What happens when teachers understand how learning really works?

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by Dr. Jim Heal, co-founder of Learning Science Partners, to talk about the science behind effective teaching. Dr. Heal explains why effortful thinking leads to stronger learning, challenges common myths about engagement, and shares how cognitive load, memory, and prior knowledge shape student success. The conversation offers a clear look at how learning science connects research to classroom decisions and helps teachers focus on what works.

Resources for Continued Learning

Inside the Work of Learning Science Partners

Co-founded by Dr. Jim Heal and Meg Lee, Learning Science Partners collaborates with schools and districts to bring research-backed teaching practices into daily instruction. Their work focuses on long-term partnerships, implementation support, and building shared language around how learning happens.

Books by Dr. Jim Heal

Dr. Heal’s books explore how research in learning science can directly shape what happens in classrooms, coaching, and leadership. Each title offers clear explanations of complex ideas, along with practical applications for educators:

Instructional Illusions

Co-authored with Paul Kirschner and others, this book challenges common myths about teaching and learning, offering evidence-based alternatives that support long-term retention and real understanding.

How Teaching Happens

A guided tour of key research on effective teaching, with clear summaries of seminal studies and what they mean for instructional practice today.

Mental Models: How Understanding the Mind Can Transform the Way You Work and Learn

A practical look at how mental models shape thinking, decision-making, and learning—designed to help educators and learners make smarter choices.

Dive Deeper with Dr. Heal

These selected articles expand on the ideas discussed in this episode—from cognitive load and effortful thinking to the real meaning of student engagement. Use them to reflect on your own practice and explore how learning science can sharpen instructional choices:

• Just Because They’re Engaged, It Doesn’t Mean They’re Learning (Chartered College of Teaching) - A closer look at the difference between visible engagement and lasting learning, and why teachers should focus on what students are thinking about—not just what they’re doing.
• If We Are Going to Teach, We Need to Know How People Learn (Holly Korbey) - Dr. Heal explains why learning science matters for every teacher and how understanding memory, attention, and cognitive processes can improve student outcomes.
• If You Want to Remember Something, Think Hard and Dig Deep (Harvard Graduate School of Education) - An exploration of effortful thinking and why the right kind of struggle leads to deeper, more durable learning.

During the episode, Dr. Heal highlights several groups working to bridge the gap between learning science and real-world teaching. Explore these organizations to deepen your understanding and connect with others doing this work:

• Learning and the Brain - Hosts conferences that bring educators and researchers together to explore how neuroscience can inform teaching.
• ResearchED – A global movement focused on making education research more accessible and useful for classroom teachers.
• Learning Forward - An organization dedicated to advancing professional learning that leads to student success.