Math Academy: Optimizing student learning with Alex Smith and Justin Skycak (Ep 42)
Chalk & Talk28 Helmi 2025

Math Academy: Optimizing student learning with Alex Smith and Justin Skycak (Ep 42)

Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Alex Smith, Director of Curriculum, and Justin Skycak, Director of Analytics, from Math Academy. Math Academy is an AI-powered online learning platform designed around science of learning principles. They discuss Bloom's 2 sigma problem and explore how Math Academy aims to address it. They also explain how the platform leverages knowledge graphs to support mastery learning and highlight key instructional strategies such as worked examples, spaced practice, and the testing effect.

They explore how Math Academy manages cognitive load to optimize learning as well as its success with adult learners and advanced students. They also discuss the concrete-pictorial-abstract approach in math instruction. To wrap up, Justin and Alex share exciting updates and future plans for Math Academy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in math education.

NOTE: The resource page contains resources and research articles mentioned in the episode: annastokke.com/ep-42-resources

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

04:41 Bloom's 2 sigma problem

10:11 Mastery learning

13:17 Math knowledge graph

21:03 Importance of prerequisite skills

26:42 Worked examples

33:11 Concrete-pictorial-abstract discussion

40:56 Incorporating spaced practice

47:47 Leveraging the testing effect

52:14 Independent learning and incentives

55:51 Math Academy for adult learners

01:01:49 Accelerating advanced students

01:09:57 The future of Math Academy

01:13:26 Final thoughts

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

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

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

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

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-42-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-42-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions – Balti, Betty Dear, Willow Willow, Partly Sage Podington Bear – Camp, Kitten

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

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

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Jaksot(68)

Cognitive load theory and learning math with John Sweller (Ep 67)

Cognitive load theory and learning math with John Sweller (Ep 67)

In this episode, Anna is joined by Dr. John Sweller, emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales and the researcher best known for developing Cognitive Load Theory. Together, they explore ...

20 Maalis 59min

Desirable difficulties for learning with Elizabeth Bjork and Robert Bjork (Ep 66)

Desirable difficulties for learning with Elizabeth Bjork and Robert Bjork (Ep 66)

In this episode, Anna is joined by two world-renowned experts in human memory and learning, Dr. Elizabeth Bjork and Dr. Robert Bjork, to explore what makes a difficulty desirable in learning. They exp...

6 Maalis 54min

Science of Math: The movement everyone's talking about with Sarah Powell (Ep. 65)

Science of Math: The movement everyone's talking about with Sarah Powell (Ep. 65)

In this episode, Anna is joined once again by Dr. Sarah Powell, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin whose research focusses on supporting students with math difficulties. They respond to ...

20 Helmi 1h 5min

Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction with Tom Sherrington (Ep 64)

Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction with Tom Sherrington (Ep 64)

In this episode, Anna is joined by Tom Sherrington, education consultant, author of Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, co-author of the Teaching Walkthrough series, and a former teacher and school lea...

6 Helmi 1h 3min

Teaching math so students learn with Craig Barton (Ep 63)

Teaching math so students learn with Craig Barton (Ep 63)

In this episode, Anna is joined by Craig Barton, former secondary maths teacher, host of the Mr. Barton Maths Podcast, author of How I Wish I’d Taught Maths, and a new Tips for Teachers book series. C...

23 Tammi 1h 15min

Why more classroom technology is making students learn less (Ep 62)

Why more classroom technology is making students learn less (Ep 62)

In this episode, Anna is joined by Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, a cognitive neuroscientist, educator, and bestselling author of The Digital Delusion. They examine what decades of research and internation...

9 Tammi 1h 11min

Why students struggle in math and how to fix it with Barbara Oakley and John Mighton (Ep 61)

Why students struggle in math and how to fix it with Barbara Oakley and John Mighton (Ep 61)

In this episode, Anna is joined by two familiar guests, mathematician and founder of JUMP Math, Dr. John Mighton, and learning expert and bestselling author Dr. Barbara Oakley. They discuss their new ...

19 Joulu 20251h 8min

Rebuilding teacher training through cognitive science with Jonas Linderoth (Ep 60)

Rebuilding teacher training through cognitive science with Jonas Linderoth (Ep 60)

In this episode, Anna talks with Dr. Jonas Linderoth, a professor of education at the University of Gothenburg, about how influential educational ideas have shaped the teaching profession and why evid...

5 Joulu 202552min

Suosittua kategoriassa Koulutus

rss-murhan-anatomia
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
rss-narsisti
psykopodiaa-podcast
adhd-podi
rahapuhetta
rss-uskonto-on-tylsaa
rss-liian-kuuma-peruna
rss-rahamania
kesken
rss-vapaudu-voimaasi
rss-niinku-asia-on
salainen-paivakirja
rss-duodecim-lehti
rss-tietoinen-yhteys-podcast-2
rss-koira-haudattuna
aloita-meditaatio
mielipaivakirja
esa-saarinen-filosofia-ja-systeemiajattelu
filocast-filosofian-perusteet