The Science of Learning: Do's and Don't of Math Education

Made for Math: Unlocking Dyscalculia Podcast, Episode 29, 15 June 2025, with Adrianne Meldrum

In the Made for Math podcast episode “The Science of Learning: Do’s and Don’ts of Math Education,” CEO Adrianne Meldrum interviews Dr. Nathaniel Swain, an educator and author of Harnessing the Science of Learning. Dr. Swain discusses how his background in Japanese linguistics shaped his understanding of the role of language in mathematics instruction. He emphasizes that math is a language requiring explicit teaching of its vocabulary and structures. To support students, especially those with language-based learning difficulties, Dr. Swain advocates for strategies like retrieval practice, interleaving, and reducing cognitive load. He also highlights the importance of using multisensory tools to connect abstract concepts to tangible experiences, thereby enhancing comprehension and retention. The conversation underscores the need for structured, language-aware, and cognitively informed approaches to math education. (madeformath.com)