Learning That Sticks: A Brain-Based Model for K-12 Instructional Design and Delivery by Bryan Goodwin & Tonia Gibson & Kristin Rouleau Summary

1. Bryan Goodwin’s brain-based model prioritizes student thinking over teaching strategies
2. Six-phase learning cycle moves from curiosity to real-world application for lasting retention
3. “Become Interested” phase taps curiosity through provocative questions and relevant problems
4. Spaced reflection beats cramming by strengthening neural connections through effortful recall
5. Instead of lectures, design “Make Sense” activities linking new ideas to prior knowledge
6. Growth mindset flourishes when teachers explain how struggle reshapes the brain’s pathways
7. “Extend and Apply” phase transforms short-term recall into lifelong mastery through experimentation
8. Learning That Sticks replaces rote memorization with interleaved practice across varied contexts
9. Teachers boost engagement by framing lessons as mysteries rather than information transfers
10. Metacognitive wrappers help students track progress through Goodwin’s six learning phases
11. “Practice and Reflect” stage builds competence through low-stakes testing and peer feedback
12. Bryan Goodwin proves lasting learning requires emotional investment before cognitive effort

About the Author of Learning That Sticks

Bryan Goodwin, Tonia Gibson, and Kristin Rouleau are co-authors of Learning That Sticks: A Brain-Based Model for K–12 Instructional Design and Delivery. They are leading voices in evidence-based educational strategies.

Goodwin, CEO of McREL International and a former teacher, leverages over two decades of research to translate cognitive science into classroom practices. He is the author of works like Simply Better and Out of Curiosity.

Gibson, a managing consultant at McREL, draws on her experience as an Australian educator. She is also co-author of Unstuck and designs systemic school improvement frameworks.

Rouleau, McREL’s executive director of learning innovation, combines 25 years of administrative experience with co-authoring Curiosity Works. She bridges research and real-world teaching.

Their collaborative work emphasizes brain-compatible instructional design, professional development, and curiosity-driven learning. The book, rooted in McREL’s global impact across 15+ countries, distills complex cognitive principles into accessible strategies, cementing its status as a go-to resource for educators seeking sustainable student engagement.

FAQs About Learning That Sticks

What is Learning That Sticks by Bryan Goodwin about?

Learning That Sticks presents a brain-based six-phase model for K-12 instruction, blending cognitive science with practical strategies to help educators design lessons that align with how students process information. It emphasizes fostering curiosity, intentional teaching, and structured learning experiences to enhance retention and application. The book bridges theory and practice, offering tools to create engaging classrooms where students actively build lasting knowledge.

Who should read Learning That Sticks?

This book is ideal for K-12 teachers, instructional coaches, and curriculum designers seeking to align teaching practices with cognitive science. It’s also valuable for administrators aiming to support evidence-based professional development. Educators interested in moving beyond traditional methods to address how students actually learn will find actionable insights.

Is Learning That Sticks worth reading?

Yes, particularly for educators prioritizing research-backed methods. It combines neuroscience with classroom-tested strategies, offering a clear framework (the six-phase model) to improve lesson design. Reviewers praise its practicality in addressing the “black box” of student cognition, making it a standout resource for transforming teaching practices.

What are the six phases of learning in Learning That Sticks?

1. Become Interested: Spark curiosity and emotional safety.
2. Commit to Learning: Set goals to maintain focus.
3. Focus on New Learning: Engage actively with content.
4. Make Sense of Learning: Connect new ideas to prior knowledge.
5. Practice and Reflect: Reinforce through repetition and self-assessment.
6. Extend and Apply: Transfer learning to novel contexts.

How does Learning That Sticks address student curiosity?

The book positions curiosity as the foundation of learning, urging teachers to design “hook” activities (e.g., real-world problems or provocative questions) during the Become Interested phase. It stresses emotional safety and relevance, ensuring students’ brains are primed to engage deeply.

What teaching strategies does Bryan Goodwin recommend?

Key strategies include:

• Scaffolding complex tasks into manageable steps.
• Metacognitive prompts (e.g., “What’s confusing about this?”).
• Retrieval practice to strengthen memory.
• Peer-to-peer explanation to solidify understanding.

These align with the six-phase model, ensuring strategies match how the brain processes information.

How can educators apply the Learning That Sticks model?

Teachers can structure lessons around the six phases: start with curiosity-driving hooks, clarify learning goals, use interactive activities for new content, facilitate connections, embed low-stakes practice, and assign real-world projects. For example, a science lesson might begin with a surprising experiment (Phase 1) and end with a community-based conservation plan (Phase 6).

What role does cognitive science play in Learning That Sticks?

The book grounds its model in neuroscience, explaining how attention, memory encoding, and retrieval work. For instance, it highlights the brain’s tendency to filter out non-essential information, justifying the emphasis on curiosity and relevance in early learning phases.

Does Learning That Sticks provide examples of effective learning activities?

Yes, it includes examples like:

• Case studies for problem-solving (Phase 3).
• Mind mapping to visualize connections (Phase 4).
• Peer teaching to reinforce understanding (Phase 5).

These activities are designed to align with each phase’s cognitive goals.

How does Learning That Sticks help with lesson planning?

The six-phase model serves as a template for sequencing activities. Teachers can “zoom out” to ensure lessons follow the brain’s natural learning progression and “zoom in” to diagnose where breakdowns occur (e.g., insufficient practice time). This structure reduces guesswork and enhances intentionality.

What are the main critiques of Learning That Sticks?

Some educators note the model requires significant preparation time and may need adaptation for diverse classrooms. A minor critique is the limited focus on technology integration, though the core principles remain applicable across teaching contexts.

How does Learning That Sticks compare to other educational books?

Unlike anecdotal guides, it offers a unified framework rooted in cognitive science, similar to Make It Stick but more actionable for K-12 settings. It avoids oversimplification, balancing theory with tools like phase-specific reflection questions and planning templates.