The case for practice and the power of Math Corps with Alex Kontorovich (Ep 52)

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