Fluency is often treated as a small piece of mathematics learning, but in reality, it may be one of the most important and overlooked foundations for long term success.
In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Brian Poncy, Professor at Oklahoma State University and the creator of Facts on Fire, a highly regarded program designed to build maths fact fluency through short, structured, and evidence informed daily practice.
Brian challenges the common resistance to timed practice, arguing that fluency—defined strictly as accuracy plus speed—is the bridge that frees up working memory for higher-order problem solving.
Listeners will discover why timed practice only works when students are placed at the right starting point, how small sets and careful sequencing can dramatically improve motivation and success, and what schools can do to implement fluency routines effectively in just a few minutes a day.
The episode also explores the powerful concept of contingency adduction, where mastering component skills can lead students to solve complex problems they have never been explicitly taught.
A practical and thought provoking conversation for any educator serious about improving mathematics outcomes.
Catch Dr. Brian Poncy in Australia:
Tickets can be purchased here:
- Perth: https://www.trybooking.com/DHYZM
- Adelaide: https://www.trybooking.com/DHZSU
- Melbourne: https://www.trybooking.com/DIABM
- Sydney: https://www.trybooking.com/DHYZG
Resources mentioned:
- M.I.N.D. 2.0 – FACTS ON FIRE
- Chalk and Talk podcast (Anna Stokke)
- Morningside Academy
- PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports)
- Rocket Math
- Times Tables Rock Stars
- Engineering the “Aha!”: When Discovery Learning Actually Works
You can connect with Brian:
Twitter/X: @brian_poncy
Website: M.I.N.D. 2.0 – FACTS ON FIRE
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net
About Brian
Dr. Brian Poncy is a Professor of School Psychology at Oklahoma State University. His research focuses on academic interventions and behavioral principles of learning, specifically in the area of mathematics. Dr. Poncy created the Measures & Interventions for Numeracy Development (M.I.N.D.), a set of free materials to support teachers in the assessment and implementation of empirically validated interventions to increase early numeracy and computation skills (www.factsonfire.com). He is a co-author of Effective Math Interventions: A Guide to Improving Whole-Number Knowledge. To access sample trainings, podcast appearances, and research go to https://experts.okstate.edu/brian.poncy
Proposed presentation title + brief explanation of what participants will get out of the event
Using the M.I.N.D. 2.0 Facts on Fire Program to Increase School-Wide Math Achievement
Teachers need intervention materials that are free, accessible, & research based. This workshop will present the Measures & Interventions for Numeracy Development (M.I.N.D) 2.0 Facts on Fire Program (www.factsonfire.com), a set of open source materials that educators can use with their students to increase math achievement. Participants will leave the workshop with resources and practices to:
Establish a scope and sequence of measurable and alterable critical math skills
Implement a brief & intensive school wide intervention to increase core numeracy skills
Match assessment and intervention response data to provide tiered support to students
Select, implement, evaluate interventions for both, individual and groups of students
Use the Facts on Fire Program to Increase Student Engagement & Motivation
Although relevant theory will be discussed, the bulk of the workshop will revolve around providing teachers with actionable resources they can take back to their classrooms to support assessment and instruction that leads to demonstrable student learning.
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
Implementing Effective Primary Maths Instruction
For School Leaders
This is a two day online course for school and middle leaders and it is all about implementation. We look closely at curriculum and lesson design, assessment, coaching and the systems that help teachers change practice in a sustainable way.
Register here
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