Transforming education through behaviour science with Kimberly Berens (Ep 34)

Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Kimberly Berens in Episode 34 of Chalk & Talk. Kimberly is a behaviour scientist, an author, and the founder of FIT Learning.  They discuss the fundamentals of behaviour science, the importance of measurable outcomes, the role of reinforcement, and the application of behaviour science to effective instruction, particularly in math.  They also cover concepts like fluency, retention, and endurance in learning.  They discuss the effectiveness of Direct Instruction, precision teaching and curriculum-based measurement in bringing about significant improvements in student performance.

Kimberly is a passionate advocate for systematic educational change based on scientific approaches.  This episode will be of interest to educators, parents, policy makers, and anyone with an interest in improving educational outcomes.

NOTE: The resource page contains a list of research articles mentioned in the episode: annastokke.com/ep-34-resources

TIMESTAMPS:

[00:00:00] Introduction  
[00:02:25] Understanding behaviour science 
[00:05:23] Behaviour science vs. cognitive science 
[00:08:28] Defining fluency
[00:12:40] Applying behaviour science to math instruction 
[00:18:01] Do different students learn differently? 
[00:22:43] How to measure learning 
[00:28:47] Math anxiety, math trauma and the problem with labels 
[00:34:56] Combining DI, precision teaching and curriculum-based measurement
[00:38:40] The problem with hand raising
[00:42:00] Flexible ability grouping 
[00:47:20] Breaking ineffective traditions 
[00:51:49] Measuring conceptual understanding
[00:57:41] Project Follow Through 
[01:00:20] The Great Falls Precision Teaching Project 
[01:03:28] Fit Learning's practices and outcomes 
[01:06:37] Final thoughts and call to action 

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Ep 32.  Identifying and educating advanced students with Jonathan Plucker
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-y6cxs-16ad6f1

Ep 30.  Math fluency matters with Brian Poncy
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-pj6z6-166741e

Ep 17. Do timed tests cause math anxiety? with Robin Codding
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-9qahp-14aed8a

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-34-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-34-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Blue Dot Sessions – Little Poder, Tall Harvey
Podington Bear – Camp, Kitten

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

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