Boosting attention and learning with Blake Harvard (Ep 38)

Join math professor, Anna Stokke, in conversation with Blake Harvard, a secondary teacher in Alabama. They discuss insights from his new book, Do I Have Your Attention?, including how he incorporates cognitive psychology into his teaching.

Their conversation explores topics like cognitive architecture, memory constraints, attention contagion and common learning pitfalls. Blake provides practical strategies for implementing retrieval practice and spaced practice, highlighting their benefits in reducing test anxiety and enhancing long term learning outcomes.

The episode wraps up with a thought-provoking discussion on creativity, where Blake challenges the notion that traditional schooling stifles creativity—arguing instead that a strong knowledge foundation fosters it.

Whether you’re an educator or simply curious about the science of learning, this episode offers valuable insights for teaching and learning in any subject.

NOTE: The resource page contains resources and research articles mentioned in the episode: annastokke.com/ep-38-resources

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

02:44 Blake's Teaching Journey

03:13 Discovering cognitive psychology

05:18 Understanding memory constraints

13:55 Attention contagion

21:54 Overcoming overconfidence in learning

25:32 The role of forgetting in learning

27:53 Maximizing learning with effective strategies

28:36 The power of retrieval and spaced practice

29:45 Retrieval practice in math

33:10 Diminishing cues retrieval practice

36:21 The Brain Book Buddy strategy

41:13 The importance of honest self-assessment

42:56 Reducing test anxiety with retrieval practice

45:48 The benefits of spaced practice

47:06 Last lesson, last week, last month strategy

49:38 Debunking myths about creativity in education

52:48 Final thoughts and advice for teachers

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Ep. 26 Cognitive load theory in math class with David Morkunas https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-znh5k-15f7937

Ep. 13 Powerful teaching with Patrice Bain https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-d77g4-14602e3

Ep 4 Cognitive load theory with Greg Ashman https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-thbad-13cea56

Ep. 2 Evidence-based teaching strategies with Paul Kirschner https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-zgw6i-13b33df

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-38-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-38-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions – No Squirrel Connection, Thannoid, Momentary Ease, Betty Dear Podington Bear – Camp Scott Holmes – Happy Logo

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

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

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social