Powerful Learning Podcast

Want to study smarter, remember more, and achieve better results? In this episode, I share seven proven, research-backed strategies from the science of learning that can help you plan, monitor, and control your own learning like an expert. These are the high-impact study skills that top students use to become their own best teachers – and now you can too! These aren’t quick hacks. They’re evidence...

We explore one of the most powerful and underrated concepts in education: Self-Regulated Learning. Backed by decades of research, Self-Regulated Learning goes beyond “study tips” and reveals how expert learners take charge of their thinking, motivation, and environment to master any subject. Drawing on foundational theories, cognitive models, and affective science, this video unpacks what Self-Reg...

We take a critical look at some of the biggest problems with IQ testing: from statistical circularity and cultural bias, to inflated correlations and ethical misuse. Drawing on emerging research, historical controversies, and new theoretical frameworks, we explore 7 major critiques of intelligence measurement today (and a 'BONUS' at the end).💡 Along the way, we cover:• Why many IQ tests may be me...

In this episode, we take a measured look at the history, science, and ongoing debate surrounding IQ testing. From the early days of phrenology and Galton’s eugenic ideas to the development of modern psychometric models like the Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory, we trace how intelligence has been defined, measured, and contested over time. No pseudoscientific hyperbole;just some balanced, nuanced, and e...

Does intelligence even matter? And what role does IQ play in this? Can we use IQ scores to predict important life outcomes for people and populations? Ever wondered why intelligence matters—and why it’s both powerful and controversial? This podcast tackles these tricky questions by exploring what intelligence means for education, career success, social relationships, health, and even who we choose...

What is Intelligence? 🧠Ever wondered what intelligence really means — and why it matters so much for school, work, and life? This episode takes you on a journey from the wax tablets of ancient Greece to modern neuroscience, exploring the story of human intelligence - good, bad, and indifferent. This is the audio extract. If you'd like to watch the original video, please access it here: https:...

Are we entering an age of Artificial Intelligence… or Human Stupidity? In this provocative recording, Dr. Luke Rowe takes us on a tour of the most pressing questions in education today. With clarity and balance, he explores how AI is not just transforming how we teach—but threatening how we think. AI poses both risks for stupidity and opportunities for intelligence like we've never seen befor...

In this episode (Part 2 of 2), we dive even deeper into the science of intelligence and how Google's Notebook LM measures up. Dr. Luke Rowe continues to put Google's Notebook LM podcast feature to the test, exploring cutting-edge research on how intelligence develops, changes, and can be nurtured throughout life. From the genetics of intelligence to the impact of emotions and brain healt...

In this episode (Part 1 of 2), an intelligence expert puts Google's new Notebook LM podcast feature to the test. Join Dr. Luke Rowe, as we listen to a podcast on the topic of intelligence that was generated by Google's Gemini LLM via Notebook LM. Can we trust AI to give us an accurate account of human (and non-human) intelligence? Where does AI go wrong and what does it get right? We&apo...

Are you really learning as effectively as you think, or are hidden mental shortcuts holding you back? This episode involves a 'Masterclass' in which we unpack the world of cognitive biases and mental bottlenecks in learning—those subtle psychological tendencies that skew how we perceive, absorb, and evaluate information. What You’ll Learn: • Spot Your Blind Spots: How confirmation bias k...

The Ultimate Guide to Learning Anything Better - with Scott H. Young's "Get Better at Anything: 12 Maxims for Mastery" (Book Summary and Review; see original YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/w63A7WvR9bo?si=_4VKhP7YY7qTSyh0) In this episode of Powerful Learning, we take a look at some of the biggest insights from Scott H. Young's transformative book, "Get Better at Anyt...

Ever wondered why we forget more than we remember? Why do memories with personal meaning tend to stick? Are memories more about the past, the present, or the future? In Professor Charan Ranganath’s groundbreaking book, Why We Remember, these secrets are uncovered as we discover how our brains shape our memories to help us navigate the world. In this episode, we explore five BIG ideas from Ranganat...

