Pooja K. Agarwal
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retrievelearn.bsky.social
Pooja K. Agarwal
@retrievelearn.bsky.social
I make teaching and learning memorable. She/her, Ph.D., cognitive scientist, associate professor, author of Powerful Teaching and Smart Teaching Stronger Learning

Newsletter: retrievalpractice.org/subscribe

Follow me: linktr.ee/retrievelearn
Are you going to the Learning & the Brain Conference in Boston this week? Get a FREE copy of Powerful Teaching! Meet me on Saturday, Nov 15 from 12-2pm in the Westin Hotel lobby. Bring a copy of my new book Smart Teaching (available at the conference bookstore) to receive Powerful Teaching 😄 #EduSky
November 11, 2025 at 2:08 PM
If your students use concept mapping strategies, there might be something missing. Based on research by educator and scientist Dr. Kripa Sundar, the key to an effective concept map isn’t the node, but the links. www.retrievalpractice.org/strategies/c... #EduSky #AcademicSky
Do your students use concept maps? They might be missing this key link
If your students use concept mapping strategies, there might be something missing. Based on research by educator and scientist Dr. Kripa Sundar , the key to an effective concept map isn’t the node, ...
www.retrievalpractice.org
November 7, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Did you know that I host FREE Zooms exclusively for my newsletter subscribers, with teaching tips based on the science of learning and my own research?

I'm hosting a free Zoom this Friday, October 24. Sign up at retrievalpractice.org/subscribe ASAP to receive the Zoom link! #EduSky #AcademicSky
October 20, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Reposted by Pooja K. Agarwal
Trying to cement another best practice into my repertoire this year. Ss said these were tough, which was my goal. They were shocked when I explained that hard Qs are actually better for retrieval! @retrievelearn.bsky.social #langchat
October 16, 2025 at 5:45 PM
NEW! When should you give students retrieval practice: before, during, or after a lesson? Learn the answer from cognitive scientist, teacher, and the world's expert on spaced retrieval practice, Dr. Shana Carpenter #EduSky #AcademicSky

www.retrievalpractice.org/strategies/o...
The most common question I get asked about retrieval practice (and the answer)
What is the optimal timing for retrieval practice? The answer—from the world’s expert on spaced retrieval practice, Dr. Shana Carpenter—may surprise you. Learn about spacing (aka spaced repetition), D...
www.retrievalpractice.org
October 16, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Reposted by Pooja K. Agarwal
Concept maps: simple but powerful learning tools. On the podcast this week, Dr. Kripa Sundar shares practices for making the most of them. Also joining us is Dr. Pooja Agarwal (@retrievelearn.bsky.social), editor of the book Smart Teaching Stronger Learning. www.cultofpedagogy.com/concept-maps/
October 13, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Are your students really learning or just memorizing for the test? It's time to rethink our teaching methods and embrace retrieval practice. Learn more about learning in this engaging podcast episode from the Cult of Pedagogy.
Retrieval Practice: The Most Powerful Learning Strategy You're Not Using | Cult of Pedagogy
Nothing cements long-term learning as powerfully as retrieval practice. Learn how to incorporate it into your classroom.
www.cultofpedagogy.com
October 13, 2025 at 2:41 PM
It’s my birthday on Thursday! I’m donating 100% of proceeds from my book Smart Teaching Stronger Learning to charity through October 9 at 11:59pm ET. amzn.to/4hETucQ

Proceeds go to @vintagepetrescue.bsky.social @sparksociety.bsky.social and FriendshipWorks (fw4elders.org)

#EduSky #AcademicSky
Smart Teaching Stronger Learning: Practical Tips From 10 Cognitive Scientists
Smart Teaching Stronger Learning: Practical Tips From 10 Cognitive Scientists [Agarwal, Pooja K.] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Smart Teaching Stronger Learning: Practical Tips From 10 Cognitive Scientists
amzn.to
October 8, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Not sure how to get students on board with retrieval practice? Get their attention and and reduce anxiety with a trivia question!
Use a trivia question to introduce students to retrieval practice
How can you get students and teachers on board with retrieval practice? Start and end your class or professional development with a trivia question . It’s a quick, fun, and memorable.
www.retrievalpractice.org
October 6, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Retrieval practice can be tough for students. Here are tips for how to scaffold this important "desirable difficulty" when students struggle to retrieve.
What should you do when your students can't retrieve anything?
Do your students’ minds go blank during an in-class retrieval practice activity? Here are 4 steps you can take to help your students retrieve something.
www.retrievalpractice.org
September 29, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Make bite sized adjustments to what you're already doing with teaching tips from cognitive scientist Dr. Michelle Rivers
Make bite-sized adjustments to what you’re already doing
Read about these simple, bite-sized strategies from Dr. Michelle Rivers to use what you’re already doing in the classroom and boost student learning even more . Dr. Rivers’s strategies take little...
www.retrievalpractice.org
September 22, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Behind every groundbreaking discovery about learning lies years of hard work, dedication, and countless experiments. Meet the scientists who have changed our understanding of how students learn with their relentless pursuit of knowledge.
Cognitive Scientists
Want to know about the science of learning? Ask a scientist! Explore our list of leaders in cognitive science who conduct rigorous research on retrieval practice.
www.retrievalpractice.org
September 15, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Want to improve your teaching? The key is retrieval practice! Check out my recommended books for evidence-based strategies on how to help your students learn and remember effectively.
Recommended Books
Check out our recommended books that describe research on the science of learning and provide practical tips for classroom teaching.
www.retrievalpractice.org
September 8, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Ready to take your teaching to the next level? Discover the hidden power of retrieval practice with simple yet effective class activities. Say goodbye to passive teaching and hello to active learning!
Teaching Tips
Learn more about powerful teaching strategies based on cognitive science, including classroom activities, research, and resources.
www.retrievalpractice.org
September 1, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Enhance your students' study habits with my 3 tips for effective flashcard strategies.
Make flashcards more powerful with these 3 tips
Lots of students use flashcards. But using flashcards doesn't guarantee they're using retrieval practice. In fact, students could be wasting their time. This week, we share three research-based tips...
www.retrievalpractice.org
August 25, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Reposted by Pooja K. Agarwal
Smart Teaching, Stronger Learning edited by @retrievelearn.bsky.social with chapters by me, @veronicayan.bsky.social , and a bunch of other great authors not on here

