In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Nathaniel Swain. He returns for the third time and this time it’s to unpack his new book Harnessing the Science of Learning. However, as you will hear, they actually go beyond the book and dig into some of the critical considerations that schools and teachers need to be making. They explore how to make teaching and learning the top priority in your school, reclaiming valuable instructional time often lost to distractions. They also unpack the essential elements of effective literacy and numeracy instruction, going beyond the surface level to understand the importance of a knowledge-rich curriculum, explicit teaching techniques, and structured implementation processes.
They look at why teaching should be “Fun in the service of learning, not in spite of Learning” and some of the common barriers that school leaders face when initiating change.
Resources mentioned:
- Think Forward Educators
- Bentleigh West PS
- Riverwood PS
- Churchill PS
- Challis Community PS
- Steve Capp
- Lyn Stone
- David Morkunas
- Core Knowledge Foundation
- Toni Hattan-Rober\ts
- Tom Sherrington
- Dr. Zach Groshell
- Dr. Simon Breakspear
- Katie Roberts-Hull
- Helen Hughes
You can connect with Nathaniel:
Twitter: @NathanielRSwain
Order Nathaniel’s book, “Harnessing the Science of Learning“
Website: www.nathanielswain.com
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
About Nathaniel Swain
Dr Nathaniel Swain brings a myriad of experiences and expertise to his role as Senior Lecturer, Learning Sciences and Learner Engagement and Director of Academic Programs – Undergraduate. Originally educated as a linguist and speech-language pathologist, Nathaniel became a classroom teacher to pursue his lifelong dream of teaching students so every child can achieve their best. Drawing upon his linguistics, instructional coaching, and even his performing arts expertise, Nathaniel creates effective and engaging learning environments for any student with whom he works, and he is highly sought after in schools and systems around Australia.
Dr Swain has significant practical and theoretical experience, having worked as Head of Teaching and Learning and Instructional Coach across secondary and primary settings in Victoria. He has received several prestigious awards in his career including: the Learning Difficulties Australia Mona Tobias Award (2023), Engagement Excellence and Teaching Excellence Awards (2018), and the 2016 Three Minute Thesis Competition (Winner, University of Melbourne Grand Final; and Runner-Up, Asia-Pacific Final).
Dr Nathaniel Swain founded and spear-headed the influential Think Forward Educators community. Now a registered charity, this organisation provides quality professional learning, guidance, and networking for teachers and educators across Australia. With more than 23,000 members nationally, Think Forward is an influential force for supporting teachers to learn about, adopt, and refine the practices that align with the Science of Learning.
Nathaniel is a blogger and writer, producing a newsletter for teachers called the Cognitorium, and has released a book for school leaders and educators, entitled Harnessing the Science of Learning: Success Stories to Kickstart Your School Improvement.