The truth behind learning, with Nathaniel Swain, Ph.D.
Science of Reading: The Podcast
Shownotes Transcript
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:
Book:* Harnessing the Science of Learning*)
Think Forward Educators)
Deans for Impact)
Listen: Chalk Dust )
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 timestamps02:00 Introduction: Who is Nathaniel Swain?03:00 Science of learning book11:00 Knowledge powers all learning15:00 Addressing common learning myths18:00 Knowledge retrieval21:00 Misconception: Productive struggle22:00 Misconception: “Preparing students for the 21st century”26:00 Enriching schema29:00 Background knowledge and confirmation bias30:00 Knowledge rich curriculum32:00 Knowledge that is manageable and achievable37:00 Skills AND knowledge44:00 Chalk Dust podcast45:00 Final thoughts and adviceTimestamps are approximate, rounded to nearest minute