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 <a href='http://www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke'>www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke</a>
TIMESTAMPS 
[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
<a href='https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-mrwn2-18adce0'>https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-mrwn2-18adce0</a>
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
<a href='https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-szugf-149dff1'>https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-szugf-149dff1</a>
Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conrad
<a href='https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gek66-148967a'>https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gek66-148967a</a>
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
<a href='https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-52-transcript'>https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-52-transcript</a>
EPISODE RESOURCES
<a href='https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-52-resources'>https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-52-resources</a>
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Website: <a href='http://www.annastokke.com/'>www.annastokke.com</a>
X: <a href='https://twitter.com/rastokke'>@rastokke</a>
LinkedIn: <a href='http://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c'>www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c</a>
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

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

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