Posts tagged science of learning
Harnessing the Science of Learning

Book Review, by Matt Pittman

Harnessing the Science of Learning by Nathaniel Swain, PhD is an engaging guide for educators and leaders aiming to enhance teaching practices through evidence-based strategies. Dr Swain, a Senior Lecturer in Learning Sciences at La Trobe University, brings his extensive experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and researcher to this work, offering practical approaches for key areas of school improvement.

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Dr Swain and the Brain

The Community Connection Podcast, February 6, 2025, with Nathaniel Provencio and co-host Dr. Eric Worcester

In this episode of The Community Connection, we sit down with Dr. Nathaniel Swain, author of Harnessing the Science of Learning: Success Stories to Help Kickstart Your School Improvement. Dr. Swain, a leading expert in learning sciences, shares insights on bridging research and practice to enhance teaching and student outcomes. We explore key strategies from his book, real-world success stories, and how educators can apply cognitive science to transform their classrooms. Don’t miss this engaging conversation on the power of evidence-based teaching!

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How to Guarantee you are using a Deep Knowledge Curriculum

Have a Life Teaching Podcast, February 4, 2025, with John Schembari

In some schools, curriculum is prescribed. In other places, teachers put together their own learning materials.

In either case, how do we know that what we are providing students, in terms of materials and content, will promote learning acquisition, extend thinking, and foster creativity? How do we know that it aligns with the science of learning?

In this episode, my guest Nathanial Swain, professor of teaching at La Trobe University and author of the book "Harnassing the Science of Learning", discuss the elements that should be in any knowledge rich curriculum.

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Prioritising What Matters: A Deep Dive into the Science of Learning

Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Season 2, Episode 21, November 17, 2024, with Brendan Lee

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Nathaniel Swain. He returns for the third time and this time it’s to unpack his new book Harnessing the Science of Learning. However, as you will hear, they actually go beyond the book and dig into some of the critical considerations that schools and teachers need to be making. They explore how to make teaching and learning the top priority in your school, reclaiming valuable instructional time often lost to distractions. They also unpack the essential elements of effective literacy and numeracy instruction, going beyond the surface level to understand the importance of a knowledge-rich curriculum, explicit teaching techniques, and structured implementation processes.

They look at why teaching should be “Fun in the service of learning, not in spite of Learning” and some of the common barriers that school leaders face when initiating change.

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Bonus: Harnessing the Science of Learning

Melissa and Lori Love Literacy Podcast, Bonus Episode, November 5, 2024, with Melissa and Lori

The science of learning is what research says about how our brains learn. 
In this episode, Nathaniel Swain discusses the science of learning, emphasizing its connection with the science of reading. 

 He shares:

  • key mindset shifts for teachers

  • the significance of coherent curriculum planning

  • practical strategies like using mini whiteboards and advanced organizers to enhance student engagement and understanding

He also highlights the need for responsive whole-class instruction and the importance of closing learning gaps early in students' educational journeys.

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Whole Class Teaching

On the road to literacy success, August 15, 2024, with Staci Bain

Welcome back to another episode of Educate's "On the Road to Literacy Success"!

We're thrilled to have you with us as we dive back into the heart of literacy instruction. In Part 2, we're continuing our engaging conversation with the insightful Dr. Nathaniel Swain.

In this episode, we’ll explore the dynamics of whole group teaching, break down the literacy block, and discuss why it's essential to stay flexible and adaptable in your teaching approach. If you're interested in diving deeper into whole class teaching, be sure to check out Dr. Swain's website at nathanialswain.com, grab a copy of his new book, "Harnessing the Science of Learning", and don't forget to visit me, Staci, at GoodHumansEducate.com for your Tier 1 strategy, professional learning, resources, and more.

So, get ready for some valuable insights—let's take a listen, good human!

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Learning Matters: Carla Chit Chats with Dr Nathaniel Swain

Learning Matters, August 2, 2024, with Carla McNeil

Dr Nathaniel Swain is a Teacher, Instructional Coach, and Writer. He works as a Senior Lecturer in Learning Sciences at La Trobe University School of Education and SOLAR LAB, and he produces a blog for teachers called Dr Swain’s Cognitorium. Nathaniel has taught a range of learners in schools and universities and founded a community of teachers committed to the Science of Learning: THINK FORWARD EDUCATORS, now 23,000 members and growing. Dr Swain is a sought-after speaker on educational circuits and has a new book in 2024 entitled “Harnessing the Science of Learning: Success stories to help kickstart your school improvement”.

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Keys to understanding: Video Q&A

The Bell Ringer, July 13, 2024, with Holly Korbey

Hi, welcome to the Bell Ringer's very first video interview with an expert. I'm journalist Holly Korbey and I'm really excited to have Dr. Nathaniel Swain here today. He's an instructional coach and researcher and author of the book Harnessing the Science of Learning. He's a senior lecturer of learning sciences and learning engagement at La Trobe University School of Education located in Melbourne, Australia, which is where he's at today.

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Dr. Nathaniel Swain On Developing Great Writing Skills

Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Season 2, Episode 04, March 9, 2024, with Brendan Lee

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Nathaniel Swain. He currently works at La Trobe University as a Senior Lecturer, Learning Sciences and Learner Engagement and the Director of Undergraduate Academic Programs. He is also the founder of Think Forward Educators. Nathaniel first appeared on the Knowledge for Teachers podcast in season 1 episode 20 and unpacked some of the FAQ about the science of learning. This time they delve into the messy world of teaching writing. He explains how writing is a complex skill and provides practical strategies for sequencing the teaching of grammar and integrating writing into the curriculum.

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Report reveals how Australian kids could improve their ‘dismal’ test performances

3AW Melbourne, February 15, 2024, with Ross and Russel

A report has revealed how Australian school kids could improve their “dismal” test performances.

Senior lecturer and director of Academic Programs at La Trobe University, Dr Nathaniel Swan, says there are schools who have changed the way they teach students.

“And you can get better results as a result,” he told Ross and Russel.

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Supporting teachers in implementing the Science of Learning

Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Episode 21, September 10, 2023, with Brendan Lee

Listen to this live coaching workshop on implementing the science of learning with Dr. Nathaniel Swain and Brendan Lee.

In this session, you will hear from real teachers discussing their real-world challenges in implementing the science of learning. Dr Nathaniel Swain and Brendan Lee then guide the teachers and school leaders through some possible solutions, taking an evidence-informed approach. First, you hear from Ainsley from Mary Mede Catholic College in Victoria who has started to implement a number of evidence-supported strategies and programs but has hit a bit of a plateau. Then you will hear from Sarah and Iona from St. Andrews in Cairns who are right at the start of their science of learning journey.

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Fluency Instructional Routines

Melissa and Lori Love Literacy Podcast, Episode 154, July 14, 2023, with Melissa and Lori

What if you could unlock the secrets to fluency instruction in literacy, and transform your students into confident and skilled readers? Join us as we delve into this crucial topic with Nathaniel Swain, Senior Lecturer at La Trobe University in Australia, who shares his expertise on the three components of fluency: speed, accuracy, and prosody.

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