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.
In this episode of The Science of Learning, Paul Cline joins us to explore schema theory and how students organise knowledge to make sense of new information.
We discuss the research behind schema theory, how prior knowledge influences learning, and why helping students build well-organised knowledge structures can support understanding, memory and long-term learning.
Tune in for evidence-informed insights into schema theory, cognitive science and effective classroom practice.
📘 Want to help your students build stronger knowledge and understanding? Explore our evidence-informed student workshops here! (https://www.innerdrive.co.uk/workshop-type/student-workshops/)
🎓 Want more evidence-informed CPD for teachers and school leaders? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy here! (https://www.teachercpdacademy.com/?lp=homepage)
7 Oct 2026
S2 E3: Prior Knowledge with Daisy Christodoulou
In this episode of The Science of Learning, Daisy Christodoulou joins us to explore the importance of prior knowledge and how it influences students’ learning and understanding.
We discuss the research behind prior knowledge, why what students already know can have such a significant impact on their ability to learn new information, and how teachers can help students build the knowledge they need to succeed.
Tune in for evidence-informed insights into prior knowledge, memory and effective classroom practice.
📘 Want to help your students build stronger knowledge? Explore our evidence-informed student workshops here! (https://www.innerdrive.co.uk/workshop-type/student-workshops/)
🎓 Want more evidence-informed CPD for teachers and school leaders? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy here! (https://www.teachercpdacademy.com/?lp=homepage&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=adhd-autism)
23 Sept 2026
S2 E2: Test Anxiety with Mike Hobbiss
In this episode of The Science of Learning, Mike Hobbiss joins us to explore test anxiety and how it can affect students’ experiences and performance in school.
We discuss the research behind test anxiety, why some students may experience it more than others, and what teachers and schools can do to support students in managing anxiety around tests and assessments.
Tune in for evidence-informed insights into test anxiety, assessment and supporting students to approach tests with greater confidence.
📘 Want to learn more about evidence-informed approaches to supporting students? Explore our student workshops here! (https://www.innerdrive.co.uk/workshop-type/student-workshops/)
🎓 Want more evidence-informed CPD for teachers and school leaders? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy here! (https://www.teachercpdacademy.com/)
9 Sept 2026
S2 E1: Interleaving with Amarbeer Singh Gill
In this episode of The Science of Learning, Amarbeer Singh Gill joins us to explore interleaving and how this evidence-informed learning strategy can support students’ long-term retention and understanding.
We discuss the research behind interleaving, why mixing different topics or types of problems can improve learning, and how teachers can use interleaving effectively in the classroom.
Tune in for evidence-informed insights into interleaving, long-term learning and effective classroom practice.
📘 Want to learn more about spacing and interleaving? Read our guide on Spacing and Interleaving here! (https://www.innerdrive.co.uk/blog/spacing-and-interleaving/)
🎓 Want more evidence-informed CPD for teachers and school leaders? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy here! (https://www.teachercpdacademy.com/)
15 Jul 2026
12. Independent Learning with Paul Cline
Host Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath interviews Paul Cline, exploring practical strategies to cultivate confident, motivated, and self-regulated independent learners in schools.
1 Jul 2026
11. Coaching with Valentina Devid
Host Brad Cooper interviews coach Valentina Devid about how effective coaching enhances teacher practice and fosters continuous professional development in schools.
17 Jun 2026
10. Sense of Belonging with Jon Hutchinson
Host Brad Cooper interviews Jon Hutchinson, exploring how a sense of belonging drives student learning, engagement, and success in schools.
3 Jun 2026
9. Paul Givan - 3 Books/Reports That Influenced Department Policy
Host Michael Chaskalson interviews Paul Givan, Northern Ireland's Education Minister, about influential books and reports shaping education policy and practice.
20 May 2026
8. Professional Development with Sarah Cottinghatt
Host Brad Cooper interviews educator Sarah Cottinghatt about research-backed strategies for effective professional development that drives lasting improvements in teaching and learning.
6 May 2026
7. Nick Gibb's Three Most Influential Books and Studies
Host Nick Gibb shares his three most influential books and studies, revealing how they shape his educational insights on curriculum and memory.
22 Apr 2026
6. Cold-Calling with Dr Claire Badger
Host Brad Cooper interviews Dr. Claire Badger about how strategic cold-calling enhances student engagement and deeper learning in the classroom.
8 Apr 2026
5. Reading with Caroline Spencer
Host Dr. Tracy Alloway interviews reading expert Caroline Spencer about how background knowledge, vocabulary, and fluency build comprehension and engagement in young readers.
25 Mar 2026
4. Retrieval Practice with Jade Pearce
Host Brad Cooper interviews learning expert Jade Pearce about how retrieval practice significantly enhances learning and memory retention.
11 Mar 2026
3. Our Favourite Studies by Professor John Hattie
Host Brad Cooper interviews Professor John Hattie about his impactful studies on feedback, AI in education, and learning styles.
25 Feb 2026
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 (https://www.innerdrive.co.uk/) and The Teacher CPD Academy (https://www.teachercpdacademy.com/).
Check out the studies Daisy and Brad talked about:
Generative AI Without Guardrails Can Harm Learning (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4895486), The Memory Paradox (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5250447), Testing of detection tools for AI-generated text (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40979-023-00146-z)
11 Feb 2026
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 (https://www.innerdrive.co.uk/blog/guide-to-cognitive-science/)
Find out more about InnerDrive (https://www.innerdrive.co.uk/) and The Teacher CPD Academy (https://www.teachercpdacademy.com/).
Check out the studies Amarbeer and Brad talked about:
Improving students’ learning with effective learning techniques (https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2013-00960-002)
Teachers’ beliefs about memory - what are the implications for in-service teacher education? (https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/70165/1/Firth_PER_2018_Teachers_beliefs_about_memory.pdf)
An Evaluation of Secondary School Students’ Use and Understanding of Learning Strategies (https://research.bangor.ac.uk/en/publications/an-evaluation-of-secondary-school-students-use-and-understanding-/)
6 Feb 2026
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 (https://www.innerdrive.co.uk/)
Who has been a guest on The Science of Learning
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Paul Cline
Valentina Devid
Jon Hutchinson
Paul Givan
Sarah Cottinghatt
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.3 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
14 ratings
Contact The Science of Learning
Guest appearances
Books guests
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