Chalk & Talk – Details, episodes & analysis

Join Anna Stokke in conversation with two university math instructors, Dr. Darja Barr from the University of Manitoba and Dan Wolczuk from the University of Waterloo.

What does it take to succeed in university math? Which topics are most critical for success in university calculus? They cover these questions and more in this episode, which is a must-listen for educators, parents and aspiring university students. 

They talk about the importance of algebraic fluency and other key concepts essential for success in calculus. They examine the gap between high school preparation and university expectations, touching on grade inflation, the role of diagnostic tests and the value of high school exams with a discussion on the testing effect along the way. They highlight the importance of effective study habits, perseverance, and the ability to self-assess and seek help when needed.

NOTE: The resource page contains useful information regarding the transition from high school to university math: http://annastokke.com/ep-35-resources

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction 

[00:03:14] Description of university calculus class

[00:04:55] Why preparation for calculus is important

[00:07:47] Degrees requiring calculus

[00:08:36] High school topics needed for success in calculus

[00:11:11] Importance of algebraic fluency

[00:14:29] Trigonometry and committing facts to memory

[00:22:30] Diagnostic tests

[00:26:14] Relationship between pre-calculus and university calculus grades

[00:32:36] Physical invigilation vs remote diagnostic tests    

[00:34:32] Challenges of high school to university transition

[00:38:07] Grade inflation and the role of standardized testing

[00:43:28] Importance of high school exams

[00:45:29] The testing effect

[00:50:33] Initiatives to support university students

[00:57:06] Characteristics of a successful university math student

[00:59:43] Advice for first-year university students

[01:02:31] Closing remarks

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Ep 15. Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conrad https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gek66-148967a

Ep 11. California’s math controversy with Jelani Nelson https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-d3bai-144ec76

Ep 7.  How to excel in math and other tough subjects with Barbara Oakley https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bqs8p-14068f2

Ep 16. Applying cognitive science to education with Daniel Willingham https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-szugf-149dff1

Ep 2. Evidence-based teaching strategies with Paul Kirschner https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zgw6i-13b33df

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-35-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-35-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions – Little Poder, Thannoid Podington Bear – Camp, Kitten

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c

Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Kimberly Berens in Episode 34 of Chalk & Talk. Kimberly is a behaviour scientist, an author, and the founder of FIT Learning.  They discuss the fundamentals of behaviour science, the importance of measurable outcomes, the role of reinforcement, and the application of behaviour science to effective instruction, particularly in math.  They also cover concepts like fluency, retention, and endurance in learning.  They discuss the effectiveness of Direct Instruction, precision teaching and curriculum-based measurement in bringing about significant improvements in student performance.

Kimberly is a passionate advocate for systematic educational change based on scientific approaches.  This episode will be of interest to educators, parents, policy makers, and anyone with an interest in improving educational outcomes.

NOTE: The resource page contains a list of research articles mentioned in the episode: annastokke.com/ep-34-resources

TIMESTAMPS:

[00:00:00] Introduction   [00:02:25] Understanding behaviour science  [00:05:23] Behaviour science vs. cognitive science  [00:08:28] Defining fluency [00:12:40] Applying behaviour science to math instruction  [00:18:01] Do different students learn differently?  [00:22:43] How to measure learning  [00:28:47] Math anxiety, math trauma and the problem with labels  [00:34:56] Combining DI, precision teaching and curriculum-based measurement [00:38:40] The problem with hand raising [00:42:00] Flexible ability grouping  [00:47:20] Breaking ineffective traditions  [00:51:49] Measuring conceptual understanding [00:57:41] Project Follow Through  [01:00:20] The Great Falls Precision Teaching Project  [01:03:28] Fit Learning's practices and outcomes  [01:06:37] Final thoughts and call to action 

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Ep 32.  Identifying and educating advanced students with Jonathan Plucker https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-y6cxs-16ad6f1

Ep 30.  Math fluency matters with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-pj6z6-166741e

Ep 17. Do timed tests cause math anxiety? with Robin Codding https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-9qahp-14aed8a

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-34-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-34-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions – Little Poder, Tall Harvey Podington Bear – Camp, Kitten

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c

In this episode, math professor Anna Stokke is joined by education policy expert, Dr. Tom Loveless.  They discuss the National Math Advisory Panel and some of the recommendations in from its final report.  They talk about the influential 1989 NCTM standards and their global impact on math education as well as the history of the math wars.

Tom discusses some of his concerns about the California Math Framework and whether its recommendations are aligned with those in the National Math Advisory Panel report.  They cover many other topics such as San Francisco’s unsuccessful de-tracking initiative and the importance of memorizing math facts.  This episode is a must listen for anyone who teaches math, as well as parents and policymakers.

PREVIOUS EPISODES MENTIONED

Red flags in education research with Ben Solomon (Ep 23)

Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conrad (Ep 15) 

California’s math controversy with Jelani Nelson, Part I (Ep 11)

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-25-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-25-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

Blue Dot Sessions – Avoiding the Backdrop, Godmother’s Visit, Lakeside Path, Momentary Ease, Sonatina Kemf

Komiku – Bleu

Podington Bear - Kitten

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c

In Episode 24, Anna Stokke interviews Dr. Dylan Wiliam, who is an education researcher renowned for his expertise on formative assessment.  They begin by discussing PISA scores and the need to improve math proficiency. They then focus on Dylan's two primary recommendations for raising student achievement – a knowledge-rich curriculum and investing in enhancing teacher effectiveness. 

