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

Math Academy: Optimizing student learning with Alex Smith and Justin Skycak

Applying cognitive science to education with Daniel Willingham

Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conrad

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

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