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)

Ep 20. Reading and math: parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns

Ep 20. Reading and math: parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns

Join math professor, Anna Stokke, for a discussion about reading and math with Dr. Matthew Burns.  He is well-known for his research in reading instruction, including research on the effectiveness of ...

24 Marras 202358min

Ep 19. The Calculus Project with Adrian Mims

Ep 19. The Calculus Project with Adrian Mims

Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Adrian Mims.  He is the co-founder and CEO of the Calculus Project, which is a non-profit organization that aims to increase the number of Black, Hispanic, In...

3 Marras 202357min

Ep 18. Education myth-busting with Daisy Christodoulou

Ep 18. Education myth-busting with Daisy Christodoulou

Join math professor, Anna Stokke, in conversation with Daisy Christodoulou.  Daisy is a teacher, an author and the Director of Education at No More Marking. They begin by discussing the myth that fact...

13 Loka 202359min

Ep 17. Do timed tests cause math anxiety? with Robin Codding

Ep 17. Do timed tests cause math anxiety? with Robin Codding

In Episode 17, Anna Stokke sits down with Dr. Robin Codding to talk about timed tests and math anxiety.   Robin is a psychology professor who researches math interventions, assessment tools and math a...

22 Syys 202356min

Ep 16.  Applying cognitive science to education with Daniel Willingham

Ep 16. Applying cognitive science to education with Daniel Willingham

In Episode 16, Anna Stokke talks to cognitive psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Daniel Willingham. Dan shares some of the strategies in his latest book, "Outsmart Your Brain: Why Learning Is Har...

8 Syys 202357min

Ep 15. Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conrad

Ep 15. Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conrad

Join Anna Stokke in discussion with Dr. Brian Conrad, who is a math professor and director of undergraduate studies in math at Stanford. They discuss some modern-day applications of math, and he gives...

25 Elo 20231h 1min

Ep 14. Stress and learning with Dan Rosen

Ep 14. Stress and learning with Dan Rosen

Join Anna Stokke in discussion with Dr. Dan Rosen, who is a teacher and school leader.  They explore the impact of stress on learning.  They talk about the biology of stress, the difference between an...

11 Elo 202354min

Ep 13. Powerful teaching with Patrice Bain

Ep 13. Powerful teaching with Patrice Bain

In Episode 13, Anna Stokke discusses teaching with Patrice Bain, who is a co-author of the book Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning.  Patrice was one of the first K-12 teachers to partn...

28 Heinä 202357min

Suosittua kategoriassa Koulutus

rss-murhan-anatomia
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
psykopodiaa-podcast
rss-narsisti
adhd-podi
rahapuhetta
rss-rahamania
kesken
psykologia
rss-liian-kuuma-peruna
rss-niinku-asia-on
rss-eron-alkemiaa
rss-arkea-ja-aurinkoa-podcast-espanjasta
esa-saarinen-filosofia-ja-systeemiajattelu
rss-duodecim-lehti
rss-vapaudu-voimaasi
rss-luonnollinen-synnytys-podcast
rss-tietoinen-yhteys-podcast-2
rss-finnish-daily-dialogues
ihminen-tavattavissa-tommy-hellsten-instituutti