Richard Mayer, a distinguished educational psychologist, shares his profound insights on multimedia learning principles. He discusses how to design effective instructional materials that balance text and graphics while managing cognitive load. Mayer contrasts two approaches on media's role in learning outcomes and emphasizes generative learning for deeper understanding. He advocates for guided discovery over traditional methods to enhance retention and knowledge transfer, wrapping up with resources for educators to apply these strategies effectively.

Today, I am thrilled to host Lynn Gaffney on Progressively Incorrect, a passionate educator and leader known for her deep commitment to bridging research and practice in schools. Lynn brings a wealth of experience and a sharp focus on the science of learning, using evidence-informed strategies to drive meaningful outcomes for students and teachers alike. … Continue reading S4E26: Lynn Gaffney on Bridging Leadership and the Science of Learning

Join Daisy Christodoulou, an acclaimed author and education expert known for reshaping curriculum design and assessment, as she tackles pressing issues in education. She critiques traditional assessment methods and advocates for comparative judgment as a more objective alternative. Daisy also navigates the complexities of teacher evaluations and emphasizes the need for actionable feedback. Her insights reveal how to enhance assessment practices, ultimately aiming to improve learning outcomes in the classroom.

Today I am excited to be bringing you an episode of the DI podcast with Randi Saulter and Ann Baum. Randi and Ann are two passionate special education teachers who will take us through what Zig Engelmann called the “picky, picky” details of implementing DI in special education classrooms. This episode is chock full of … Continue reading S4E24: Randi Saulter and Ann Baum on DI in Special Education Settings

Join veteran educator Faith Borkowsky, founder of High Five Literacy, and Judy Boksner, a passionate literacy coach from NYC, as they dive into the hot topics in literacy. They discuss the implications of NAEP test results and the vital need for foundational literacy skills post-pandemic. Explore effective literacy strategies highlighted by district successes, especially in Louisiana. The duo also tackles the role of instructional coaching amid budget constraints and the need to adapt to new technologies in education, including AI.

J.R. Wilson, co-author of Traditional Math with a wealth of educational experience, teams up with Barry Garelick, a math educator with a unique federal government background. They delve into the nuances of effective math instruction, comparing traditional and modern teaching strategies. The duo navigates the challenges of overloaded curricula and emphasizes the need for balance between concepts and procedures. Their engaging anecdotes and practical strategies aim to transform math education, helping students build both enjoyment and ownership in the learning process.

Judith Hochman, founder of The Writing Revolution, joins Christine Teahan, co-director of academics, and Toni-Ann Vroom, co-CEO, to discuss transformative writing education. They delve into the success of explicit instruction techniques like the unelaborated paragraph strategy, aiding struggling students through structured practices. The guests highlight integrating writing across curricula and the cognitive load theory's role in learning. Their insights champion expository writing, empowering educators and building student confidence in communication.

Doug Carnine, a leading voice in evidence-based education and author of "Why Educators Resist Effective Practices," dives into the urgent need for effective teaching methods. He discusses systemic failures in education, particularly for low-income students, and the role of the Evidence Advocacy Center in promoting better outcomes. Carnine critiques curriculum decisions that prioritize aesthetics over learning efficacy and emphasizes the need for collaboration among stakeholders. He advocates for the Direct Instruction model and comprehensive training to empower educators and enhance educational standards.

In this engaging discussion, Gene Tavernetti, an expert in teaching and professional development, teams up with Zach Groshell to explore the crucial role of rehearsal in coaching. They delve into how modeling and interactive practice can transform professional development for teachers. The conversation highlights the importance of tailored coaching, constructive feedback, and building trust within educational environments. Additionally, they examine the delicate balance of providing feedback while maintaining teacher confidence, encouraging a supportive culture for continuous growth.

Blake Harvard, known as The Effortful Educator and author of "Do I Have Your Attention?", dives deep into cognitive psychology and its applications in education. He explains how memory plays a pivotal role in lesson planning and offers strategies to optimize classroom environments for better learning experiences. Harvard also discusses the importance of bridging the gap between academia and practical teaching, highlighting the value of engaging with educational research. Plus, he shares techniques like retrieval practice to enhance student memory and focus.