Amplify Education
20 May 2026
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 effective teaching; why cognitive load theory and background knowledge are game-changers for literacy instruction; evidence-based strategies that make learning stick. Show notes: Our Summer Learning Academy is back! Reserve your spot now to join Susan Lambert for a pair of sessions that will help you dive deeper into reading comprehension research.Check out full episodes with our featured guests: The science of learning, the humility of teaching, with Peter C. BrownComprehension is not a skill, with Hugh CattsWhen not to differentiate: A guide to small-group instruction with Jamey PeavlerThe truth behind learning, with Nathaniel SwainThe Knowledge Gap: Natalie WexlerCognitive science-informed teaching, with Natalie WexlerUnlocking reading: Comprehension strategies vs. knowledge building, with Daniel WillinghamThe science of memory and misinformation, with David RappListen to Amplify's Beyond My Years podcastCheck out our Science of Reading Essentials episodes. Join our community Facebook group.Connect with Susan Lambert.Quotes: "Memory is a cognitive process. It's the way the brain encodes, stores, and retrieves information." —Susan Lambert Timestamps*: 0:00 Introduction 05:00 Memory is a cognitive process 07:00 Cognitive load theory 10:00 Role of long-term memory for reading 15:00 Process of building knowledge in long-term memory 21:00 You can't learn something new if it doesn't connect to something you already know. 24:00 Applying learning science to the literacy classroom 30:00 Power of writing 31:00 Final advice *Timestamps are approximate
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