Join math professor Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Stephen Chew, a cognitive psychologist at Samford University. They explore the different types of practice—naive, purposeful, and deliberate—and why understanding these distinctions can transform teaching and improve learning. The discussion also covers how to use feedback effectively, structure worked examples in math class, address common student misconceptions, and build trust in the classroom. They even tackle the term “active learning"—whether it actually means anything useful, and why the research on it may not be as clear as it seems. Packed with practical advice and research-based strategies, this episode is a must-listen for educators at all levels.

NOTE: The resource page contains research articles mentioned in the episode: annastokke.com/ep-48-resources

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction [00:02:53] Understanding naive, purposeful, and deliberate practice [00:13:46] The importance of feedback in learning [00:20:03] Effective use of worked examples [00:25:13] Addressing student misconceptions [00:31:18] Debunking learning myths: Struggle and engagement [00:34:58] Is active learning just a buzzword? [00:37:40] The problem with research on active learning [00:42:35] Nine cognitive challenges for effective teaching [00:44:51] Building trust in the classroom [00:47:55] Desirable difficulties vs. unnecessary challenges [00:51:23] Formative assessment techniques for large classes [00:53:47] The complexity and importance of teaching [00:54:32] Bridging the gap between research and practice

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

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

Ep 4. Cognitive load theory with Greg Ashman https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-thbad-13cea56

Ep 7. How to excel in math and other tough subject 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

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-48-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-48-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions – Cornicob, Momentary Ease, Town Market, Noe Noe Podington Bear – Proliferate

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

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

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

In this special mailbag episode, Anna Stokke tackles two listener questions and a comment. She breaks down a logic puzzle that stumped some fans, explains why relying on calculators isn’t a substitute for math fact fluency, and highlights comments from a listener about encouraging literacy trends in several Southern U.S. states.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction and Mailbag Announcement

[00:01:08] Question 1: Logic Problem from Episode 40

[00:04:47] Question 2: Can calculators replace math fact fluency?

[00:12:00] Comment on states that buck the declining scores trend

The Southern Surge: Understanding the Bright Spots in the Literacy Landscape https://www.karenvaites.org/p/the-southern-surge-understanding

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Ep 40 From math to science: How weak math skills hurt students https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-mqims-17b512f

Ep 36 How to build automaticity with math facts: A practical guide https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-3ny3k-17323a9 Ep 29 Math fact crisis: strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-u9y84-165d773 Ep 30 Math Fluency matters with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-pj6z6-166741e

Ep 45 A decade of decline: Examining falling test scores with Mike Petrilli https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-qeajx-187272a

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-47-transcript

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

Blue Dot Sessions – Momentary Ease, Neatly Folded

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

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

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

In Episode 46, Anna Stokke chats with Australian education leader Ross Fox. As the former Director of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, Ross led a major shift in teaching practices that led to significant gains in both literacy and numeracy.

The episode begins with an overview of the Australian education system. They then explore Ross’s implementation of the Catalyst program—an initiative grounded in the science of learning. Ross discusses how high-impact teaching strategies and high-quality instructional materials led to measurable improvements in achievement, reduced inequities, and enhanced student motivation and behaviour. They also explore why the science of learning movement is critical for the future of education in Australia—and beyond. This episode will be of interest to educators, school leaders, policymakers, and anyone passionate about improving teaching and learning outcomes.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Free Webinar with Dr. Anna Stokke and Dr. Ben Solomon: The Science of Math Instruction: Using Evidence-Based Practices in the Classroom, May 8, 2025. Registration link: https://home.edweb.net/webinar/mathskills20250508/

researchED Toronto: https://researched.org.uk/event/researched-toronto-2025/

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction and announcements

[00:02:33] Introducing Ross Fox

[00:04:14] Understanding the Australian education system

[00:09:56] Challenges in education and the Catalyst program

[00:11:03] The importance of effective teaching and learning

[00:19:22] Implementing the Science of Reading

[00:26:10] Defining and supporting learning

[00:30:45] High impact teaching practices

[00:32:12] Knowledge-rich curriculum

[00:36:17] Implementing effective math pedagogy

[00:40:49] Supporting teachers with high-quality math instructional materials

[00:44:28] Addressing educational inequities

[00:47:34] The Catalyst program: Goals and implementation

[00:49:10] Assessment and feedback for effective teaching

[01:00:53] Professional learning and teacher support

[01:04:09] Future directions and optimism in education

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Ep 26 Cognitive load theory in math class with David Morkunas https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-znh5k-15f7937

Ep 27 Using evidence in education with Pamela Snow https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jc9mq-161ecac

Ep 33 Educational leadership: Improving math and literacy with Scott Hill https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-vpzf8-16d0c17

Ep 36 How to build automaticity with math facts: A practical guide https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-3ny3k-17323a9

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-46-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-46-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Podington Bear - Kitten Blue Dot Sessions – Town Market, Momentary Ease, Mazamorra, Squirrel Commotion Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

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

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social