Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works

Al Borges, a retired college football coach with over 40 years of experience, shares his insights on how coaching parallels effective teaching. He discusses the importance of managing cognitive load and using detailed, micro-skills practices for developing athletes. Borges emphasizes treating new players as blank slates and making sure that learning translates to high-pressure game situations. He also highlights the vital role of relationships in coaching success, asserting that interpersonal connections outweigh mere strategies.

After recently retiring from Frederick County Public Schools, where she played a key role in advancing evidence-based instruction, Meg Lee has joined forces with her longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Jim Heal, to launch Learning Science Partners. Their organization is dedicated to supporting school districts committed to implementing evidence-informed practices that enhance teaching and learning.In this episode Meg shares organizational insights into making it all happen.Episode Links:X: Meg Lee (@megvertebrae) / XLinkedIn: (1) Meg Lee | LinkedInWebsite: LSPEdutopia: Solidifying Core Concepts With Examples and Non-Examples | Edutopia This podcast sponsored by:The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey. Learn more here. 

Kent Wetzel, a teacher specialist and adjunct professor, discusses the successful implementation of the Science of Learning in Frederick County Public Schools. He shares how early leaders embraced mind-brain education to avoid past pitfalls. Kent highlights the importance of strategic partnerships with higher education and the role of teacher specialists in delivering professional development. He emphasizes the need for structured leader training and the significant impact of Maryland's state mandate on adopting evidence-based practices. Kent also reflects on the journey's evolution and the community's growing support.

Vida John is a math coach who helps students prepare for math competitions. I was excited to chat with Vida because the entire world of math competitions is new to me.Vida discusses how math competitions can benefit all students regardless of grade level.Contact and follow Vida at:LinkedIn: @VidaJohnYouTube: Math Problem Solving SkillsWebsite: Vida John Tutoring This podcast sponsored by:The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey. Learn more here. 

Dr. Sarah Oberle discusses her research on the wider implementation of the Science of Learning and its influence on her classroom and teaching methods.Links:X: @‌S_OberleBlueSky: Sarah.Oblerle@bluesky.socialLinkedIn: Sarah Oberle, Ed.D.

In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Zach and I dive into what he’s learned during his first full year of consulting.Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, instructional coach, or independent consultant, Zach’s reflections — and the successes he’s experienced — offer a thought-provoking framework for building stronger collaboration and driving better student outcomes at your schools.Links:Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit TeachingMaximizing the Impact of Coaching Cycles This podcast sponsored by:The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey. Learn more here. 

Over the course of his 38-year career as a high school social studies teacher, Ed Cabrera has led passionate student discussions through 10 presidential elections, impeachments, 9/11, controversial wars, presidential assassination attempts, all while maintaining political neutrality.In this episode Ed discusses his guidelines for leading passionate classroom discussions on controversial topics. This podcast sponsored by:The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey. Learn more here. 

Dr. Nidhi Sachdeva, a Canadian researcher in learning science, shares her insights on translating cognitive science into effective classroom strategies. She discusses the challenges educators face in accessing research and the historical barriers that thwart the implementation of evidence-based practices. Nidhi delves into microlearning, highlighting its cognitive benefits and practical applications. The conversation emphasizes the importance of coaching and constructive observation in bridging the gap between learning science and effective teaching.

Dr. David Griffith is the Associate Director of Research at the Thomas B Fordham Institute. In this episode we discuss the results of a recent study he conducted and reported on about “Equitable” Grading Through the Eyes of the Teacher.”21:46.9 This podcast sponsored by:The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey. Learn more here. 

In this episode, Gene Tavernetti talks with Dr. Jana Lee, an expert in data-driven educational practices and inclusive teaching. The discussion delves into effective data utilization, the importance of microdata, and best practices for both general and special education. Learn how to enhance professional learning communities (PLCs) and the significance of responsive teaching. This podcast sponsored by:The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey. Learn more here.