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Ms. Sam @scientistsinthemaking.com · 7d

As a longtime listener, it was surreal to be on the other side of the mic! Thanks @mrzachg.bsky.social for the opportunity to discuss science education and how teachers can balance explicit instruction with NGSS. Check it out below ⬇️

educationrickshaw.com/2025/09/28/s...

S5E04: Marcie Samayoa on NGSS and Explicit Science Instruction

In this episode, I’m joined by Marcie Samayoa—science teacher, cognitive science enthusiast, and blogger of Scientists in the Making. Marcie shares the origin story behind her innovative classroom …

educationrickshaw.com

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Reposted by Ms. Sam

Holly Korbey @hollykorbey.bsky.social · Jan 31

Today's letter features a high school chemistry teacher who upended her inquiry-based lab procedure with cognitive science learning principles. The result? Her students improved in the quality of their evidence and reasoning. And their grades improved. hollykorbey.substack.com/p/is-the-lou...

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Ms. Sam @scientistsinthemaking.com · Feb 1

So honored to be featured in @hollykorbey.bsky.social The Bell Ringer's Tools for Practice! This month's piece explains how to incorporate explicit instruction and cognitive science principles to conduct science labs.

hollykorbey.substack.com/p/is-the-lou...

Is the 'Louisiana Miracle' next? Plus a new Tools for Practice

A chemistry teacher uses the science of learning for a better lab experience

hollykorbey.substack.com

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Reposted by Ms. Sam

msbenison.bsky.social @msbenison.bsky.social · Jan 27

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Reposted by Ms. Sam

Alex Quigley @alexjquigley.bsky.social · Jan 24

I like this by James Clear:

“In practice, consistency is about being adaptable. Don’t have much time? Scale it down. Don’t have much energy? Do the easy version. Adaptability is the way of consistency.”

Rather than taking on gargantuan feats of effort (which mostly fail) we should be adaptable.

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Ms. Sam @scientistsinthemaking.com · Jan 24

I do this when it comes to the gym. There are days I don't want to go. But then I tell myself to keep it easy and only do half the workouts. So I still go and only do half. Other times, I go like "Eh. I'm already here. Might as well go all out." It keeps me consistent! It's really good advice.

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Ms. Sam @scientistsinthemaking.com · Jan 24

7. If you want to learn more about this system, check out my blog post where I explain in more detail how to implement these practices:

scientistsinthemaking.com/teaching-org...

Teaching Organization: The Hidden Curriculum Every Student Needs - Scientists in the Making

Discover a powerful folder system designed to keep students organized, reduce clutter, and enhance focus in the classroom. Ideal for teachers wanting to improve student organization, minimize lost ass...

scientistsinthemaking.com

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Ms. Sam @scientistsinthemaking.com · Jan 24

6. Pair this with an "Absent Binder” (a system where students who miss class can quickly access missing handouts) and you no longer have to worry about catching students up. They can use the Table of Contents (which is also in the binder) to see what they are missing.

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Ms. Sam @scientistsinthemaking.com · Jan 24

5. This makes it easy for students to find the resources they need to complete assignments. This frees up working memory which can then be used to understand the lesson.

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Ms. Sam @scientistsinthemaking.com · Jan 24

4. In my classroom, we have the Two-Pocket Folder System. The left pocket keeps the essential resources (for my class: calendars, periodic table, hall passes). The right pocket keeps the classwork and homework, organized with a “Table of Contents.”

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Ms. Sam @scientistsinthemaking.com · Jan 24

3. To solve this issue, you need to teach and incorporate organizational skills into your daily lessons. A simple, structured system can work wonders.

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Ms. Sam @scientistsinthemaking.com · Jan 24

2. Disorganization forces students to waste a lot of mental energy searching for materials and assignments. This takes up space in their working memory (which is already limited) and leaves little left over to understand the actual lesson.

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Ms. Sam @scientistsinthemaking.com · Jan 24

1. Imagine trying to cook in a messy kitchen. You spend more time searching for tools and ingredients than actual cooking. This makes the process stressful and irritating. The same thing happens in a classroom when students are disorganized.

