In this episode, Anna Stokke interviews The Right Honourable Sir Nick Gibb, former Minister of State for Schools in England. Nick discusses the bold, evidence-based reforms he led over a decade to reverse declining academic performance in English schools. From phonics-based reading instruction to math mastery, he explains how high expectations, rigorous curricula, and a focus on teacher training transformed outcomes—helping England rise to 4th in the world in reading on PIRLS and one of the highest-performing countries on TIMSS. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in meaningful education reform.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction [00:04:05] The state of English education in 2005 [00:05:50] Problems with progressive education [00:08:12] Math teaching in England before the reforms [00:13:13] Education: A non-partisan issue [00:14:48] Learning about math teaching from Shanghai and Singapore [00:18:01] Competency-based curriculum debate [00:22:00] Reading reforms [00:26:09] Resistance to the phonics movement [00:32:10] Math reforms implemented for primary education [00:38:08] Attention to detail in curriculum development [00:41:11] Debates on educational standards [00:42:41] Reforming initial teacher training [00:48:24] The Education Endowment Foundation [00:50:21] Liberating the teaching profession [00:55:07] How the reforms improved student outcomes [00:57:42] Educational outcomes in Scotland and Wales [01:00:38] The future of education reforms [01:06:24] Advice for policymakers and advocates [01:16:00] Reflections and closing remarks

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Education myth-busting with Daisy Christodoulou https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-z2q9q-14ce080

The tweet that roared with Tom Bennett https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bpgqn-14326ef Using evidence in education with Pamela Snow https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jc9mq-161ecac

Exploring evidence for equitable education with Nidhi Sachdeva and Jim Hewitt https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-fjdnt-1685615

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-49-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-49-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

Oy Studio: Light comedy

Blue Dot Sessions: Avoiding the Backroom, Neatly folded, Momentary Ease, Balti

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Join math professor Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Stephen Chew, a cognitive psychologist at Samford University. They explore the different types of practice—naive, purposeful, and deliberate—and why understanding these distinctions can transform teaching and improve learning. The discussion also covers how to use feedback effectively, structure worked examples in math class, address common student misconceptions, and build trust in the classroom. They even tackle the term “active learning"—whether it actually means anything useful, and why the research on it may not be as clear as it seems. Packed with practical advice and research-based strategies, this episode is a must-listen for educators at all levels.

NOTE: The resource page contains research articles mentioned in the episode: annastokke.com/ep-48-resources

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction [00:02:53] Understanding naive, purposeful, and deliberate practice [00:13:46] The importance of feedback in learning [00:20:03] Effective use of worked examples [00:25:13] Addressing student misconceptions [00:31:18] Debunking learning myths: Struggle and engagement [00:34:58] Is active learning just a buzzword? [00:37:40] The problem with research on active learning [00:42:35] Nine cognitive challenges for effective teaching [00:44:51] Building trust in the classroom [00:47:55] Desirable difficulties vs. unnecessary challenges [00:51:23] Formative assessment techniques for large classes [00:53:47] The complexity and importance of teaching [00:54:32] Bridging the gap between research and practice

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Ep 2. Evidence-based teaching strategies with Paul Kirschner https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zgw6i-13b33df

Ep 4. Cognitive load theory with Greg Ashman https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-thbad-13cea56

Ep 7. How to excel in math and other tough subject with Barbara Oakley https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bqs8p-14068f2

Ep 16. Applying cognitive science to education with Daniel Willingham https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-szugf-149dff1

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-48-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-48-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions – Cornicob, Momentary Ease, Town Market, Noe Noe Podington Bear – Proliferate

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

In this special mailbag episode, Anna Stokke tackles two listener questions and a comment. She breaks down a logic puzzle that stumped some fans, explains why relying on calculators isn’t a substitute for math fact fluency, and highlights comments from a listener about encouraging literacy trends in several Southern U.S. states.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction and Mailbag Announcement

[00:01:08] Question 1: Logic Problem from Episode 40

[00:04:47] Question 2: Can calculators replace math fact fluency?

[00:12:00] Comment on states that buck the declining scores trend

The Southern Surge: Understanding the Bright Spots in the Literacy Landscape https://www.karenvaites.org/p/the-southern-surge-understanding

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Ep 40 From math to science: How weak math skills hurt students https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-mqims-17b512f

Ep 36 How to build automaticity with math facts: A practical guide https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-3ny3k-17323a9 Ep 29 Math fact crisis: strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-u9y84-165d773 Ep 30 Math Fluency matters with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-pj6z6-166741e

Ep 45 A decade of decline: Examining falling test scores with Mike Petrilli https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-qeajx-187272a

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-47-transcript

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

Blue Dot Sessions – Momentary Ease, Neatly Folded

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social