The Science of Learning

InnerDrive

Hosted by Bradley Busch, The Science of Learning Podcast explores the latest research in Cognitive Science, educational psychology, teaching and learning, evidence-informed practice and teacher CPD. Each episode features leading researchers, teachers and school leaders discussing topics such as memory, Retrieval Practice, Metacognition, motivation, behaviour, attendance, belonging, wellbeing, student learning and much more! Discover what the research really says and how to apply it in schools, classrooms and everyday teaching practice. Educational research made practical.

Episodes

  1. 10. Sense of Belonging with Jon Hutchinson

    2d ago

    10. Sense of Belonging with Jon Hutchinson

    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 Belonging? Explore our latest Ofsted framework analysis on Inclusion by clicking here! 🎓 Want more evidence-informed CPD for teachers and school leaders? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy. Check out the studies Jon and Brad discussed here: Social categorization and similarity in intergroup behaviour’, Breaking the Cycle of Mistrust, A Brief Social-Belonging Intervention Improves Academic and Health Outcomes of Minority Students

    1h 4m
  2. 9. Paul Givan - 3 Books/Reports That Influenced Department Policy

    Jun 3

    9. Paul Givan - 3 Books/Reports That Influenced Department Policy

    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, ideas and research that have informed key policy decisions, how educational reports make their way from theory into practice, and what policymakers look for when deciding which recommendations to act upon. 📚 Explore our collection of recommended books on education, leadership and school improvement here! 🎓 Want more high-quality CPD? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy here!

    38 min
  3. 8. Professional Development with Sarah Cottinghatt

    May 20

    8. Professional Development with Sarah Cottinghatt

    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, evidence-informed insights on professional development, teacher learning and school improvement. 📘 Download our free CPD planning toolkit by clicking here! 🎓 Want more high-quality CPD? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy here! Check out the studies Sarah and Brad were chatting about: Kraft and Papay 2014Sims et al 2025Tucholka and Gold 2025

    42 min
  4. 7. Nick Gibb's Three Most Influential Books and Studies

    May 6

    7. Nick Gibb's Three Most Influential Books and Studies

    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 today. Find out more about InnerDrive and The Teacher CPD Academy.

    48 min
  5. 6. Cold-Calling with Dr Claire Badger

    Apr 22

    6. Cold-Calling with Dr Claire Badger

    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 classroom today. Find out more about InnerDrive and The Teacher CPD Academy. Check out the studies Claire and Brad were chatting about: Sedova, K., & Sedlacek, M. (2023). How vocal and silent forms of participation in combination relate to student achievement. Dallimore, E. J., Hertenstein, J. H., & Platt, M. B. (2013). Impact of cold-calling on student voluntary participation. Dallimore, Elise & Hertenstein, Julie & Platt, Marjorie. (2019). Leveling the Playing Field: How Cold-Calling Affects Class Discussion Gender Equity. Journal of Education and Learning.

    46 min
  6. 5. Reading with Caroline Spencer

    Apr 8

    5. Reading with Caroline Spencer

    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 insights and practical takeaways you can use in the classroom today. To find out more check out the full course on The Teacher CPD Academy, click here!

    34 min
  7. 4. Retrieval Practice with Jade Pearce

    Mar 25

    4. Retrieval Practice with Jade Pearce

    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 use in the classroom today. Find out more about InnerDrive and The Teacher CPD Academy. Check out the studies Jade and Brad were chatting about: Test-enhanced learning: taking memory tests improves long-term retention Testing (Quizzing) Boosts Classroom Learning The effect of hint strength on the benefits of retrieval practice

    45 min
  8. 3. Our Favourite Studies by Professor John Hattie

    Mar 11

    3. Our Favourite Studies by Professor John Hattie

    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 ⁠InnerDrive⁠ and ⁠The Teacher CPD Academy⁠. Check out the studies John and Brad talked about: The Power of Feedback The Future of AI in Education: 13 Things We Can Do to Minimize the Damage Learning Styles, Preferences, or Strategies? Other Resources The Scaffolding Effect by Rachel Ball & Alex Fairlamb

    43 min
  9. 2. AI in Education with Daisy Christodoulou

    Feb 25

    2. AI in Education with Daisy Christodoulou

    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 Academy⁠. Check out the studies Daisy and Brad talked about: Generative AI Without Guardrails Can Harm Learning, The Memory Paradox, Testing of detection tools for AI-generated text

    46 min
  10. 1. Cognitive Science with Amarbeer Singh Gill

    Feb 11

    1. Cognitive Science with Amarbeer Singh Gill

    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 practical takeaways you can use in the classroom today. To carry on learning about Cognitive Science, check out our blog: A beginner's guide to Cognitive Science Find out more about InnerDrive and The Teacher CPD Academy. Check out the studies Amarbeer and Brad talked about: Improving students’ learning with effective learning techniques Teachers’ beliefs about memory - what are the implications for in-service teacher education? An Evaluation of Secondary School Students’ Use and Understanding of Learning Strategies

    35 min
  11. An Introduction to The Science of Learning Podcast with Edward Watson

    Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    An Introduction to The Science of Learning Podcast with Edward Watson

    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

    7 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Hosted by Bradley Busch, The Science of Learning Podcast explores the latest research in Cognitive Science, educational psychology, teaching and learning, evidence-informed practice and teacher CPD. Each episode features leading researchers, teachers and school leaders discussing topics such as memory, Retrieval Practice, Metacognition, motivation, behaviour, attendance, belonging, wellbeing, student learning and much more! Discover what the research really says and how to apply it in schools, classrooms and everyday teaching practice. Educational research made practical.

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