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Ms. Sam @scientistsinthemaking.com · Jan 24

After watching Ep 1 & 2 of this documentary (AMAZING WORK. Highly recommend.), I can’t help but notice how organized students are. It’s a skill that is often overlooked but important for students to succeed. Here’s why (and how) to incorporate organization into your daily lessons. 🧵

Peps @pepsmccrea.bsky.social · Jan 22

🚨🚨 NEW TODAY

For the last 18 months, I've been working on a top secret documentary to capture & deconstruct some of best teaching in UK.

Why We Made It & How To Access It (For Free):

↓

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SQ0...

(Why And How) We Made A Documentary Unpacking Great Teaching

YouTube video by Peps Mccrea

www.youtube.com

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Reposted by Ms. Sam

Paul Kirschner @paulkirschner.bsky.social · Dec 30

Can interleaved retrieval practice enhance learning in classrooms? The unequivocal answer here is yes, especially when it comes to longer term retention. The results demonstrate a cost-effective strategy to promote classroom learning. #EduSky
doi.org/10.1177/0956...

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Reposted by Ms. Sam

Juan José López @jjlopezo.bsky.social · Dec 30

«I am deeply concerned about the so-called “low” and “at-risk” students in our schools who have been let down by a system that favors minimally guided approaches over evidence and common sense»,

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Reposted by Ms. Sam

Blake Harvard @blakeharvard.bsky.social · Dec 30

Five Reasons My Class Begins with Retrieval Practice (Almost) Daily

theeffortfuleducator.com/2024/10/16/5...

5 Reasons My Class Begins with Retrieval Practice (Almost) Daily - The Effortful Educator

For the past six or seven years I have started my class (almost) every day the same way…with retrieval practice. This is usually a quick review of information covered from the last class meeting or of...

theeffortfuleducator.com

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Ms. Sam @scientistsinthemaking.com · Dec 20

"Learning styles are a myth." 🚨
@sciinthemaking
joins #ChoralosophyPodcast to challenge fads in education and share evidence-based strategies that actually work.

Teachers, don't miss this! 🎙
🎧 Listen here: bit.ly/Choralosophy...
#Education #TeacherBurnout #EdTech

ChoralosophyThe home for content and extra material related to the Choralosophy Podcast with Chris Munce!Episode 228: Skip the Education Fads and Stick With What Works with Marcie Samayoa

Fads like “learning styles,” “restorative justice,” “inquiry based learning” and more, versus Cognitive Load Theory, Explicit Instruction etc. Marcie Samayoa&#82…

bit.ly

Ms. Sam @scientistsinthemaking.com · Dec 18

6. Want to learn more? Check out this blog post for detailed tips on how to use mini whiteboards effectively: scientistsinthemaking.com/engage-asses...

Engage, Assess, and Transform Learning with Mini Whiteboards - Scientists in the Making

…

scientistsinthemaking.com

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Ms. Sam @scientistsinthemaking.com · Dec 18

5. For students, this feedback is equally valuable. Seeing their own mistakes immediately helps them learn more effectively. Instead of waiting for a graded assignment, they can correct errors while the content is still fresh in their minds.

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Ms. Sam @scientistsinthemaking.com · Dec 18

4. This real-time feedback allows you to adjust your instruction on the spot. For example, if a good number of students shows a common misunderstanding, you can pause to reteach or clarify before moving forward.

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Ms. Sam @scientistsinthemaking.com · Dec 18

3. One of the most powerful features of mini whiteboards is how they instantly make student thinking visible. When students write their answers and hold up their boards, you can quickly identify who understands the material and who needs additional support.

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Ms. Sam @scientistsinthemaking.com · Dec 18

2. This also shifts the focus from “who’s brave enough to answer” to “what everyone is thinking.” Students no longer feel pressure to compete for attention or worry about public mistakes. Instead, they engage in low-stakes practice.

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Ms. Sam @scientistsinthemaking.com · Dec 18

1. Instead of asking for volunteers, pose a question and have every student write their answer on a mini whiteboard. When students hold up their boards, everyone’s voice is “heard” simultaneously, creating a more inclusive classroom environment.

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Ms. Sam @scientistsinthemaking.com · Dec 18

Mini whiteboards are one of the most effective tools for real-time formative assessment. They make learning visible, foster participation, and allow for immediate feedback. Here's how they can transform your teaching. 🧵⬇️

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