Red flags in education research with Ben Solomon (Ep 23)
Streams straight from the publisher. podnod never proxies or re-hosts episode audio.
Join math professor, Anna Stokke, for a discussion with Dr. Ben Solomon in the final episode of the first season of Chalk & Talk. Ben is a psychology professor and a researcher in math assessment and intervention, known for his expertise in research methodology. One of the goals of this episode is to provide teachers, parents, and the wider public with tools for critically evaluating claims in education. The resource page for this episode describes five red flags to watch for in education research studies.
Anna asked Ben to analyze two specific education papers. The first paper has often been used to justify misguided claims about standard algorithms. They discuss flaws with the methodology in that paper. Ben also analyzes a high-quality education paper, highlighting the qualities that elevate it to the status of a rigorous education study, from which meaningful conclusions can be drawn. Along the way, they have a passionate discussion about the importance of teaching standard algorithms.
The conversation wraps up with a discussion on the science of learning and the need for education to evolve to use evidence-based practices and data-driven decision-making to achieve best outcomes for students. They hope this episode equips educators and parents with some tools to critically evaluate claims, ensuring that educational practices are grounded in sound research.
Thank you for joining Anna Stokke for the first season of Chalk & Talk! Follow Anna on X @rastokke to receive advance notifications for new episodes.
researchED Toronto, Canada: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/researched-canada-the-science-of-learning-toronto-may-3-4-2024-tickets-765640259627
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-23-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-23-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Blue Dot Sessions – Arroz con leche, Cherie’s Polvo, Haventhorn, Mazamorra, Tarte Tatin, Noe Noe, Cornicob
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
Threads: @rastokke37
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-23-transcript
annastokke.comhttps://www.annastokke.com/ep-23-resources
annastokke.comwww.annastokke.com
annastokke.com@rastokke
twitter.com
- 0:00Introduction
- 4:42Background on standard algorithms
- 9:30Review of paper ’To teach or not to teach algorithms’
- 23:29Importance of teaching standard algorithms
- 30:08Randomized controlled trials: the gold standard
- 34:30Analysis of a rigorous education study
- 41:43The science of learning
- 44:35Five red flags for education research
- 52:57Mischaracterization of instruction methods in research
- 55:46Sunken costs and the challenge of changing minds
- 1:00:56How to drive change in education
- 1:05:10Closing thoughts