Introduction
The science of teaching and learning offers invaluable insights for educators and instructional designers alike. This collection brings together research, practical strategies, and reflective discussions aimed at improving teaching practices and enhancing student learning outcomes.
From active learning in the humanities to evidence-based techniques like retrieval practice, these resources explore foundational concepts and innovative methods that can transform how we teach and learn. Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of metacognition, improve transparency in your courses, or explore the role of student beliefs in study habits, there's something here for every educator seeking to grow their craft.
Podcasts
Intentional Teaching: Active Learning in the Humanities
Derek Bruff with guests Todd Clary, Stephen Sansom, and Carolyn Aslan
Why you might like it
This episode discusses a case study involving the transformation of a Classical Studies course. It's a perfect intersection of my interests in classics and educational development. The episode explores how active learning approaches can be implemented in humanities courses traditionally taught through lectures.
Teaching in Higher Ed: Transparency in Learning and Teaching
Bonni Stachowiak with guest Kerry Mandulak
Why you might like it
This podcast offers practical discussion around transparency in teaching, with particular emphasis on syllabus design. Mandulak shares insights from the TILT Higher Ed framework (Transparency in Learning and Teaching) and demonstrates how making learning processes explicit improves student outcomes, particularly for first-generation and underrepresented students.
Books
Recentering Learning
Edited by Maggie Debelius, Joshua Kim, and Edward Maloney
Why you might like it
This book provides a balanced view of the pandemic's impact alongside broader disruptions in higher education. It brings together voices from across academia reflecting on transformation, innovation, and equity. Rather than simply documenting crisis response, the book offers a forward-looking perspective on reimagining education through the lens of student-centered design.
How Learning Happens
Paul A. Kirschner and Carl Hendrick
Why you might like it
Kirschner and Hendrick masterfully summarize major findings from educational psychology in accessible language. The book organizes 28 key works into thematic sections, providing practical classroom applications for each concept. I particularly recommend the chapters "Feed Up, Feedback, Feed Forward," "Culture of Learning," and "Direct Instruction" for their clear connections between theory and practice.
How Teaching Happens
Paul A. Kirschner, Carl Hendrick, and Oliver Caviglioli
Why you might like it
The follow-up to How Learning Happens, this volume focuses on instructional practices and teacher development. Particularly excellent chapters include "Teachers Are Made, Not Born" and "It's All About Alignment." The book combines research-informed insights with practical guidance, making complex teaching concepts accessible without oversimplification.
Teaching at Its Best
Linda B. Nilson
Why you might like it
Linda Nilson's comprehensive guide covers the full life cycle of teaching—from course planning and instructional methods to feedback and grading. A mentor first recommended it to me years ago, and it remains my go-to reference for practical teaching guidance. Now in its fourth edition, the book continually evolves to incorporate new research while maintaining its clear, actionable approach.
Articles
A Learning Method for All: Evidence from Behavioral and Neural Data
Meyer, A.N., Bommarito, M., Shane-Simpson, C., et al.
Why you might like it
This study on the testing effect shows how retrieval practice benefits all learners, regardless of ability level. Using both behavioral and fMRI data, the researchers demonstrated that retrieval practice is an effective learning strategy across different student populations. The paper makes a compelling case for incorporating regular low-stakes testing into educational settings as a tool for learning, not just assessment.
Metacognitive Awareness in Undergraduates: A Comparison of Psychology Majors and Other Majors
Jennifer McCabe
Why you might like it
McCabe's research reveals a fascinating disconnect between students' preferred learning strategies and those that are actually effective. The study found that while students were familiar with many learning strategies, they tended to favor less effective approaches like highlighting and rereading. However, with explicit instruction on evidence-based learning techniques, both awareness and learning outcomes improved significantly.
Which Techniques Do Students Actually Use? An Investigation of Secondary Students' Study Habits
Bartoszewski, B.L., & Gurung, R.A.R.
Why you might like it
This article explores the substantial gap between evidence-based learning techniques and the actual habits of secondary students. The research found that despite decades of evidence supporting strategies like distributed practice and retrieval practice, students predominantly use less effective methods like rereading and highlighting. The authors emphasize the need for explicit instruction in effective study strategies, as students don't naturally gravitate toward the most effective approaches.
What Predicts Study Quality? Exploring the Roles of Implicit Beliefs and Course Interest
Yan, V.X., & Wang, W.
Why you might like it
Yan and Wang's research connects implicit beliefs and course interest to effective strategy use, emphasizing the importance of teaching students not just to work hard—but to work smart. The study found that students who believe intelligence is malleable (growth mindset) and who have higher interest in course content are more likely to use effective study strategies. These findings suggest that addressing motivational factors alongside strategy instruction may be more effective than focusing solely on techniques.
I continually update this collection as I discover new resources. If you know of other valuable resources on teaching and learning that should be included here, please let me know.