In this episode, Anna Stokke has an engaging conversation Dr. Alex Kontorovich, a math professor at Rutgers University with a strong passion for math outreach. They explore why practice in math is often undervalued compared to disciplines like music or sports. They also discuss Math Corps, which is a summer math program for kids that combines evidence-based learning strategies with high expectations. Alex recently founded a Math Corps chapter in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The episode wraps up with a lively discussion about A Mathematician's Lament by Paul Lockhart, sparked by a comment from a listener. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, a mathematician, or simply someone interested in education, this episode has something for you.

This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction

[00:02:54] The value of math practice

[00:08:11] Engaging in math outreach

[00:11:44] Rutgers Math Corps: Structure and curriculum

[00:21:41] When research confirms what experience already knew

[00:24:05] Why times tables fluency matters

[00:30:07] Science of learning techniques in Math Corps

[00:35:42] Using hand gestures and building classroom culture

[00:40:01] Gamification

[00:42:23] Why well-meaning schools still produce poor results

[00:49:37] Discussion on A Mathematician's Lament

[01:16:03] Conclusion and final thoughts

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

How we learn: Naïve, purposeful, and deliberate practice with Stephen Chew https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-mrwn2-18adce0

Math Academy: Optimizing student learning with Alex Smith and Justin Skycak https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jawpr-181e0c3

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

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

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-52-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-52-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

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

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

In this episode, Anna Stokke chats with Bruno Reddy, a math teacher and the creator of Times Tables Rock Stars. They discuss his journey from founding a school to creating Times Tables Rock Stars to address foundational skill gaps. Bruno shares great ideas for generating excitement in the math classroom and motivating students to practice essential math facts. They also discuss the importance of math fluency, insights from a teacher exchange in Shanghai, and effective teaching strategies such as mastery learning and variation theory. This is an energizing conversation full of useful takeaways for anyone passionate about improving math outcomes.

Times Tables Rock Stars will be running national and regional competitions in Australia and New Zealand in August, September and October, 2025. Follow their socials on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn for more information.

Times Tables Rockstars: https://ttrockstars.com

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction

[00:04:50] The origin story of Times Tables Rock Stars

[00:14:20] Global times tables competitions

[00:15:38] The impact of TTRS on math outcomes

[00:18:20] How to motivate students to practice

[00:22:56] The importance of positive math experiences

[00:28:25] Choral chants and community building

[00:30:54] Lessons learned from the Shanghai teacher exchange program

[00:34:50] Variation theory

[00:43:37] Implementing mastery learning

[00:50:28] Fluency: What most math programs get wrong

[00:52:29] The importance of times tables

[00:56:05] Finding common ground in educational debates

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibb https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-zps9p-18c1e97

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

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

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

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-51-transcript

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

Blue Dot Sessions: Avoiding the Backroom, Neatly Folded, Cornicob, Partly Sage

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

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

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Host and math professor Anna Stokke talks to Dr. Amanda VanDerHeyden about a topic many Chalk & Talk listeners have asked about: universal screening in math. Amanda explains what universal screening is, why it matters, and how schools can use it to identify students who need extra support. They also discuss how to choose validated screeners, common mistakes to avoid, and how screening connects to effective intervention. This is a practical, informative episode for teachers, school leaders, and anyone looking to strengthen math instruction.

[00:00:00] Introduction

[00:04:17] Overview of universal screening

[00:07:51] Universal screening in math vs reading

[00:11:36] How to find validated screening tools

[00:19:32] Should screeners match the curriculum?

[00:23:31] 145 math skills that forecast success and when to teach them

[00:29:24] The problem with making screeners too easy

[00:31:37] Is Acadience a good screening tool?

[00:32:43] Comparing reading and math screening systems

[00:37:09] Recap: What to look for in a good screener

[00:40:12] Frequency and timing of screening

[00:44:18] The growing importance of math screening

[00:48:45] Addressing teacher concerns with screening results

[00:52:31] Conclusion and final thoughts

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

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

Math and the myth of ability with John Mighton https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-22c7a-139dc72

Reading and math: Parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8aj3f-1508af6

Supporting students with math difficulties with Sarah Powell https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ciqgm-17def6b

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

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-50-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-50-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

Podington Bear: No Squirrel Commotion

Blue Dot Sessions: Avoiding the Backroom, Momentary Ease

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

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

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social