Science of Learning in the Classroom
Knowledge-Building for Teachers Series
The science of learning is the predominant focus of my teaching journey and has probably had the biggest impact on my classroom instruction and my own professional development. It was difficult to narrow this post down to only a few resources, but my hope is it will get you started on your own journey that will lead you to many more amazing resources. Join me as we explore the Science of Learning and its practical application in the classroom.
Podcasts
on the go
S4E3: The Importance of Learning Science with Dr. Jim Heal & Meg Lee with Elana Gordon on The Road to Reading Podcast
This is an excellent episode on how to start the process of bringing the science of learning to teachers at a school and district level.
S03E06 - Dr. Carl Hendrick on Five Things Every Teacher Should Do with Brendan Lee on Knowledge for Teachers - Podcast
I love a good list! Dr. Carl Hendrick shares important practices that will improve teachers’ own learning and their classroom instruction.
Cognitive load theory in math class with David Morkunas (Ep 26) with Anna Stokke on Chalk & Talk - Podcast
One of my favorite math experts, David Morkunas, communicates so well how to apply CLT in a math context. This is an episode I refer to often for designing math instruction in my classroom.
Bloggers
subscription-worthy
Late Show with Cognitive Load Theory: Top 10 Ways My Teaching is Going to Change by Brett Benson, SOL in the Wild
SOL in the Wild is a must read Substack if you want to follow a real classroom using the science of learning in real time. Every post has a breakdown of the science and an in-depth description of what it looks like in his classroom. I especially love this top 10 list on Cognitive Load Theory with an explanation of what CLT says, what that looks like in a classroom, and Benson’s personal application of it.
Tools for Practice by Holly Korbey, The Bell Ringer
“How teachers and leaders are incorporating the science of learning in real life.” I love these posts from real teachers implementing science of learning practices into their classrooms. They are quick, practical reads that can be applied immediately in the classroom.
Scientists in the Making by Marcie Samayoa
“Cognitive science principles to enhance science learning.” While written in the context of secondary science teaching, Marcie’s posts are so carefully written and explained in such simple detail that they can be applied to any content area.
Online Courses
professional learning
The Science of Success Speaker Series How Learning Happens: What Every Educator Should Know from the Science of Learning with Dr. Nidhi Sachdeva and Dr. Amanda VanDerHeyden
This course is available November 5th! This promises to be an amazing conversation for teachers of any content area on how to implement the science of learning in their classrooms.
How Teaching and Learning Happens - Checking for Understanding with Dr. Carl Hendrick and Dr. Haili Hughes
One of a series of webinars on practical strategies that are mindful of how humans learn.
How Teaching and Learning Happens Individual Course from Academica University of Applied Sciences
If you are interested in leveling-up your learning, this course “equips educators with evidence-based practices and insights from the science of learning”. The course is based on the seminal works How Learning Happens and How Teaching Happens by Paul A. Kirschner and Carl Hendrick and Jim Heal.
Books
settle in for a good read
Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching by Zach Groshell
This book should be on every teacher’s desktop filled with sticky notes, highlights, dog-eared pages, and maybe even coffee stains. Written so well, it is accessible to any teacher wherever they are on the science of learning journey.
Rosenshine’s Principles in Action by Tom Sherrington
Read it. Study it. Apply it. This is the best of the best in classroom instruction.
Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning by Pooja K. Agarwal and Patrice M. Bain
Pioneering research on the science of learning in a real classroom, this is an amazing inside look at how the science of learning can be applied in the classroom. It also provides practical resources for teachers to use right away.
Harnessing the Science of Learning by Nathaniel Swain
A must read book for teachers and school leaders on implementing the science of learning successfully in their classrooms and schools. One of the highlights of the book is the interviews with real schools sharing their journey of implementation and success. Dr. Swain also talks about his book in this podcast S02E21 - Dr. Nathaniel Swain On Prioritising What Matters: A Deep Dive into the Science of Learning with Brendan Lee on Knowledge for Teachers - Podcast.
@gnoelmedina