They also discuss both formative and summative assessment. Dylan provides some concrete examples for how educators, whether in school or post-secondary settings, can effectively use formative assessment to support student learning.  Along the way, they discuss math specialists in primary schools and things teachers can focus on to have the largest impact.   This episode provides a wealth of practical wisdom for teachers, policy makers and parents.

The resource page for this episode includes books, studies and videos mentioned in the episode.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-24-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-24-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

Blue Dot Sessions – Balti, Noe Noe, Cherry Heath, Lemon and Melon, Haventhorn, Thannoid

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c

Join math professor, Anna Stokke, for a discussion with Dr. Ben Solomon in the final episode of the first season of Chalk & Talk.  Ben is a psychology professor and a researcher in math assessment and intervention, known for his expertise in research methodology. One of the goals of this episode is to provide teachers, parents, and the wider public with tools for critically evaluating claims in education.  The resource page for this episode describes five red flags to watch for in education research studies. 

Anna asked Ben to analyze two specific education papers.  The first paper has often been used to justify misguided claims about standard algorithms. They discuss flaws with the methodology in that paper.  Ben also analyzes a high-quality education paper, highlighting the qualities that elevate it to the status of a rigorous education study, from which meaningful conclusions can be drawn.  Along the way, they have a passionate discussion about the importance of teaching standard algorithms.

The conversation wraps up with a discussion on the science of learning and the need for education to evolve to use evidence-based practices and data-driven decision-making to achieve best outcomes for students.  They hope this episode equips educators and parents with some tools to critically evaluate claims, ensuring that educational practices are grounded in sound research.

Thank you for joining Anna Stokke for the first season of Chalk & Talk! Follow Anna on X @rastokke to receive advance notifications for new episodes.

researchED Toronto, Canada: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/researched-canada-the-science-of-learning-toronto-may-3-4-2024-tickets-765640259627

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-23-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-23-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

Blue Dot Sessions – Arroz con leche, Cherie’s Polvo, Haventhorn, Mazamorra, Tarte Tatin, Noe Noe, Cornicob

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

Threads: @rastokke37

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Join math professor, Anna Stokke, in conversation with author and educator Dr. Carl Hendrick.  They begin by discussing research on growth mindset. Then, they discuss whether motivation is a precursor to academic success or if, in fact, success is more likely to lead to motivation. They talk about whether engagement is a valid measure of learning and whether it's possible to teach generic skills like critical thinking. Anna asks Carl how we might define the science of learning and they discuss teaching methods that are in line with the science of learning. They wrap up the conversation with a discussion on the impact of mobile phones on learning, and Carl gives some valuable advice for new teachers.  This episode will be of interest to teachers, parents and anyone interested in education.

researchED Toronto, Canada: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/researched-canada-the-science-of-learning-toronto-may-3-4-2024-tickets-765640259627

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-22-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-22-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch It

Blue Dot Sessions – Building the Sled, Cherie’s Polvo, Cherry Heath, Cigar Singles, Haventhorn, Lemon and Melon

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

Threads: @rastokke37

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Join math professor, Anna Stokke, as she interviews Dr. Daniel Ansari, who is a Canada Research Chair in developmental cognitive neuroscience.  They discuss the importance of early numeracy skills and his research on symbolic representations. They talk about similarities and differences between math and reading. They also debunk the misconception of gender differences in math.

Responding to a question from a teacher, Daniel discusses the role of manipulatives in teaching math. He also discusses dyscalculia and provides some tips for helping students who struggle with math.  They close the episode by discussing some common neuromyths.  Among other things, Daniel stresses the fundamental right of every child to learn math.

The resource page for this episode includes studies mentioned in the episode and resources for helping children who struggle with math.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-21-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-21-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

Podington Bear – Proliferate

Blue Dot Sessions – Balti, Hedgeliner, Cornicob, Coulis Coulis, Lissa

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

Threads: @rastokke37

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

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

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Adrian Mims.  He is the co-founder and CEO of the Calculus Project, which is a non-profit organization that aims to increase the number of Black, Hispanic, Indigenous and low-income students taking calculus, starting with support in middle school.

They discuss why he started The Calculus Project, the various components of the program, and its overall impact.  They talk about what he calls “the quiet crisis,” in reference to declining math scores, and why it’s important to turn that around.  They discuss the importance of offering math acceleration options for middle school students.  They talk about the consequence of students finding themselves in a position where they must take remedial math in university.  Moreover, Dr. Mims shares some valuable advice for policy makers on how to improve math outcomes for students who have historically been underrepresented in math.  This episode will be of interest to teachers, school administrators, parents, policy makers and anyone with an interest in improving math outcomes.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-19-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-19-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

Podington Bear – No squirell commotion, Proliferate

Blue Dot Sessions – Partly Sage, Cornicob, Gaena, Thannoid

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

Threads: @rastokke37

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Join math professor, Anna Stokke, in conversation with Daisy Christodoulou.  Daisy is a teacher, an author and the Director of Education at No More Marking. They begin by discussing the myth that facts prevent understanding and the importance of content knowledge, with a side discussion on why it is important to memorize math facts.  They discuss why basic knowledge cannot just be outsourced to computers.  They talk about some common myths about exams and whether exams help students learn. Anna asks Daisy for her thoughts on a practice called ungrading. They talk about how to acquire knowledge and myths surrounding so-called 21st century skills. This episode is a must-listen for  anyone who is interested in education!

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-18-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-18-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

Podington Bear – Squirrel Commotion, Prolifereate

Blue Dot Sessions:  Tarte Tatin, Cases to Rest, No Squirrel Commotion, Partly Sage

OY Studio – Light Comedy

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

Threads: @rastokke37

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social