How to create your own professional development
We want to empower you to unleash the science of learning. Here are five resources to create your own professional development – created by cognitive scientists, all free, here to make your life easier.
We also provide in-person and online professional development keynotes, workshops, and coaching. Email us for more information.
#1: Free Powerpoint and Google Slides
Download our slides for presentations and workshops. Available for Google Slides and Powerpoint, all we ask is that you provide credit to retrievalpractice.org. We have more slides in our library, including warm ups, key phrases, and slides in Spanish.
#2: Free practice guides by cognitive scientists
We have free Practice Guides, including guides on retrieval practice, interleaving, transfer of knowledge, and spacing – all written by cognitive scientists. Download them, print them, and share them during your professional development.
#3: Free keynotes on YouTube
Explore our YouTube channel and host a watch party. We have videos ranging from 5 minutes to one hour, including formal keynotes and informal Q&As.
#4: Free resources for your book clubs
Join our Powerful Teaching book club on Facebook, download our discussion questions for Make it Stick, and browse our list of recommended books on the science of learning. Plus, Powerful Teaching includes two entire chapters dedicated to creating your own professional development. Don't forget to retrieve after you read each chapter!
#5: Free activity ideas to model retrieval practice
Image from Freepik
Model retrieval practice during your professional development. Get beyond sit-and-get, develop a richer understanding of what this feels like for your students, and boost your colleagues’ learning, too. Three ways to model retrieval practice:
Start by asking everyone to put their notes away. Pause throughout your presentation to provide time for Retrieve-Taking.
Midway through, pause for a 2-5 minute Brain Dump of everything learned so far.
At the end, ask everyone to write down Two Things they want to remember.
Want more? Email us to request a workshop
Interested in a customized workshop? Learn more about our professional development offerings, including in person and online keynotes, workshops, and Q&As, and email us for more information.