The case for practice and the power of Math Corps with Alex Kontorovich (Ep 52)

What this episode covers

In this episode, Anna Stokke has an engaging conversation Dr. Alex Kontorovich, a math professor at Rutgers University with a strong passion for math outreach. They explore why practice in math is often undervalued compared to disciplines like music or sports. They also discuss Math Corps, which is a summer math program for kids that combines evidence-based learning strategies with high expectations. Alex recently founded a Math Corps chapter in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  The episode wraps up with a lively discussion about A Mathematician’s Lament by Paul Lockhart, sparked by a comment from a listener. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, a mathematician, or simply someone interested in education, this episode has something for you. This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke TIME STAMPS [00:00:00] Introduction   [00:02:54] The value of math practice  [00:08:11] Engaging in math outreach  [00:11:44] Rutgers Math Corps: Structure and curriculum  [00:21:41] When research confirms what experience already knew  [00:24:05] Why times tables fluency matters  [00:30:07] Science of learning techniques in Math Corps  [00:35:42] Using hand gestures and building classroom culture  [00:40:01] Gamification  [00:42:23] Why well-meaning schools still produce poor results  [00:49:37] Discussion on A Mathematician’s Lament  [01:16:03] Conclusion and final thoughts  RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES How we learn:  Naïve, purposeful, and deliberate practice with Stephen Chew https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-mrwn2-18adce0 Math Academy: Optimizing student learning with Alex Smith and Justin Skycak https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jawpr-181e0c3 Applying cognitive science to education with Daniel Willingham https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-szugf-149dff1 Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conrad https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gek66-148967a EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-52-transcript EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-52-resources MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social