Description
How do students actually learn—and why do so many well-intentioned instructional strategies fall flat? What would change if classroom practices truly aligned with how the brain processes, retains, and transfers learning? Decades of cognitive science research reveal that many popular teaching practices are ineffective—even though they feel engaging. At the same time, small, research-aligned instructional shifts can dramatically improve retention, understanding, and long-term learning for students across grade levels. Join Melissa Mann as she leads a K—12 book study inspired by Uncommon Sense Teaching, translating complex cognitive science into practical, classroom-ready strategies. This session helps educators move beyond learning myths and align instruction with how students actually learn—without adding more to their plates. Participants will explore key ideas from the book, reflect on current practices, and identify high-leverage shifts that support deeper learning, transfer, and student success. The session is designed for classroom teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders looking to ground their work in research while keeping it realistic and actionable.
Objectives
Identify key concepts from cognitive science that influence student learning. Explain how principles from Uncommon Sense Teaching apply across grade levels and content areas. Use research-based strategies to adjust instructional practices in real classroom settings. Examine current teaching strategies to determine alignment with how the brain learns best. Assess the effectiveness of instructional approaches using evidence from cognitive science. Develop a plan to share research-backed strategies with colleagues and families to support consistent instruction. "‹
