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
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