Dr. Swain explores how spaced retrieval can enhance decoding and reading fluency over time. He presents evidence showing that regularly revisiting previously taught letter-sound relationships, high-frequency words, and decoding strategies boosts long-term retention and reduces forgetting. Attendees are guided through how to embed brief checking for understanding routines like choral response, mini-whiteboards, and cold calls, and how these can be incorporated into your daily reading instruction, ensuring students consolidate early reading skills effectively.
Dr Nathaniel Swain
Teacher, Instructional Coach, and Researcher
With expertise in language, literacy, instructional practices and cognitive science, Dr Nathaniel Swain is dedicated to empowering teachers to develop “life-changing” language and literacy skills in every student, through effective and engaging teaching. He works as a Senior Lecturer in Learning Sciences and Director of Undergraduate Academic Programs at La Trobe University School of Education and SOLAR LAB. Nathaniel has taught a range of learners in schools and universities, and founded a community of teachers committed to the Science of Learning: THINK FORWARD EDUCATORS, now 24,000 members and growing. Dr Swain is a sought after speaker on educational circuits, and has a new book soon to be released in 2024 entitled “Harnessing the Science of Learning: Success stories to kickstart your school improvement”.