

S02E21 - Dr. Nathaniel Swain On Prioritising What Matters: A Deep Dive into the Science of Learning
Nov 16, 2024
Dr. Nathaniel Swain, author of 'Harnessing the Science of Learning', returns to discuss how to prioritize effective teaching in schools. He advocates for reclaiming instructional time lost to distractions and emphasizes a knowledge-rich curriculum essential for literacy and numeracy. The conversation delves into making learning engaging and fun while maintaining structure. Swain also highlights challenges in implementing change and shares insights on effective math and literacy instruction, urging educators to balance explicit teaching with student engagement.
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Book's Origin
- Dr. Swain's inspiration for the book came from Think Forward forums.
- He noticed valuable school stories weren't getting attention.
Misconceptions as Barriers
- Common misconceptions about teaching hinder the adoption of science-backed methods.
- These include overstimulating classrooms and self-directed learning.
Optimizing Learning Environments
- Prioritize learning environments that minimize distractions like noise and flexible seating.
- View overly stimulating classrooms as "child warehouses", not innovative learning spaces.