Research Reads
This section is dedicated to the articles, papers, and books that have shaped my thinking as an educator. Teaching is both an art and a science, and staying informed about the latest research is essential to improving outcomes for students and teachers alike. Whether you're looking for practical strategies or thought-provoking insights, I hope these resources inspire you as much as they've inspired me.
The Learning Scientists
Cambridge Maths Espresso
Cambridge Maths Espresso
Website: Cambridge Maths Espresso
What It Is and Who It’s For
Cambridge Maths Espresso is a series of short, research-informed reflections on teaching and learning. While it has a clear mathematical focus, the themes explored—such as cognitive load, conceptual understanding, and effective questioning—are relevant to all educators, regardless of subject. Each post distills complex ideas from research into accessible, thought-provoking pieces designed to challenge assumptions and refine classroom practice. Whether you’re a maths specialist or a teacher interested in evidence-informed strategies, Espresso provides a window into the ‘why’ behind effective teaching.
Why I Recommend It
What makes Espresso stand out is its ability to take deep educational research and present it in a way that is both engaging and immediately useful. Research in education can often feel detached from the reality of the classroom, but these pieces make theory feel practical. I value how it doesn’t just present findings—it prompts reflection, offering a fresh lens on the everyday challenges of teaching.
For me, Cambridge Maths Espresso serves as a reminder that great teaching is rooted in both curiosity and evidence. It pushes me to think beyond instinct and habit, helping me refine my approach to teaching and learning. If you’re looking for a resource that challenges and inspires in equal measure, this is well worth a read.
Website: Ollie Lovell
What It Is and Who It’s For
Ollie Lovell’s website is a goldmine of research-driven insights, reflections, and discussions on education. As a teacher, researcher, and podcast host, Lovell dives deep into the intersection of cognitive science, pedagogy, and educational leadership, making complex ideas accessible to educators at all levels. His work spans a wide range of topics, from instructional coaching and curriculum design to the practical application of research in classrooms.
A major strength of Lovell’s work is his ability to bridge theory and practice. He doesn’t just present research—he interrogates it, applies it, and reflects on what works in real teaching environments. His Education Research Reading Room (ERRR) podcast features in-depth conversations with leading experts, distilling their work into actionable insights for teachers. One particularly fascinating episode is Episode 18, where Lovell challenges John Hattie’s use of meta-analyses in education. This discussion follows a previous critique from Professor Adrian Simpson and leads to Hattie defending his work, covering key debates such as class size, defining ‘a year of progress,’ and the nuances of feedback in learning. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in the complexities of educational research and its real-world implications.
Why I Recommend It
One of the most frustrating things about education research is how often it feels disconnected from the day-to-day reality of teaching. What works in theory doesn’t always translate seamlessly into the classroom. Ollie Lovell’s work is valuable because it actively grapples with this gap—he asks tough questions, challenges assumptions, and is willing to change his mind when the evidence demands it.
For me, his site and podcast serve as an ongoing professional dialogue—a place to engage with the latest research while keeping one foot firmly in the reality of what happens when that research meets a real classroom. His work encourages critical thinking, skepticism, and a willingness to refine our approach to teaching. If you’re looking for deep, thoughtful engagement with educational research that isn’t afraid to ask, “But does this actually work?”, then this is a must-read resource.
Website: The Learning Scientists
What It Is and Who It’s For
The Learning Scientists is a brilliant resource dedicated to making cognitive psychology research accessible and practical for teachers, students, and anyone interested in how we learn. Their work is built around six core, evidence-based learning strategies: spaced practice, retrieval practice, elaboration, interleaving, concrete examples, and dual coding. These strategies aren’t quick-fix hacks but guiding principles that help improve long-term learning.
What makes The Learning Scientists stand out is their commitment to nuance. They don’t claim to have all the answers or promise guaranteed results—because learning is complex, with many variables at play. Instead, they provide teachers and learners with clear, research-backed methods to make informed decisions about how to teach and study effectively. Their materials, including blog posts, podcasts, infographics, and downloadable guides, are designed to help bridge the gap between research and real-world teaching.
Why I Recommend It
One of the biggest pitfalls in education is the disconnect between what research tells us about learning and what actually happens in schools. Too often, teaching strategies are built on tradition, instinct, or the latest trend rather than solid evidence. The Learning Scientists offer a much-needed antidote: accessible, well-explained insights into how memory, attention, and learning really work.
I particularly appreciate their emphasis on responsible use of research. Their resources aren’t positioned as silver bullets or rigid formulas for success. They make it clear that while cognitive science provides powerful insights, no single strategy will work for every student, in every subject, in every setting. Instead, their work encourages teachers to critically engage with research, test strategies in their own context, and adapt based on what works best for their students.
For me, The Learning Scientists is essential reading for any educator who wants to move beyond intuition and tradition and towards a more research-informed approach to teaching. It’s a site that doesn’t just inform—it challenges, refines, and ultimately improves the way we think about learning.
Ollie Lovell
Tips for Teachers
Website: Tips for Teachers
What It Is and Who It’s For
Tips for Teachers is an invaluable resource for educators looking to refine their practice with practical, research-informed advice. Created by Craig Barton, a well-respected maths teacher, author, and educational researcher, this site distills effective teaching strategies into clear, actionable insights that can be applied across all subjects and age groups. It focuses on core principles of great teaching—such as questioning techniques, worked examples, and retrieval practice—while ensuring that the strategies are grounded in evidence from cognitive science and classroom experience.
What makes Tips for Teachers stand out is its accessibility. Teaching is demanding, and finding time to sift through dense research papers can be difficult. This resource cuts through the noise, offering straightforward, high-impact strategies that teachers can implement immediately, whether they’re new to the profession or experienced educators looking to sharpen their craft. The accompanying podcast features interviews with leading experts, where they share their most powerful and practical teaching tips.
Why I Recommend It
One of the reasons I keep coming back to Tips for Teachers is its no-nonsense approach to professional development. So much of what makes a great teacher comes down to small, deliberate changes in practice, and this site highlights exactly those kinds of tweaks—strategies that don’t require massive overhauls but can have a huge impact on student learning.
I also appreciate that Craig Barton brings the same level of curiosity and skepticism to teaching strategies as he does to maths education. He doesn’t just promote what feels like good teaching; he asks whether it actually works, and why. His work is a reminder that the best teaching is both an art and a science—creative yet evidence-informed, intuitive yet structured.
If you’re looking for practical, research-backed teaching strategies that you can start using right away, Tips for Teachers is a resource well worth exploring.