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
