Science of Reading Essentials: The Science of learning

Science of Reading Essentials: The Science of learning

From Science of Reading: The Podcast by Amplify Education

May 20, 2026 · 33 min

About this episode

This episode explores the science of learning, focusing on memory, cognitive load, and knowledge building in literacy instruction.

On this Science of Reading Essentials episode we're diving into the science of learning to explore how memory, cognitive load, and knowledge building can transform your literacy instruction. Host Susan Lambert, Ed.D., weaves in the insights of our experts—Natalie Wexler; Nathaniel Swain, Ph.D.; Hugh Catts, Ph.D.; Daniel Willingham, Ph.D.; Peter C. Brown; Jamey Peavler, Ed.D.; and David Rapp, Ph.D. Susan reflects on: how memory works and why understanding its processes is foundational to effec...

People in this episode

Host: Susan Lambert, Ed.D.

Guests: Natalie Wexler, Nathaniel Swain, Ph.D., Hugh Catts, Ph.D., Daniel Willingham, Ph.D., Peter C. Brown, Jamey Peavler, Ed.D., David Rapp, Ph.D.

Topics covered

  • science of learning
  • memory
  • cognitive load
  • knowledge building
  • literacy instruction

Keywords

  • science of reading
  • literacy
  • memory
  • cognitive load
  • instruction

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