More resources at www.retrievalpractice.org/books and www.learningscientists.org /End
Recommended Books
Check out our recommended books that describe research on the science of learning and provide practical tips for classroom teaching.
www.retrievalpractice.org
August 16, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Explore innovative learning strategies with my book "Smart Teaching Stronger Learning," co-written with 10 cognitive scientists (who are also teachers!). Get your copy today and dive into proven methods to enhance student success.
Smart Teaching Stronger Learning
In the book Smart Teaching Stronger Learning, 10 renowned cognitive scientists share innovative teaching strategies that strengthen student success. Written for busy educators and leaders in K–12, higher...
retrievalpractice.org
August 18, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Last chance to register for our workshop THIS THURSDAY, August 14! 5 cognitive scientists, 50+ teachers, informal discussion, and back-to-school teaching tips. Group discount (5 or more): 15% off! @veronicayan.bsky.social @lkfazio.bsky.social #EduSky scienceoflearningworkshop.eventbrite.com
August 12, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Enhance your teaching with research-backed strategies by cognitive scientists! Subscribe for the latest insights to improve your students' learning.
Subscribe
Subscribe and receive our email updates with research, teaching tips, and free downloads – all by cognitive scientists.
www.retrievalpractice.org
August 11, 2025 at 2:41 PM
The early bird discount for our science of learning workshop on August 14 ends today! $10 off, register ASAP at scienceoflearningworkshop.eventbrite.com

Group discount: Register 5 or more people and get 15% off with the promo code SAVE15

@lkfazio.bsky.social @veronicayan.bsky.social #EduSky
August 8, 2025 at 3:27 PM
ICYMI: Join me for a back-to-school workshop on the science of learning on Thursday, August 14 on Zoom, with @veronicayan.bsky.social and @lkfazio.bsky.social. We're cognitive scientists AND teachers. Early bird: Get $10 off if you register by this Friday! www.eventbrite.com/e/science-of... #EduSky
August 5, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Reposted by Pooja K. Agarwal
Exciting announcement 🚨!

Come to our Science of Learning workshop and with not just one but FIVE cognitive scientists and teachers: Drs Janell Blunt, Shana Carpenter, Pooja Agarwal, Lisa Fazio, and myself.

Aug 14 (early bird reg by 8/10)
#edusky #teacherlife #k12 #highered
Ready to strengthen students' long-term learning? Gain practical tips from cognitive scientists who are also teachers! Join me, @lkfazio.bsky.social, and @veronicayan.bsky.social for a workshop on August 14. Early bird: Register by August 8 for $10 off! www.eventbrite.com/e/science-of... #EduSky
Science of Learning Workshop on Zoom
Ready to strengthen your students' long-term learning? Gain practical teaching tips from cognitive scientists who are also teachers!
www.eventbrite.com
August 3, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Ready to strengthen students' long-term learning? Gain practical tips from cognitive scientists who are also teachers! Join me, @lkfazio.bsky.social, and @veronicayan.bsky.social for a workshop on August 14. Early bird: Register by August 8 for $10 off! www.eventbrite.com/e/science-of... #EduSky
Science of Learning Workshop on Zoom
Ready to strengthen your students' long-term learning? Gain practical teaching tips from cognitive scientists who are also teachers!
www.eventbrite.com
August 3, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Studying isn't just about memorizing information. It's about retrieving it. Listen to this podcast episode from NPR Life Kit for practical evidence-based strategies to improve learning and retention.
www.npr.org
July 28, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Reposted by Pooja K. Agarwal
Apprenez à mettre en œuvre l'entrelacement avec les #conseils pédagogiques du Dr @veronicayan.bsky.social, adaptés du livre, Smart Teaching Stronger Learning.
@retrievelearn.bsky.social
#enseignement #apprentissage #EduSky
Like a tie-dyed shirt: Mix it up with interleaving and boost learning
Get tips from cognitive scientist Dr. Veronica Yan, the world’s leading expert on interleaving. Boost student learning by mixing up concepts: problem sets, vocabulary words, different types of storyte...
www.retrievalpractice.org
July 21, 2025 at 5:05 PM