DiscoverCool Cat Teacher BlogHow to Be a More Effective Teacher
How to Be a More Effective Teacher

How to Be a More Effective Teacher

Update: 2025-05-08
Share

Description

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

Subscribe to the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts.



When you’re standing in front of a classroom, what actually works? In this episode, Nathaniel Hansford shares the scientific principles every teacher should know. He draws from meta-analysis and global classroom experience. Then, he explains how to move beyond guesswork and trends. Finally, Nathaniel uses strategies proven to make a difference.





<figure class="alignright size-medium"></figure>



Whether you're new to teaching or a veteran looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with research-based insight you can apply right away.










Sponsored by Solution Tree





This episode is sponsored by Solution Tree. For 25 years, Solution Tree has helped schools implement results-driven professional development based on the work of education leaders like today’s guest, Nathaniel Hansford. Learn more and find Nathaniel’s book, The Scientific Principles of Teaching, at Solution Tree and info on creating amazing professional development customized for your school at solutiontree.com/10minuteteacher.














Listen to the Episode





10 Minute Teacher Podcast – YouTube




<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio">YouTube Video
Watch this video on YouTube.Subscribe to the Cool Cat Teacher Channel on YouTube
<figcaption></figcaption></figure>


10 Minute Teacher Podcast – Audio





<iframe title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36479170/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/2d568f/time-start/00:00:00 /playlist-height/200/direction/backward/font-color/FFFFFF" height="192" width="100%" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" oallowfullscreen="true" msallowfullscreen="true" style="border: none;"></iframe>


  • Stream by clicking here.



  • Subscribe to the Show












    10 minute teacher podcas audible









    Key Takeaways





    <figure class="aligncenter size-large">Infographic showing four science-based teaching principles—spaced practice, retrieval practice, feedback loops, and cognitive load management—along with explanations and classroom tips, featuring Nathaniel Hansford and a link to coolcatteacher.com/e899.<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">What does science say about effective teaching? These 4 research-based strategies—shared by Nathaniel Hansford—can help every teacher improve learning outcomes</figcaption></figure>



    What makes someone an effective teacher? 🔍





    Nathaniel breaks down how research identifies high-impact strategies that make a difference in real classrooms. It's not about charisma—it's about clarity, feedback, and deliberate practice.





    How can teachers use research without being overwhelmed?





    He explains how to use meta-analysis to understand which practices are worth investing time in—and which to skip.





    Why do so many PD sessions fall flat?





    At the end of the show, Vicki shares how professional development often misses the mark because it's not tailored to individual school contexts. Solution Tree’s model (the sponsor of this show) offers a more personalized approach.





    What scientific principles of teaching actually work? ⚖️





    From spaced practice to retrieval, this episode is full of classroom-ready applications backed by hard data.





    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/
    Comments 
    00:00
    00:00
    x

    0.5x

    0.8x

    1.0x

    1.25x

    1.5x

    2.0x

    3.0x

    Sleep Timer

    Off

    End of Episode

    5 Minutes

    10 Minutes

    15 Minutes

    30 Minutes

    45 Minutes

    60 Minutes

    120 Minutes

    How to Be a More Effective Teacher

    How to Be a More Effective Teacher

    Victoria A Davis, Cool Cat Teacher