The hottest Learning Science Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Education Topics

EdTech Is Borrowing Zuckerberg's Playbook

After Babel • 2125 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
🚌 Education Learning Science
  1. Saying “there is no evidence of harm” is often used to block action, but demanding product-specific causal trials is usually impractical or unethical, so converging correlational evidence should be taken seriously.
  2. Broad rollout of classroom technology — for example in Utah after 2014 — coincided with reversed gains in reading and math, suggesting widespread EdTech can correlate with stagnation or decline rather than clear improvement.
  3. When billions and millions of children are affected, the burden should be on proving clear, durable benefits before wide deployment; choosing restraint and investing in proven interventions avoids large opportunity costs.

Education Links, 1/30/2026

In My Tribe • 334 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🚌 Education Learning Science
  1. Colleges should promise students real career experience, teach adaptable technical skills, and build the uniquely human strengths that machines can’t replicate before graduation.
  2. Research shows learning is faster when students study worked examples, explore open-ended problems, learn in spaced chunks with breaks, and automate basic skills so working memory can focus on higher‑order thinking.
  3. Large outside funding and DEI operations can influence campus culture and how discrimination complaints are handled, so universities need stronger transparency, oversight, and accountability.

Down the Rabbit Hole (On Purpose)

Gad’s Newsletter • 97 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
🚌 Education Learning Science
  1. Learning has three layers: domain knowledge (the what), methods (the how), and mindsets/wisdom (the why). Facts fade and methods need practice, but mindsets and wisdom endure and shape long-term judgment.
  2. AI will make domain knowledge and many techniques cheap and widely available, so educational time should be reinvested in mentorship, judgment, and mindset cultivation. AI can simulate scenarios to practice decision-making, but it can’t replace lived experience and human feedback.
  3. Durable learning requires spaced retrieval, varied practice, reflection, and apprenticeship, not just one-off content delivery. Classroom detours or 'rabbit holes' are often deliberate ways to build transferable judgment and help students learn when to trust a model and when to rely on intuition.

This week in the science of learning, August 18, 2024

The Bell Ringer • 139 implied HN points • 18 Aug 24
🚌 Education Learning Science
  1. There is a new online math platform that focuses on how kids feel about math rather than just their performance on tasks. Teachers have noticed that this approach makes kids want to participate and help each other more.
  2. A report warns that generative AI in schools may not be improving student outcomes. Some experts are concerned that it could automate thinking, which isn't what we want for student learning.
  3. Many high school students struggle with reading, and secondary teachers often lack the training to help them. There's a push to change this, but it's unclear if integrating reading lessons will take away from important content learning.
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This week in the science of learning, August 11, 2024

The Bell Ringer • 59 implied HN points • 11 Aug 24
🚌 Education Learning Science
  1. Emily Hanford discusses the importance of effective reading strategies in schools. It's crucial for teachers to understand how children learn to read.
  2. Research shows that traditional methods may not be the best for teaching literacy. New approaches are needed to help all students succeed.
  3. The conversation around learning science highlights the need for continuous improvement in education. We should always look for better ways to teach and support learners.

Early math is not on parents' radar, but it should be

The Bell Ringer • 179 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🚌 Education Learning Science
  1. Early math education is important but often overlooked by parents. Parents should pay more attention to how foundational math skills set the stage for future learning.
  2. Building a strong math foundation in early years can boost children's confidence. When kids understand basic math concepts, they are more likely to enjoy the subject later.
  3. Parents can engage their kids with simple math activities at home. Everyday experiences can be used to teach and reinforce basic math skills in a fun way.

This week in the science of learning, May 19, 2024

The Bell Ringer • 59 implied HN points • 19 May 24
🚌 Education Learning Science
  1. Schools need better data on how students read and what materials they are using. This helps to improve teaching methods.
  2. There's a strong interest in sharing stories and research about learning methods. People want to hear what works and what doesn't.
  3. The community is encouraged to provide feedback on topics of interest, which can lead to more personalized and engaging discussions.

This week in the science of learning

The Bell Ringer • 79 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
🚌 Education Learning Science
  1. Oral language skills are important for learning. Good communication helps kids understand and connect with their lessons better.
  2. There is ongoing debate about teaching methods in math. Different approaches can lead to confusion, so finding what works best for students is key.
  3. Curriculum design plays a big role in how effectively students learn. The way material is presented can make a big difference in student engagement and understanding.

What parents should know about the science of learning

The Bell Ringer • 79 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🚌 Education Learning Science
  1. Look for clear agreements in education research; it helps to focus on studies where experts reach similar conclusions. This shows what really works, like how reading on paper can be better than on screens.
  2. Understand that studying is not just about memorizing; students need to connect what they learn over time. A good learning strategy connects years of knowledge to build a strong base.
  3. Be open to new findings in education. Science keeps changing and evolving, so what we know now might change later, but reading and learning remain essential no matter the format.

From the principal's desk, a slow burn

The Bell Ringer • 99 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🚌 Education Learning Science
  1. It's important for schools to adopt the science of learning to help students succeed. This means using research-based strategies that really work in classrooms.
  2. Getting everyone in the school on board takes time and effort. The principal emphasizes the value of patience in making these big changes happen.
  3. Collaboration among teachers, parents, and students is key for improving education. Working together can create a better learning environment for everyone.

Welcome to the Science of Learning!

The Science of Learning • 179 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🚌 Education Learning Science
  1. The newsletter focuses on the latest research in learning science and how it can improve teaching practices. It's a great way for educators to stay informed.
  2. Readers can expect to see summaries of studies and practical tips for applying research findings in the classroom. It’s meant to help enhance teaching effectiveness.
  3. It's free to subscribe and will have new content coming out once or twice a month. This offers a chance for teachers and learners to engage with new ideas together.

Duolingo’s Scaling Journey: Education Revolution or Engagement Obsession?

Gad’s Newsletter • 26 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🚌 Education Learning Science
  1. Duolingo uses fun games and personalized lessons to help people learn languages. This method keeps users engaged but raises questions about whether it's helping them learn deeply.
  2. The app has many users but faces challenges in getting people to pay for premium features. Most users stick to the free version, making it important for Duolingo to find new ways to encourage subscriptions.
  3. While Duolingo effectively attracts beginners, it struggles to keep advanced learners. The company needs to create better resources for those wanting to reach high levels of fluency.