Math Academy: Optimizing student learning with Alex Smith and Justin Skycak (Ep 42)

from Chalk & Talk · host Anna Stokke

Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Alex Smith, Director of Curriculum, and Justin Skycak, Director of Analytics, from Math Academy. Math Academy is an AI-powered online learning platform designed around science of learning principles. They discuss Bloom's 2 sigma problem and explore how Math Academy aims to address it. They also explain how the platform leverages knowledge graphs to support mastery learning and highlight key instructional strategies such as worked examples, spaced practice, and the testing effect. They explore how Math Academy manages cognitive load to optimize learning as well as its success with adult learners and advanced students. They also discuss the concrete-pictorial-abstract approach in math instruction. To wrap up, Justin and Alex share exciting updates and future plans for Math Academy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in math education. NOTE: The resource page contains resources and research articles mentioned in the episode: annastokke.com/ep-42-resources TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 04:41 Bloom's 2 sigma problem 10:11 Mastery learning 13:17 Math knowledge graph 21:03 Importance of prerequisite skills 26:42 Worked examples 33:11 Concrete-pictorial-abstract discussion 40:56 Incorporating spaced practice 47:47 Leveraging the testing effect 52:14 Independent learning and incentives 55:51 Math Academy for adult learners 01:01:49 Accelerating advanced students 01:09:57 The future of Math Academy 01:13:26 Final thoughts RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES Ep 32. Identifying and educating advanced students with Jonathan Plucker https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-y6cxs-16ad6f1 Ep 15. Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conrad https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gek66-148967a Ep 7. How to excel in math and other tough subjects with Barbara Oakley https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bqs8p-14068f2 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/ep-42-transcript EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/ep-42-resources MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions – Balti, Betty Dear, Willow Willow, Partly Sage Podington Bear – Camp, Kitten Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

What this episode covers

Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Alex Smith, Director of Curriculum, and Justin Skycak, Director of Analytics, from Math Academy. Math Academy is an AI-powered online learning platform designed around science of learning principles. They discuss Bloom’s 2 sigma problem and explore how Math Academy aims to address it. They also explain how the platform leverages knowledge graphs to support mastery learning and highlight key instructional strategies such as worked examples, spaced practice, and the testing effect. They explore how Math Academy manages cognitive load to optimize learning as well as its success with adult learners and advanced students. They also discuss the concrete-pictorial-abstract approach in math instruction. To wrap up, Justin and Alex share exciting updates and future plans for Math Academy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in math education. NOTE: The resource page contains resources and research articles mentioned in the episode: annastokke.com/ep-42-resources TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 04:41 Bloom’s 2 sigma problem 10:11 Mastery learning 13:17 Math knowledge graph 21:03 Importance of prerequisite skills 26:42 Worked examples 33:11 Concrete-pictorial-abstract discussion 40:56 Incorporating spaced practice 47:47 Leveraging the testing effect 52:14 Independent learning and incentives 55:51 Math Academy for adult learners 01:01:49 Accelerating advanced students 01:09:57 The future of Math Academy 01:13:26 Final thoughts RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES Ep 32. Identifying and educating advanced students with Jonathan Plucker https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-y6cxs-16ad6f1 Ep 15. Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conrad https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gek66-148967a Ep 7. How to excel in math and other tough subjects with Barbara Oakley https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bqs8p-14068f2 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/ep-42-transcript EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/ep-42-resources MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions – Balti, Betty Dear, Willow Willow, Partly Sage Podington Bear – Camp, Kitten Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

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Math Academy: Optimizing student learning with Alex Smith and Justin Skycak (Ep 42)

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This episode was published on February 28, 2025.

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