Chalk & Talk

Author: Anna Stokke

Everyone wants to see children and young adults succeed in math, but it can be difficult to sort myths from facts in education. Join math professor, Anna Stokke, for conversations with leading educators and researchers about the importance of math, effective teaching methods, and debunking common myths about math and teaching. Chalk & Talk is a podcast for anyone interested in education, including educators, parents, and students.
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Language: en

Genres: Education, How To, Mathematics, Science

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The Science of Clear Math Teaching with Kristopher Boulton (Ep 82)
Episode 82
Thursday, 15 October, 2026

What if many of the errors students make in math are predictable consequences of the way we teach them? In this episode, Anna is joined by Kristopher Boulton, founder and CEO of Unstoppable Learning to explore how better instructional design can help prevent misconceptions and make difficult math concepts more accessible. Kris insists that it should be possible to achieve 100% success in math for 100% of the students. They discuss how carefully chosen examples, better sequencing, atomisation, and careful instructional design makes misunderstandings less likely. Kris also shares insights from his experience as a teacher and school leader and his work helping schools improve outcomes in mathematics. Chalk & Talk website: www.chalkandtalkpodcast.com This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke TIMESTAMPS [00:00:04] Introduction [00:03:16] Logically faultless communication [00:08:39] Identifying 4 types of mathematical knowledge make teaching easier [00:10:13] Type 1: Categorical concepts [00:12:25] Teaching with examples and non-examples [00:14:52] The four principles for choosing effective examples [00:19:59] Type 2: Transformations [00:26:49] Example of a carefully sequenced math lesson [00:31:44] Dealing with arithmetic difficulties [00:39:13] Type 3: Facts [00:43:23] Type 4: Cognitive routines [00:44:56] How atoms are different from steps [00:52:32] Mastering each atom before tackling the full routine [00:54:11] Quadratic and linear equations [00:57:51] How atomization is different from scaffolding [01:02:24] Why this teaching approach is important EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://chalkandtalk-beta.ubmepsilon.com/episode/ep-82/ RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES Teaching Math So Students Learn with Craig Barton https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-63/ The Power of Explicit Instruction with Anita Archer https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-57/ Project Follow Through: Direct Instruction’s Overlooked Success https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-39/ Cognitive Load Theory in Math Class with David Morkunas https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-26/ MUSIC Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band - ColorFilmMusic Website: http://www.chalkandtalkpodcast.com/ FB: Chalk & Talk IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social