The Science of Learning

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Valentina Devid joins us to explore the power of coaching and the role it can play in supporting teachers and improving professional development. We discuss what effective coaching looks like in schools, how it can help teachers refine their practice, and why creating a culture of continuous development benefits both staff and students. Tune in for pract...

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Jon Hutchinson explores the concept of belonging and why it matters so much for learning, engagement and student success. We discuss the research behind a sense of belonging, how schools can create environments where students feel valued and connected, and the role belonging plays in attendance, motivation and achievement. 📘 Looking for more on Sense of...

In this episode of The Science of Learning, we’re joined by Paul Givan, Northern Ireland’s Education Minister, to explore the books and reports that have shaped his thinking and influenced education policy across the department. As Minister of Education since 2024, Givan has overseen major reform discussions around assessment, school improvement and system-wide change. We discuss the evidence, ide...

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Sarah Cottinghatt explores what makes professional development truly effective for teachers and school leaders. We discuss the research behind impactful CPD, why implementation matters more than one-off training sessions, and how schools can create professional learning that leads to lasting improvements in teaching and learning. Tune in for practical, e...

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Nick Gibb explores the research and ideas that have shaped his thinking on education. We explore his three favourite studies and books, including the work of Daniel T. Willingham and E. D. Hirsch, and the impact these have had on approaches to curriculum, memory, and learning. Tune in for insights and practical takeaways you can use in the classroom toda...

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Dr Claire Badger explores cold-calling, and why it can be a powerful tool for improving student engagement and thinking. We explore research on how cold-calling supports attention, participation, and deeper learning, as well as the conditions that make it most effective in the classroom. Tune in for insights and practical takeaways you can use in the cla...

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Caroline Spencer explores reading and the processes that help students make sense of text. We explore research on how background knowledge and vocabulary support reading comprehension, the role of fluency in developing confident readers, and evidence on the strategies that can help students engage more effectively with what they read. Tune in for insight...

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Jade Pearce explores the power of Retrieval Practice for boosting learning and memory. We explore research showing how testing yourself improves retention more than restudying, why spacing and effortful retrieval strengthen memory, and how subtle factors like hint strength influence its effectiveness. Tune in for insights and practical takeaways you can...

In this episode of The Science of Learning, we're joined by the Professor John Hattie live at our Teaching & Learning Summit. We're big fans, so in this episode we're exploring our three favourite studies by Hattie, on feedback, AI in education and that old classic, Learning Styles. Tune in for insights and practical takeaways you can use in the classroom today. Find out more about...

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Daisy Christodoulou explores the rapidly evolving role of AI in education. We explore research revealing the risks and benefits of AI for learning, including effects on memory, understanding, and academic integrity. Tune in for insights and practical takeaways you can use in the classroom today. Find out more about ⁠InnerDrive⁠ and ⁠The Teacher CPD Acade...

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Amarbeer Singh Gill explores Cognitive Science and the beliefs that shape how we learn. Brad and Amarbeer explore research on how teachers’ beliefs about memory compare with empirical evidence, a study on teachers’ understanding of memory and learning, and evidence on how students actually use and understand memory strategies. Tune in for insights and pr...

The Science of Learning is a podcast exploring the research behind how we learn and what it means for real classrooms. In this first episode, Bradley Busch and Edward Watson introduce the show, share why it exists and outline what listeners can expect, from Cognitive Science insights to practical strategies and conversations with leading voices in education. Find out more: innerdrive.co.uk