Let’s face it—“brain science” doesn’t exactly scream practical teaching strategies. But this book? It flips the script.

In this episode of the Shake Up Learning Show, I’m breaking down Uncommon Sense Teaching by Barbara Oakley, Beth Rogowsky, and Terrence Sejnowski—a book that surprised me in the best way possible. It takes the neuroscience of learning and turns it into easy-to-use, classroom-ready strategies that actually make sense.

And great news: We’re kicking off a Fall Book Study on Uncommon Sense Teaching starting September 24, exclusively for All Access members. This 6-week asynchronous study earns you 3 hours of professional learning credit, with a certificate to boot. (Part of our new ALL ACCESS Teacher Book Club!)

Listen to this podcast episode:

What Teachers Need to Know About Uncommon Sense Teaching

📙 About the Book

Uncommon Sense Teaching: Practical Insights in Brain Science to Help Students Learn by Barbara Oakley, Beth Rogowsky, and Terrence Sejnowski bridges the gap between neuroscience and the classroom. The book breaks down complex brain research into accessible, actionable strategies for teachers. Whether you’re working with gifted students or those who struggle, this book provides a framework to help all learners succeed. With insights on memory, attention, motivation, and learning differences, Uncommon Sense Teaching equips educators with tools to improve student outcomes using what science actually tells us about how the brain learns best.

🧠 Why This Book Matters

Let’s be real. “Brain science” might not be the phrase that gets teachers leaping out of their chairs — but this book is different. It breaks down cognitive strategies like working memory, retrieval practice, and learning pathways into language that educators can actually use.

Let’s keep it real and talk about what matters most: practical applications.

*Related: The Anxious Generation: Understanding Students’ Mental Health

💡 Practical Teaching Strategies from Uncommon Sense Teaching

This book DELIVERS! We are providing you with a brief glimpse of the insights. Inside this book, you will get the what, why, and how to help your students learn and remember what they have learned!

These tips are ready to implement TODAY, even if you haven’t read the book yet:

1. Skeleton Notes + Pausing

Provide outlines of your lesson (headers and blank spaces — not fill-in-the-blank worksheets). Pause frequently to let students catch up and fill in the gaps. This reduces cognitive overload and helps students stay focused on your instruction, not just their notes.

2. Cue Your Instruction

Start with a preview like, “Today we’ll cover 3 important things…” This primes your students’ brains to pay attention and helps them mentally organize the content. Follow up with structure cues like “first,” “next,” and “finally,” then recap at the end.

3. Try “Retrieve-Taking” Instead of Note-Taking

Instead of having students take notes during your lesson, pause and ask them to write what they remember. This strengthens long-term memory through retrieval practice. Even a 30-second recall can work wonders.

4. Mix Direct Instruction with Practice & Reflection

Don’t just lecture. Break your lesson into smaller chunks: teach a concept → let students try it → guide them to reflect. This cycle helps consolidate learning and supports students with lower working memory.

5. Practice Makes Progress (Especially for Struggling Learners)

Struggling learners don’t always need more explanation — they need more chances to do. Short, spaced-out practice sessions with feedback can build confidence and improve retention.

*Related: 10 Genius Ways Teachers Can Use AI for Back-to-School

This is just scratching the surface of the high-powered, brain-based strategies you’ll find in this book. Join us for the upcoming book study this fall!

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📚 Uncommon Sense Teaching Book Study

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