The truth behind learning, with Nathaniel Swain, Ph.D.

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Jun 4, 2025

Nathaniel Swain, Ph.D., a senior lecturer in learning sciences and author, dives into the essentials of knowledge-rich curricula and its critical role in education. He challenges misconceptions about teaching in the 21st century, emphasizing how foundational knowledge fosters creativity and collaboration. The podcast also explores cognitive load theory, illustrating how effective teaching can enhance memory retention. Swain advocates for continuous learning and integration of evidence-based strategies to improve literacy and overall educational outcomes.

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INSIGHT

Knowledge Powers Learning

Knowledge is the foundation enabling future learning by connecting complex ideas.
Without it, cognitive load overwhelms learners, preventing effective problem-solving.

ADVICE

Strengthen Memory with Retrieval

Use systematic retrieval practice to strengthen memory and avoid forgetting.
Schedule spaced retrieval so students revisit knowledge before it fades.

ANECDOTE

Daily Math Retrieval Review

A teacher team created six-question math reviews daily mixing past, current, and future content.
This practice helped with retrieval, gauged prior knowledge, and informed instruction.

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In this episode of Science of Reading: The Podcast, Susan Lambert is joined by Nathaniel Swain, Ph.D. He’s a teacher, instructional coach, and author of the recent book Harnessing the Science of Learning: Success Stories to Help Kickstart Your School Improvement. Emphasizing the science of learning as an ever-growing resource for updating instruction practices, he provides a comprehensive look at how knowledge powers learning, how to identify knowledge-rich curricula, how cognitive load affects learning, and how to understand several common learning misconceptions.

Show notes:

Access free, high-quality resources at our brand-new companion professional learning page: http://amplify.com/science-of-reading/professional-learning
Connect with Nathaniel Swain, Ph.D.:
- Website: nathanielswain.com
Resources:
Join our community Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/scienceofreading
Connect with Susan Lambert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-lambert-edd-b1512761/

Quotes:

“The greatest thing about the science of learning is that it's never really gonna be finished. Much like the science of reading, it's constantly being updated and it's something that we should be constantly turning to.” –Nathaniel Swain, Ph.D.

“When we have knowledge at our fingertips—or in this case, in our synapses—ready to be used, we can overcome all these limitations that cognitive load theory talks about.” –Nathaniel Swain, Ph.D.

“We're kidding ourselves a little bit if we think that we can replace that rich content knowledge with generic skills and generic competencies.” –Nathaniel Swain, Ph.D.

Episode timestamps*
02:00 Introduction: Who is Nathaniel Swain?
03:00 Science of learning book
11:00 Knowledge powers all learning
15:00 Addressing common learning myths
18:00 Knowledge retrieval
21:00 Misconception: Productive struggle
22:00 Misconception: “Preparing students for the 21st century”
26:00 Enriching schema
29:00 Background knowledge and confirmation bias
30:00 Knowledge rich curriculum
32:00 Knowledge that is manageable and achievable
37:00 Skills AND knowledge
44:00 Chalk Dust podcast
45:00 Final thoughts and advice
*Timestamps are approximate, rounded to nearest minute