

Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works
Gene Tavernetti
Descriptions of effective teaching often depict an idealized form of "perfect" instruction. Yet, pursuing perfection in teaching, which depends on children's behavior, is ultimately futile. To be effective, lessons and educators need to operate with about 75% efficiency. The remaining 25% can be impactful, but expecting it in every lesson, every day, is unrealistic. Perfection in teaching may be unattainable, but progress is not. Whether you are aiming for the 75% effectiveness mark or striving for continuous improvement, this podcast will guide you in that endeavor.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 15, 2025 • 43min
The World of Math Competitions with Vida John
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.

Oct 8, 2025 • 46min
From the Archives: The Wider Implementation of the Science of Learning with Dr. Sarah Oberle
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.

Oct 1, 2025 • 42min
Lessons from Consulting - Thinking Out Loud #5
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.

Sep 25, 2025 • 43min
Leading Passionate Classroom Discussions on Controversial Topics with Ed Cabrera
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.

Sep 17, 2025 • 49min
Disseminating the Science of Learning to All Educators with Dr. Nidhi Sachdeva
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.

Sep 10, 2025 • 46min
"Equitable” Grading Through the Eyes of the Teacher with Dr. David Griffith
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.

Sep 3, 2025 • 55min
From the Archives: Using Micro Data to Inform Teachers with Dr. Jana Lee
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.

Aug 27, 2025 • 52min
Science Delivered with Dr. Olivia Mullins
In this episode Dr. Olivia Mullins describes the work she and her non-profit, Science Delivered, is doing to deliver science lessons to early elementary students. She discusses the challenges of delivering high quality science instruction when time for science instruction is scarce.
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.

Aug 20, 2025 • 32min
Building Confident Readers with Laura Patranella
In this discussion, Laura Patranella, a reading specialist and teacher with extensive experience in dyslexia instruction, shares her insights on the Science of Reading. She discusses her journey from classroom teacher to interventionist, outlining effective dyslexia programs and structured curriculum methods. Laura emphasizes the importance of blending decoding with comprehension to elevate student literacy while building teacher confidence. She also offers practical advice for supporting teacher retention and highlights key indicators that administrators should observe in classrooms.

Aug 13, 2025 • 47min
Scientists in the Making with Marcie Samayoa
Marcie Samayoa is a high school science teacher from Los Angeles, CA with nearly a decade of classroom experience. She is very passionate about bringing evidence-based practices into the classroom.Through her blog, Scientists in the Making, she shares practical strategies that integrate the science of learning with science instruction. She recently presented at ResearchEd New York, and will be presenting at RearchED Denver in September.X: Ms. Sam (@sciinthemaking) / XBlog: http://www.scientistsinthemaking.com
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.