🎓 5 Scientifically Proven Study Tips for Success, Ace Your Exams, and Get Into College with Dr. Luke Rowe 🎓 This is an abridged version of the episode and the discussion about the scientific literature in support of these study tips has been edited out. If you'd like to hear the extended version, see the previously published epside. Unlock your full potential with these 5 powerful study tip...

In this episode, we explore the powerful role of metacognition in learning and education. Metacognition, or "monitoring and regulating our thought processes," is a critical skill that helps students become more aware of their learning processes, enabling them to self-regulate, improve performance, and ultimately become independent learners. This episode is the third and final part of a 3...

🎓 5 Proven Study Tips to Ace Your Exams and Get into College (Backed by Science) | EXTRA EVIDENCE EDITION with Learning Scientist and University Lecturer, Dr. Luke Rowe. This is the 'extended edition' with extra discussion of the scientific evidence in support of the 5 study tips. If you'd prefer to skip this extended edition and go straight to the study tips without all of the sci...

Unlock the secrets to powerful learning with our deep dive into ‘Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning’, by by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, Mark A. McDaniel. In this book review, we discover how to transform your study habits with these 5 evidence-based strategies: 1. Retrieval Practice: Move beyond rereading and embrace active recall for lasting memory. 2. Interleaving: Mix...

Rethinking How We Learn: The Power of Deep and Meaningful Learning Join me on another learning adventure by rethinking how we learn. We'll investigate some extremely powerful theories and techniques about the brain and the science of learning. Discover Friston's Bayesian Brain, Ausubel’s Meaningful Learning, and Craik and Lockhart's Levels of Processing theories can transform your u...

Level-up your learning and unlock your expertise with Luke's R.I.D.E Model of Powerful Practice to help you master ANYTHING! (Part 2 of 3) This video is the second part of a 3-part Learning and Teaching seminar series at the Australian Catholic University (Part 2 of 3): The Elevating Learning Seminar Series, presented by Dr Luke Rowe. It was originally presented at ACU on the 9th of August, 2...

  Mastering Influence: Brain-Based Strategies for Impactful Learning Welcome to the "Powerful Learning Podcast"! 🌟 In this episode, I summarize some big ideas from the book Stop Talking, Start Influencing: 12 Insights from Brain Science to Make Your Message Stick by Dr. Jared Cooney-Horvath. This book is a treasure trove of practical tips and scientific principles to enhance your influe...

In this evidence-rich episode we are joined by our guest, A/Professor Sean Kang, as we explore scientifically proven principles of practice to supercharge your learning journey.  Sean is a cognitive psychologist whose research focuses on applying the cognitive science of human learning and memory towards improving instructional practice. He has written and published extensively on the topics of ef...

What's the purpose of education? Could it have something to do with human flourishing? In this episode, we invite guest and human flourishing expert, Dr. Kylie Trask-Kerr, to explore the topic of human flourishing in various educational contexts, including at the level of individuals, classrooms, schools, and broader communities. Kylie is an experienced educator at both the secondary and tert...

EXTENDED VERSION This is an extended version of episode 14, with Dr. Mike Witter.  It's been provided to support those of you who would like to take a deeper dive into the notion of 'teacher quality'.  Some additional topics that we discuss on this extended version include:  Teacher-performance pay Professional Learning and Development to Improve Teacher Quality How would Mike spend...

What does it mean to be a good teacher? This is a multifaceted concept that has been the subject of research for over a century. While we've made significant progress, there are still many questions that remain unanswered about the purpose of education, the distinction between teacher quality and quality teaching, how to measure effective teaching, and most importantly, how to improve and ups...

How much classroom discussion involves the teacher talking compared to their students? For most teachers, the reality is sobering: the typical teacher spends far more time talking and asking questions than their students and this is often detrimental to learning and engagement. Sadly, research even suggests that some students can go through an entire school day without sharing a single conversatio...

Have you ever heard of the ‘ feedback sandwich ’?  What about the idea that the best feedback is often given immediately after performance and without delay?  And if feedback is simply a transfer of information from one person to another, then why does the research suggest that feedback given is often vastly different from feedback received? In this episode, we'll discuss some of the topics i...