In this episode, Anna Stokke chats with Bruno Reddy, a math teacher and the creator of Times Tables Rock Stars. They discuss his journey from founding a school to creating Times Tables Rock Stars to address foundational skill gaps. Bruno shares great ideas for generating excitement in the math classroom and motivating students to practice essential math facts. They also discuss the importance of math fluency, insights from a teacher exchange in Shanghai, and effective teaching strategies such as mastery learning and variation theory. This is an energizing conversation full of useful takeaways for anyone passionate about improving math outcomes.
Times Tables Rock Stars will be running national and regional competitions in Australia and New Zealand in August, September and October, 2025. Follow their socials on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn for more information.
Times Tables Rockstars: https://ttrockstars.com
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:04:50] The origin story of Times Tables Rock Stars
[00:14:20] Global times tables competitions
[00:15:38] The impact of TTRS on math outcomes
[00:18:20] How to motivate students to practice
[00:22:56] The importance of positive math experiences
[00:28:25] Choral chants and community building
[00:30:54] Lessons learned from the Shanghai teacher exchange program
[00:34:50] Variation theory
[00:43:37] Implementing mastery learning
[00:50:28] Fluency: What most math programs get wrong
[00:52:29] The importance of times tables
[00:56:05] Finding common ground in educational debates
RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES
From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibb
https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-zps9p-18c1e97
Math fact crisis: Strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-u9y84-165d773
Math fluency matters with Brian Poncy
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-pj6z6-166741e
Cognitive load theory in math class with David Morkunas
https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-znh5k-15f7937
How to build automaticity with math facts: A practical guide
https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-3ny3k-17323a9
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-51-transcript
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Blue Dot Sessions: Avoiding the Backroom, Neatly Folded, Cornicob, Partly Sage
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
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59:37
Universal screening in math with Amanda VanDerHeyden (Ep 50)
Host and math professor Anna Stokke talks to Dr. Amanda VanDerHeyden about a topic many Chalk & Talk listeners have asked about: universal screening in math. Amanda explains what universal screening is, why it matters, and how schools can use it to identify students who need extra support. They also discuss how to choose validated screeners, common mistakes to avoid, and how screening connects to effective intervention. This is a practical, informative episode for teachers, school leaders, and anyone looking to strengthen math instruction.
[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:04:17] Overview of universal screening
[00:07:51] Universal screening in math vs reading
[00:11:36] How to find validated screening tools
[00:19:32] Should screeners match the curriculum?
[00:23:31] 145 math skills that forecast success and when to teach them
[00:29:24] The problem with making screeners too easy
[00:31:37] Is Acadience a good screening tool?
[00:32:43] Comparing reading and math screening systems
[00:37:09] Recap: What to look for in a good screener
[00:40:12] Frequency and timing of screening
[00:44:18] The growing importance of math screening
[00:48:45] Addressing teacher concerns with screening results
[00:52:31] Conclusion and final thoughts
RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES
The Science of Math with Amanda VanDerHeyden
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bksbz-13c732d
Math and the myth of ability with John Mighton
https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-22c7a-139dc72
Reading and math: Parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8aj3f-1508af6
Supporting students with math difficulties with Sarah Powell https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ciqgm-17def6b
Math fluency matters with Brian Poncy
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-pj6z6-166741e
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-50-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-50-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Podington Bear: No Squirrel Commotion
Blue Dot Sessions: Avoiding the Backroom, Momentary Ease
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
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53:55
From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibb (Ep 49)
In this episode, Anna Stokke interviews The Right Honourable Sir Nick Gibb, former Minister of State for Schools in England. Nick discusses the bold, evidence-based reforms he led over a decade to reverse declining academic performance in English schools. From phonics-based reading instruction to math mastery, he explains how high expectations, rigorous curricula, and a focus on teacher training transformed outcomes—helping England rise to 4th in the world in reading on PIRLS and one of the highest-performing countries on TIMSS. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in meaningful education reform.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:04:05] The state of English education in 2005
[00:05:50] Problems with progressive education
[00:08:12] Math teaching in England before the reforms
[00:13:13] Education: A non-partisan issue
[00:14:48] Learning about math teaching from Shanghai and Singapore
[00:18:01] Competency-based curriculum debate
[00:22:00] Reading reforms
[00:26:09] Resistance to the phonics movement
[00:32:10] Math reforms implemented for primary education
[00:38:08] Attention to detail in curriculum development
[00:41:11] Debates on educational standards
[00:42:41] Reforming initial teacher training
[00:48:24] The Education Endowment Foundation
[00:50:21] Liberating the teaching profession
[00:55:07] How the reforms improved student outcomes
[00:57:42] Educational outcomes in Scotland and Wales
[01:00:38] The future of education reforms
[01:06:24] Advice for policymakers and advocates
[01:16:00] Reflections and closing remarks
RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES
Education myth-busting with Daisy Christodoulou
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-z2q9q-14ce080
The tweet that roared with Tom Bennett
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bpgqn-14326ef
Using evidence in education with Pamela Snow
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jc9mq-161ecac
Exploring evidence for equitable education with Nidhi Sachdeva and Jim Hewitt
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-fjdnt-1685615
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-49-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-49-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Oy Studio: Light comedy
Blue Dot Sessions: Avoiding the Backroom, Neatly folded, Momentary Ease, Balti
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
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1:19:18
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1:19:18
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
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57:13
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57:13
Mailbag: Math facts vs calculators, a logic problem, the Southern surge (Ep 47)
In this special mailbag episode, Anna Stokke tackles two listener questions and a comment. She breaks down a logic puzzle that stumped some fans, explains why relying on calculators isn’t a substitute for math fact fluency, and highlights comments from a listener about encouraging literacy trends in several Southern U.S. states.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:00] Introduction and Mailbag Announcement
[00:01:08] Question 1: Logic Problem from Episode 40
[00:04:47] Question 2: Can calculators replace math fact fluency?
[00:12:00] Comment on states that buck the declining scores trend
The Southern Surge: Understanding the Bright Spots in the Literacy Landscape
https://www.karenvaites.org/p/the-southern-surge-understanding
RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES
Ep 40 From math to science: How weak math skills hurt students
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-mqims-17b512f
Ep 36 How to build automaticity with math facts: A practical guide
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-3ny3k-17323a9
Ep 29 Math fact crisis: strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncy
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-u9y84-165d773
Ep 30 Math Fluency matters with Brian Poncy
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-pj6z6-166741e
Ep 45 A decade of decline: Examining falling test scores with Mike Petrilli
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-qeajx-187272a
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-47-transcript
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Blue Dot Sessions – Momentary Ease, Neatly Folded
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
Everyone wants to see children and young adults succeed in math, but it can be difficult to sort myths from facts in education. Join math professor, Anna Stokke, for conversations with leading educators and researchers about the importance of math, effective teaching methods, and debunking common myths about math and teaching. Chalk & Talk is a podcast for anyone interested in education, including educators, parents, and students.