4 Simple Ways to Bring the Science of Learning Into Your Classroom

Teachers are often bombarded with the latest and greatest in education, and trying to keep up with every new trend can be overwhelming. But good teaching isn't always about introducing a new strategy or overhauling the way a classroom works. Sometimes, it's about taking a closer look at familiar routines and unpacking what makes them work. When teachers consider the science of learning—how students process information, build memories, sustain attention, and more—they can make small adjustments that support deeper learning.

One place to start is with the directions students hear. When instructions are lengthy, confusing, or complicated, students use their working memory—the brain’s limited mental workspace—to simply figure out what to do next, instead of focusing on the thinking the task requires. By making procedures explicit, and keeping directions clear and specific, teachers can reduce unnecessary cognitive load and help students get right to work.

It’s also important to know that every student is engaged in an activity, not just the ones who raise their hands. After posing a question, giving students time to think before writing their responses on individual whiteboards allows for more processing time. And asking students to make their thinking visible allows teachers to check for understanding, identify misconceptions, and decide who may need more support.

Students also need regular opportunities to retrieve what they have learned. Instead of teaching a concept once and moving on, teachers should revisit it throughout the year. A weekly warm-up based on a previous unit, or a quick prompt asking students to recall key ideas without looking at their notes, helps strengthen memory and makes knowledge more durable.

Finally, building pauses into direct instruction makes space for students to absorb information better. After presenting important content, doing a quick “stop and jot” to allow students a couple of minutes to write down their thoughts on a related question gives them time to process information—and put it into their own words. 

Sometimes, the smallest adjustments can make the biggest difference in the classroom. To see a whole collection of videos on teaching strategies based on the science of learning, check out How Learning Happens: Instructional Shifts.