Join math professor, Anna Stokke, in conversation with Blake Harvard, a secondary teacher in Alabama. They discuss insights from his new book, Do I Have Your Attention?, including how he incorporates cognitive psychology into his teaching.

Their conversation explores topics like cognitive architecture, memory constraints, attention contagion and common learning pitfalls. Blake provides practical strategies for implementing retrieval practice and spaced practice, highlighting their benefits in reducing test anxiety and enhancing long term learning outcomes.

The episode wraps up with a thought-provoking discussion on creativity, where Blake challenges the notion that traditional schooling stifles creativity—arguing instead that a strong knowledge foundation fosters it.

Whether you’re an educator or simply curious about the science of learning, this episode offers valuable insights for teaching and learning in any subject.

NOTE: The resource page contains resources and research articles mentioned in the episode: annastokke.com/ep-38-resources

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

02:44 Blake's Teaching Journey

03:13 Discovering cognitive psychology

05:18 Understanding memory constraints

13:55 Attention contagion

21:54 Overcoming overconfidence in learning

25:32 The role of forgetting in learning

27:53 Maximizing learning with effective strategies

28:36 The power of retrieval and spaced practice

29:45 Retrieval practice in math

33:10 Diminishing cues retrieval practice

36:21 The Brain Book Buddy strategy

41:13 The importance of honest self-assessment

42:56 Reducing test anxiety with retrieval practice

45:48 The benefits of spaced practice

47:06 Last lesson, last week, last month strategy

49:38 Debunking myths about creativity in education

52:48 Final thoughts and advice for teachers

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

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

Ep. 13 Powerful teaching with Patrice Bain https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-d77g4-14602e3

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

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

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-38-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-38-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions – No Squirrel Connection, Thannoid, Momentary Ease, Betty Dear Podington Bear – Camp Scott Holmes – Happy Logo

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

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

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Join Anna Stokke as she chats with Dr. Jo Castelino, a secondary school teacher, to discuss her new book on homework. They discuss the vital role of homework in education, exploring why it's important, how much should be assigned and what types of homework are most effective. Jo shares insights from research and her experiences, addressing common criticisms of homework, strategies for creating a school culture that supports homework, methods for leveraging feedback, and handling issues like cheating. They also discuss the cyclical relationship between homework and self-regulatory behaviours that contribute to higher academic achievement. Jo gives valuable practical advice on how to design effective homework and how to get both students and parents on board. This episode will be of interest to educators, parents and school administrators.

NOTE: The resource page contains resources and research articles mentioned in the episode: annastokke.com/ep-37-resources

00:00 Introduction

02:18 Background

03:30 Writing about homework

06:30 Research on homework

12:57 How much homework: Cooper 10-minute rule

15:26 Role of homework in how students learn

22:37 Designing Effective Homework

25:52 Discussing flipped classrooms

28:55 How often to give homework

36:10 Scaffolding homework for struggling students

36:56 Providing feedback

40:06 Homework challenge levels

43:23 Homework and disadvantaged students

47:17 Creating a school culture for homework

48:06 Rewards and consequences

54:39 Getting parents on board

57:55 Addressing cheating

01:03:25 Convincing administrators about homework

01:05:05 Conclusion

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Ep. 31 Exploring evidence for equitable education with Nidhi Sachdeva and Jim Hewitt https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-fjdnt-1685615

Ep. 14 Stress and learning with Dan Rosen https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-94vv4-147a254

Ep. 13 Powerful teaching with Patrice Bain https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-d77g4-14602e3

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-37-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-37-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions – Little Poder, Momentary Ease, Betty Dear Podington Bear – Camp

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

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

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

This solo episode, hosted by Anna Stokke, provides educators, parents, and students with practical, research-backed methods to develop math fact automaticity. These techniques have been shown to work with a wide range of students across age, skills and settings. Key techniques discussed include flashcards, cover-copy-compare, taped problems, incremental rehearsal and explicit timing, with detailed instructions for how best to implement each technique.

Call to action: If you know someone who might benefit from this episode, please share it with them!

NOTE: The resource page contains resources to help listeners implement the techniques discussed as well as supporting research: http://annastokke.com/ep-36-resources

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

01:19 The Importance of math fact automaticity

03:00 Understanding automaticity

06:17 Acquisition stage

06:50 Fluency stage

08:35 What basic facts?

09:06 When should students have math facts mastered?

09:49 Pairing the stimulus with the response

11:13 Using flashcards effectively

13:25 Incremental Rehearsal

15:13 Cover, Copy, Compare Method

17:49 Taped Problems: Beat the Computer

18:57 Should you use games?

20:52 Explicit timing for fluency building

21:14 Why timed practice is essential

22:31 When to introduce timed practice

24:28 Consistency and Daily Practice

25:01 Conclusion and Call to Action

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

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

Ep 29. Math fact crisis with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-u9y84-165d773

Ep 20. Reading and math: parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-8aj3f-1508af6 Ep 17. Do timed tests cause math anxiety? with Robin Codding https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-9qahp-14aed8a

Ep 3. The Science of Math with Amanda VanDerHeyden https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-bksbz-13c732d

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-36-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-36-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions – Momentary Ease, Betty Dear Podington Bear – Camp Scott Holmes – Happy Logo 3

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

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