This episode features top takeaways from Anna Stokke’s interview: The Power of Explicit Instruction with Dr. Anita Archer. If you haven’t heard the full conversation yet, you can find the entire episode on the Chalk & Talk YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/EE5wvi-xQTM?si=Wx8W4eb5YOqdWEvM

Anita is one of the world’s leading experts on explicit instruction and co-author of the bestselling book Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching.

Resource page: https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-57-resources

Episode 57: The power of explicit instruction with Anita Archer

In this episode, Anna Stokke welcomes Dr. Anita Archer, one of the world’s leading experts on explicit instruction and co-author of the bestselling book Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching. They discuss what explicit instruction is, why it’s both effective and efficient, and what the research says about its impact. Together, they discuss who benefits from explicit instruction, common mistakes teachers make, and practical strategies such as the “I do, we do, you do” model. Dr. Archer also shares insights from her 50-year career in education and offers advice for teachers looking to strengthen their instructional practices and help all students succeed.

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

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:22] Introduction [00:05:26] Anita’s background in explicit instruction [00:07:30] The three big C’s (clear, concise, and consistent) [00:10:25] What is explicit Instruction? [00:13:30] Problems with multiple strategies [00:15:50] Explicit instruction is effective and efficient [00:20:58] Research on explicit instruction [00:27:11] Who does explicit instruction benefit? [00:30:56] When to begin using explicit instruction [00:38:24] Lack of awareness about effectiveness of explicit instruction [00:42:32] Teaching well from the start reduces tier 2 intervention [00:45:55] identifying the different stages/phases: I do, we do, you do [00:44:48] Phase 1: I do [00:47:43] Phase 2: We do [00:49:47] Phase 3: You do [00:53:29] Importance of giving students opportunities to respond [00:58:57] What are unison choral responses? [01:03:17] The importance of structured turn and talks [01:08:31] Resource recommendations and Archerisms

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

The Science of Math with Amanda VanDerHeyden

https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/ep-3-the-science-of-math-with-amanda-vanderheyden/

Maximizing learning through explicit instruction with Zach Groshell

https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/ep-10-maximizing-learning-through-explicit-instruction-with-zach-groshell/

Balanced literacy didn’t work—will balanced math? with Ben Solomon

https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/balanced-literacy-didn-t-work%e2%80%94will-balanced-math-with-ben-solomon-ep-54/

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-57-resources

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-57-transcript

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 welcomes three leading experts in education, Dr. Paul Kirschner, Dr. Carl Hendrick, and Dr. Jim Heal for a fascinating discussion about their new book, Instructional Illusions. Drawing on decades of experience and research, they explore key ideas from the book, including how to bridge the gap between educational research and classroom practice. Together, they discuss the science of learning, evidence-informed teaching, and how educators can apply research insights to improve instruction. This engaging conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about effective teaching and student learning.

Register for the Masterclass: Evidence-informed Mathematics Teaching, La Trobe School of Education

Read the book, Instructional Illusions, here: https://tinyurl.com/instructional-illusions

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:22] Introductions

[00:05:15] What are Instructional Illusions?

[00:07:30] The difference between illusions and myths

[00:11:13] The discovery illusion

[00:12:50] Why do people believe in discovery learning?

[00:19:50] The curse of knowledge

[00:24:29] The innovation illusion

[00:30:01] Unmasking the innovation illusion

[00:32:59] The expertise Illusion

[00:38:04] The Dunning-Kruger effect

[00:43:48] Unmasking the expertise illusion

[00:47:50] The uniqueness illusion

[00:50:52] The engagement illusion

[00:57:10] Shifting the focus to cognitive engagement

[01:01:28] The student-centred illusion

[01:05:00] Unmasking the student-centred illusion

[01:06:23] Is the science of learning a fad?

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Evidence Based Teaching Strategies with Paul Kirschner https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/ep2-evidence-based-teaching-strategies-with-paul-kirschner/

Mindsets and Misconceptions with Carl Hendrick

https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/ep-22-mindsets-and-misconceptions-with-carl-hendrick/

EPISODE RESOURCES

Why Minimal Guidance During Instruction Does Not Work: An Analysis of the Failure of Constructivist, Discovery, Problem-Based, Experiential, and Inquiry-Based Teaching: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/s15326985ep4102_1

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-56-transcript

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 hosts an informative mailbag edition with guest Jonathan Regino, supervisor of math (pre-K-12) at Interboro School District in Pennsylvania and an experienced classroom teacher.

Drawing on their combined experience and expertise, they tackle listener questions, ranging from how to address large knowledge gaps among students to program recommendations. They also offer guidance on becoming informed about evidence-based practices, effective ways to assess students, and more. This engaging conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to strengthen math instruction and improve student learning.

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

Register for the Masterclass: Evidence-informed Mathematics Teaching, La Trobe School of Education

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:22] Introduction

[00:04:52] Question 1: How can new teachers learn about evidence-based practices?

[00:09:52] Book recommendations

[00:16:08] researchED

[00:18:12] Question 2: Grading math assessments with points versus using standards-based grading

[00:23:00] The 1,2,3,4 scale breakdown

[00:26:16] Consistency with the grading system

[00:27:30] Question 3: Free class-wide interventions to address math knowledge gaps

[00:28:40] Delta Math RtI

[00:33:09] Supporting high school math students with large knowledge gaps

[00:38:46] Recommended resources

[00:43:22] Question 4: England’s times table check

[00:47:40] Question 5: Are spiraling programs ineffective?

[00:50:02] Understanding spiraling vs. interleaving vs. spaced practice

[00:56:14] Program recommendations

[00:59:44] Final thoughts

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

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

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

Rocking the times tables with Bruno Reddy https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/rocking-the-times-tables-with-bruno-reddy/

Math fact crisis: Strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncy https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/math-fact-crisis-strategies-for-improving-numeracy-with-brian-poncy/

EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-55-resources

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-55-transcript

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 Brendan Lee, a teacher and educational consultant focused on bridging the gap between educational research and classroom practice. They discuss the instructional hierarchy and how teachers can tailor their teaching based on where students are in their learning journey––whether it’s the acquisition, fluency, generalisation, or adaptation stage. Brendan shares practical strategies and actionable advice that teachers can immediately apply in the classroom to better support student learning. This is an insightful discussion that will leave educators feeling informed, inspired, and ready to take on their next lesson.

Brendan Lee’s website: www.learnwithlee.net

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

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:23] Introduction

[00:03:15] Understanding the Instructional Hierarchy

[00:04:40] The acquisition stage

[00:08:28] Teacher’s Talk Radio

[00:10:39] Students’ struggles in the acquisition stage

[00:12:48] Effective teaching techniques in the acquisition stage

[00:19:37] Think-alouds: The meaning and purpose

[00:23:45] Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract

[00:33:47] Backwards fading method

[00:34:58] Make or break method

[00:36:50] Fluency stage: what teaching techniques work best

[00:47:34] Generalization/adaptation stage

[00:55:11] When to use teaching tools

[01:00:55] Advice for new teachers using the Instructional Hierarchy

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Reclaiming learning time to boost literacy and numeracy with Ross Fox https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bpy4n-188c9c5

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

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-15f793

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-53-transcript

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 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