Boosting attention and learning with Blake Harvard (Ep 38)

What this episode covers

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