62. The Science of Learning: What Every Teacher Needs to Know with Dr. Shane Saeed

How does the brain actually learn or remember something new? In this fascinating episode of Literacy in Color, Dr. Shane Saeed joins Michelle to break down the Science of Learning in a way that’s simple, practical, and classroom-ready.Shane is an Elementary ELA Curriculum Coordinator, national presenter, and author who has spent years helping teachers translate research into action. Together, they explore how memory, retrieval, metacognition, and productive struggle shape student learning, and how teachers can design instruction that sticks.Key Takeaways:The difference between short-term, working, and long-term memoryThe importance of retrieval practice, as well as paced and interleaved practice to deepen understandingWhat metacognition looks like in the classroom (and why it’s critical for student ownership)How to design lessons that minimize cognitive overload and maximize retentionWhy “desirable difficulties” are the sweet spot between challenge and frustrationWhether you teach kindergarten phonics or high school history, this episode will leave you with practical takeaways and a renewed appreciation for how the brain learns best.Resources Mentioned:Powerful Teaching by Dr. Pooja Agarwal & Patrice BainSmart Teaching, Stronger Learning by Pooja AgarwalRetrieval Practice by Kate JonesOutsmart Your Brain by Dan WillinghamUncommon Sense Teaching by Barbara Oakley, Beth Rogowsky, & Terrence SejnowskiHarnessing the Science of Learning by Nathaniel SwainThis post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!Connect with Dr. Shane Saeed:Instagram:  @drshanesaeedTikTok: @drshanesaeedTwitter/X: @drshanesaeedCheck out her book: Be the FlameConnect with Michelle:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos LiveMentioned in this episode:SOR Summer Book StudyJoin us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-summer-book-study-2026Reading Science AcademyGet your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color