Ep 21. The right to learn math with Daniel Ansari
from Chalk & Talk Hosted by Anna Stokke
Join math professor, Anna Stokke, as she interviews Dr. Daniel Ansari, who is a Canada Research Chair in developmental cognitive neuroscience. They discuss the importance of early numeracy skills and his research on symbolic representations. They talk about similarities and differences between math and reading. They also debunk the misconception of gender differences in math. Responding to a question from a teacher, Daniel discusses the role of manipulatives in teaching math. He also discusses dyscalculia and provides some tips for helping students who struggle with math. They close the episode by discussing some common neuromyths. Among other things, Daniel stresses the fundamental right of every child to learn math. The resource page for this episode includes studies mentioned in the episode and resources for helping children who struggle with math. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/ep-21-transcript EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/ep-21-resources MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Podington Bear – Proliferate Blue Dot Sessions – Balti, Hedgeliner, Cornicob, Coulis Coulis, Lissa Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke Threads: @rastokke37 Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
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Chapters
- 0:00 Introduction
- 3:10 Importance of early numerical skills
- 5:31 Importance of numerical symbols
- 7:55 Benefits and limitations of manipulatives
- 21:41 Foundational skills lead to cognitive flexibility
- 27:55 Are there gender differences in math and reading?
- 32:54 What is dyscalculia and how common is it?
- 40:38 Helping students who struggle with math
- 45:15 Misunderstandings about brain plasticity
- 47:14 Can working memory capacity be increased?
- 51:21 Productive struggle
- 53:49 Bridging the gap between cog. science & education
- 56:04 Closing thoughts
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