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How we learn: Naive, purposeful, and deliberate practice with Stephen Chew (Ep 48)
Join math professor Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Stephen Chew, a cognitive psychologist at Samford University. They explore the different types of practice—naive, purposeful, and deliberate—and why understanding these distinctions can transform teaching and improve learning. The discussion also covers how to use feedback effectively, structure worked examples in math class, address common student misconceptions, and build trust in the classroom. They even tackle the term “active learning"—whether it actually means anything useful, and why the research on it may not be as clear as it seems. Packed with practical advice and research-based strategies, this episode is a must-listen for educators at all levels.
NOTE: The resource page contains research articles mentioned in the episode: https://www.annastokke.com/resources/episode-48-resources
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:02:53] Understanding naive, purposeful, and deliberate practice
[00:13:46] The importance of feedback in learning
[00:20:03] Effective use of worked examples
[00:25:13] Addressing student misconceptions
[00:31:18] Debunking learning myths: Struggle and engagement
[00:34:58] Is active learning just a buzzword?
[00:37:40] The problem with research on active learning
[00:42:35] Nine cognitive challenges for effective teaching
[00:44:51] Building trust in the classroom
[00:47:55] Desirable difficulties vs. unnecessary challenges
[00:51:23] Formative assessment techniques for large classes
[00:53:47] The complexity and importance of teaching
[00:54:32] Bridging the gap between research and practice
RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES
Ep 2. Evidence-based teaching strategies with Paul Kirschner
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zgw6i-13b33df
Ep 4. Cognitive load theory with Greg Ashman
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-thbad-13cea56
Ep 7. How to excel in math and other tough subject with Barbara Oakley
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bqs8p-14068f2
Ep 16. Applying cognitive science to education with Daniel Willingham
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-szugf-149dff1
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-48-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/resources/episode-48-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Blue Dot Sessions – Cornicob, Momentary Ease, Town Market, Noe Noe
Podington Bear – Proliferate
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
View all episodes
By Anna Stokke
4.8
7878 ratings
Join math professor Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Stephen Chew, a cognitive psychologist at Samford University. They explore the different types of practice—naive, purposeful, and deliberate—and why understanding these distinctions can transform teaching and improve learning. The discussion also covers how to use feedback effectively, structure worked examples in math class, address common student misconceptions, and build trust in the classroom. They even tackle the term “active learning"—whether it actually means anything useful, and why the research on it may not be as clear as it seems. Packed with practical advice and research-based strategies, this episode is a must-listen for educators at all levels.
NOTE: The resource page contains research articles mentioned in the episode: https://www.annastokke.com/resources/episode-48-resources
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:02:53] Understanding naive, purposeful, and deliberate practice
[00:13:46] The importance of feedback in learning
[00:20:03] Effective use of worked examples
[00:25:13] Addressing student misconceptions
[00:31:18] Debunking learning myths: Struggle and engagement
[00:34:58] Is active learning just a buzzword?
[00:37:40] The problem with research on active learning
[00:42:35] Nine cognitive challenges for effective teaching
[00:44:51] Building trust in the classroom
[00:47:55] Desirable difficulties vs. unnecessary challenges
[00:51:23] Formative assessment techniques for large classes
[00:53:47] The complexity and importance of teaching
[00:54:32] Bridging the gap between research and practice
RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES
Ep 2. Evidence-based teaching strategies with Paul Kirschner
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zgw6i-13b33df
Ep 4. Cognitive load theory with Greg Ashman
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-thbad-13cea56
Ep 7. How to excel in math and other tough subject with Barbara Oakley
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bqs8p-14068f2
Ep 16. Applying cognitive science to education with Daniel Willingham
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-szugf-149dff1
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-48-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/resources/episode-48-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Blue Dot Sessions – Cornicob, Momentary Ease, Town Market, Noe Noe
Podington Bear – Proliferate
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
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