Why Does Education Resist Scientific Evidence? (Ep 84)

In this episode of Chalk & Talk, Anna is joined by returning guest Dr. Pamela Snow, Distinguished Professor of Cognitive Psychology at La Trobe University, to discuss why education needs to take scientific evidence more seriously.

Drawing on her recent blog post, The Dog Ate My Homework: Education's Evidence Excuses Echo Chamber, Pamela challenges common arguments used to dismiss rigorous research in education, such as claims that teaching is too complex to be studied scientifically, and that every child learns differently. They also discuss why experience and peer-reviewed publications alone aren't enough to establish which teaching practices are effective.

This episode raises an important question: if education is to be taken seriously as a profession, shouldn't evidence be taken more seriously, too?

Note: This episode is available in audio format only. Due to technical difficulties during recording, the audio quality is below our usual standard. We appreciate your understanding.

Chalk & Talk website: www.chalkandtalkpodcast.com

This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke

TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:04] Introduction

[00:04:17] What is the purpose of education?

[00:08:11] What education can learn from evidence-based medicine

[00:13:46] Is teaching too complex to study scientifically?

[00:18:08] Every child is different but does every child learn differently?

[00:23:33] The influence of socioeconomic status on student achievement

[00:31:16] Experience versus research evidence

[00:38:32] Does peer review mean the research is reliable?

[00:45:37] Understanding the hierarchy of evidence

[00:52:52] Are randomized controlled trials appropriate in education?

[00:58:35] Should education have a regulatory body for quality assurance?

[01:01:29] Why classroom teachers are leading the push for evidence

[01:05:20] What should educators stand for?

[01:08:27] Closing remarks

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episodse/ep-84/

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episodse/ep-84/

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Do timed tests cause math anxiety? with Robin Codding: https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-17/

Red flags in education research with Ben Solomon: https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-23/

Using evidence in education with Pamela Snow: https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-27/

We know more about teaching than ever—so why is change so slow? with Joanna Barbousas
https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-69/

What to do when 'Research Shows' shuts you down: A guide for parents and teachers: https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-70/

The Story Behind Mississippi's Education Turnaround with Rachel Canter: https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-76/

MUSIC
Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band - ColorFilmMusic

Website: http://www.chalkandtalkpodcast.com/
FB: Chalk & Talk
IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast
Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social