in education with Pamela Snow https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/using-evidence-in-education-with-pamela-snow-ep-27/ MUSIC Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band - ColorFilmMusic Website: www.annastokke.com FB: Chalk & Talk IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
In this solo episode, Anna Stokke explores five common misconceptions in math education that may sound convincing but aren't supported by high-quality evidence. This episode is based on a chapter she wrote for The Practice Project, which is a joint initiative of the American Enterprise Institute and researchED, dedicated to improving classroom practice through research-informed professional knowledge. She tackles five common misconceptions about math instruction: teaching multiple strategies to new learners, relying on technology instead of learning facts and procedures, believing that conceptual understanding must precede procedures, using problem solving as the primary method of instruction, and thinking that practice turns kids off math. She concludes the episode by discussing evidence-based approaches that better support student success in mathematics. This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke The Practice Project article can be read here: https://www.aei.org/research-products/report/five-math-education-misconceptions-that-are-holding-students-back/ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Introduction [00:02:16] Myth #1: New learners should learn multiple math strategies [00:05:41] What to do instead [00:06:04] Myth #2: Technology makes facts and procedures unnecessary [00:09:31] Myth #3: Conceptual understanding must come before procedural skill [00:13:50] Myth #4: Problem solving is the best way to teach mathematics [00:15:09] The instructional hierarchy guides instructional methods [00:16:29] Myth #5: Practice turns kids off math [00:18:41] What the evidence says about effective math instruction [00:20:06] Final thoughts: takeaways for teachers and parents RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES Cognitive load theory and learning math with John Sweller https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-s2zyd-1a717d6 Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction with Tom Sherrington https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-hmh6w-1a3a5b0 Techniques for Building Fluency with Math Facts https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-3ny3k-17323a9 Cognitive load theory with Greg Ashman https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-thbad-13cea56 Evidence-based teaching strategies with Paul Kirschner https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-thbad-13cea56 EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-77-resources EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-77-transcript MUSIC Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band - ColorFilmMusic Website: www.annastokke.com FB: Chalk & Talk IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
In this episode, Anna Stokke is joined by Rachel Canter, Director of Education Policy for the Reinventing America's Schools Project and author of the report Inside the Mississippi Marathon. They explore how Mississippi transformed from one of the lowest-performing states in fourth grade reading and math to one of the highest-performing in the U.S., despite Mississippi being one of the poorest states. They discuss the policies behind the turnaround, including growth-based accountability, early literacy initiatives, higher expectations for students, evidence-based instruction, and being transparent with parents. They also discuss how Mississippi improved education outcomes for some of the most marginalized students and what other jurisdictions can take away from Mississippi’s success. This episode is a must listen for educators, school leaders, policymakers, parents, and anyone interested in learning how sustained, evidence-based reform can improve student outcomes. This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke TIMESTAMPS [00:00:22] Introduction [00:04:51] Mississippi’s education system in the 90s [00:10:57] Holding underperforming schools accountable [00:14:25] Transforming accountability through A–F school grades [00:20:16] The Literacy-Based Promotion Act and the Science of Reading [00:28:07] Being honest with parents about student performance [00:32:09] Third-grade retention: The controversy and the impact [00:39:44] The three Ps of reform: Policy, People, and Persistence [00:41:33] Mississippi's gains in reading and math [00:49:41] Why accountability is difficult but important [00:52:24] The political will behind Mississippi's turnaround [00:55:39] Can other places replicate Mississippi's success? [00:58:26] Final thoughts RESOURCES Inside the Mississippi Marathon by Rachel Canter: https://www.progressivepolicy.org/inside-the-mississippi-marathon/ EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-76-transcript RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES The Finland myth, East Asia’s rise, & what makes education systems work with Montse Gomendio https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-7k52u-1a8a731 From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibb https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zps9p-18c1e97 Reading and math: parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8aj3f-1508af6 The Science of Math with Amanda VanDerHeyden https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bksbz-13c732d MUSIC Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band - ColorFilmMusic Website: www.annastokke.com FB: Chalk & Talk IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
In this episode, Anna Stokke is joined by Doug Lemov, author of Teach Like a Champion and one of the most influential voices on effective teaching practice. They discuss educational equity and why strong teaching, clear behaviour routines, high expectations, and academic rigor are essential for helping every student succeed. They also discuss practical classroom strategies, including how to use cold calling effectively, active observation in math class, and building a culture where students are engaged and accountable for learning. Teachers, school leaders, and anyone interested in evidence-based education will find practical, actionable insights in this conversation. This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke TIMESTAMPS [00:00:22] Introduction [00:03:06] Teach Like a Champion – is it about social justice? [00:05:36] Why some stress is essential for learning [00:10:38] School culture and how students respond – Asha’s story [00:16:28] How can you change school culture? [00:23:01] Why behaviour expectations are important [00:30:28] Why it’s important to be upfront about classroom policies [00:37:25] Teaching Techniques: Active Observation [00:45:36] Teaching Techniques: Cold Calling [00:53:06] The false positives of volunteer responses [00:58:36] Why having a mental model of how learning happens is critical for teachers [01:03:48] Final thoughts RESOURCES Teach like a Champion: https://teachlikeachampion.org/ Basketball leadership Teacher article https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7167858/2026/04/03/dusty-may-michigan-basketball-leadership-teacher/ EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-75-transcript RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES Inside one of England’s top-performing non-selective schools with Robert Peal https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-p7uyp-1ad62d6 The case for practice and the power of Math Corps with Alex Kontorovich https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-d8bef-1916f6d Educational leadership: Improving math and literacy with Scott Hill https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-vpzf8-16d0c17 Stress and learning with Dan Rosen https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-94vv4-147a254 MUSIC Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band - ColorFilmMusic Website: www.annastokke.com FB: Chalk & Talk IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
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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.
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