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, Mom
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!