How does the brain actually learn or remember something new? In this fascinating episode of Literacy in Color, Dr. Shane Saeed joins Michelle to break down the Science of Learning in a way that’s simple, practical, and classroom-ready.

Shane is an Elementary ELA Curriculum Coordinator, national presenter, and author who has spent years helping teachers translate research into action. Together, they explore how memory, retrieval, metacognition, and productive struggle shape student learning, and how teachers can design instruction that sticks.

Key Takeaways:

• The difference between short-term, working, and long-term memory
• The importance of retrieval practice, as well as paced and interleaved practice to deepen understanding
• What metacognition looks like in the classroom (and why it’s critical for student ownership)
• How to design lessons that minimize cognitive overload and maximize retention
• Why “desirable difficulties” are the sweet spot between challenge and frustration

Whether you teach kindergarten phonics or high school history, this episode will leave you with practical takeaways and a renewed appreciation for how the brain learns best.

Resources Mentioned:

• Powerful Teaching by Dr. Pooja Agarwal & Patrice Bain
• Smart Teaching, Stronger Learning by Pooja Agarwal
• Retrieval Practice by Kate Jones
• Outsmart Your Brain by Dan Willingham
• Uncommon Sense Teaching by Barbara Oakley, Beth Rogowsky, & Terrence Sejnowski
• Harnessing the Science of Learning by Nathaniel Swain

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Dr. Shane Saeed:

• Instagram:  @drshanesaeed
• TikTok: @drshanesaeed
• Twitter/X: @drshanesaeed
• Check out her book: Be the Flame

Connect with Me:

• Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
• Join our Facebook Community
• Sign up for my Newsletter
• Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
• Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
• Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

• Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

• Take our Course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator