From The Science of Learning, Bradley Busch, Edward Watson, and Ludmila Bogatchek have kicked it up a notch in this fresh innovative presentation of Teaching & Learning Illuminated: the Big Ideas Illustrated.
While revamping my college course, I was given this book, and suddenly, prepping felt less like a chore and more like rediscovering the excitement of teaching—like stepping into a bookstore where every title holds the promise of a new perspective. But this isn’t a collection of gimmicks; it’s a book designed to challenge and refine your thinking, helping you sharpen your teaching practice with the most well-supported research. If The Science of Learning is the blueprint, this follow-up book is the user-friendly manual, packed with visuals that make big ideas click. Teaching is a constant process of adapting, and Teaching & Learning Illuminated acts as both a guide and a catalyst, helping you build on your knowledge while freeing your mind to think in new and innovative ways.
What makes this book unique is how it presents information. The graphics aren’t just illustrations; they are well-designed thinking tools that clarify teaching principles backed by decades of research. Each topic is covered in a two-page spread, pairing a full-page visual with a clear, concise explanation. This format simplifies complex ideas while easing the cognitive load, allowing us to imagine how these concepts playout in the classroom. The graphics encourage deeper thinking, serving as both inspiration and a framework for instructional design.
Every illustration invites reflection—from the key takeaways of retrieval, interleaving, and cognitive load theory to Rosenshine’s principles, thinking biases, and fostering motivation and resilience. These visuals do more than convey information; they prompt us to reconsider our approaches and apply insights in new ways.
One of the most practical aspects of this book is how versatile the visuals are. I’ve used them not just for lesson planning but also as quick reference points throughout the day. Even better, the book includes access to high-resolution downloadable posters, which I’ve printed and placed in my workspace. These serve as constant reminders of strategies I want to implement, keeping important ideas at the forefront of my practice.
One of the challenges of learning effective teaching practices is the sheer volume of ways to improve, which can easily lead to analysis paralysis. This book strikes the perfect balance, providing just enough challenge to keep you engaged while offering the right support to help you apply new strategies and explore with confidence.
This book doesn’t just present research-backed insights—it makes them actionable and memorable. The visuals don’t just explain concepts; they stick with you in a way that words alone often can’t. They leave a lasting impression, nudging your thinking in new directions and helping your mind wander constructively.
What stands out most about Teaching & Learning Illuminated is how it refreshes the way we think about teaching. It’s not just another book—it’s a resource that makes cognitive science visible, tangible, and usable. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting to integrate research-based strategies, this book makes it easier to turn theory into practice. It’s insightful, engaging, and a must-have for any educator eager to turn research into real classroom impact and illuminate their practice.
