Season Two, Episode 10: Professor Anna Stokke on Effective and Engaging Math(s) Instruction

Summary

In this special in-person episode of Chalk Dust, recorded at researchEd Melbourne at Haileybury, Rebecca Birch and Nathaniel Swain are joined by Professor Anna Stokke, mathematician, educator and host of the Chalk & Talk podcast. Together they analyse classroom footage from Australian mathematics lessons, exploring how carefully sequenced instruction, explicit teaching and strong classroom routines support successful mathematics learning.

Across examples including number bonds, subtraction algorithms, number lines and percentages, Anna explains why mathematics should be taught through deliberate sequencing, clear modelling and extensive guided practice. The discussion examines pair-share routines, scripted mathematics programs, mastery of mathematical symbols, the role of automaticity, and why concrete materials should be viewed as temporary scaffolds rather than permanent learning tools.

Throughout the episode, Rebecca, Nathaniel and Professor Stokke discuss mathematics-specific pedagogy, instructional coaching, pedagogical content knowledge and the importance of ensuring every student has access to effective mathematics instruction. The conversation argues that explicit mathematics teaching is not passive or robotic, but highly interactive, intellectually demanding and built around giving students repeated experiences of success.

Special thanks to Pat Sanders, Ollie Lovell and Brendan Lee for their help with this episode.

Mentioned resources and explainers

Professor Anna Stokke

Anna Stokke is Professor of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Winnipeg, adjunct professor and honorary co-director of the Science of Mathematics Lab at La Trobe University, and host of the Chalk & Talk podcast. Her work focuses on evidence-informed mathematics education and improving mathematics instruction.

Chalk & Talk Podcast

Anna Stokke’s podcast exploring evidence-informed mathematics education, instructional practice and educational research.

Explicit Mathematics Program (EMP)

A structured primary mathematics program developed by Toni Hatton-Roberts and Ollie Lovell. The program emphasises carefully sequenced instruction, explicit modelling, guided practice and cumulative review.