How can we apply the science of learning to college-level teaching?

As someone who studies the science of learning at a postsecondary institution, often colleagues will find out what I do and ask, “Oh, well you’re a great person to ask: what’s the research say about X”? I do my best to be helpful, but it can be challenging to answer all the questions from all the peoples. Thankfully, Overson et al. (2023) have published an excellent compendium of the science of learning research and how it applies to postsecondary education. (It likely has lots of good info for primary and secondary education, also).

They titled their book: “In their own words: What scholars and teachers want you to know about why and how to apply the science of learning in your academic setting.” That’s an apt title because the chapters are by some of the leading researchers in each particular area of scholarship (e.g., Micki Chi wrote the chapter on the ICAP approach to teaching/learning, Sean King wrote the chapter on Interleaving, etc).

Also, I like the title because it reminds me of my favorite 80s power-ballad:

Ah, I remember, back in the day, playing this song on my guitar and people asking, “Oh wow, can you sing it, too?” Unfortunately, while I can hit the notes, you don’t want to hear me to so. Anyway, Overson et al’s book is truly worth “more than words” so check it out! (Sorry, that was a terrible pun!) Oh yeah, and the best part: it’s free!