The Teacher Toolkit Guide to Memory

I have been on the lookout for a really good guide to memory that is easy to read and is related to education and teaching. At last, this publication from Ross Morrison McGill fits the bill. He has put everything he has learned on his own learning journey into a beginners guide for teachers. * Dyslexia Review *
An exceptional effort of presenting the vast and difficult topic of 'the learning brain' in a practical and understandable way. -- Yves Moerskofski * Educational psychologist *
We are constrained by our memory skills, especially for students sitting in a class bombarded by facts pressured by an upcoming test, struggling to find relations between ideas and building coat hangers to remember the details, and surrounded by others who seem to find it easy to recall what the teacher said. This book is Masterful, Evidence-based, Memorable, Operational, Readable, and the best book for You on memory. -- Professor John Hattie * Melbourne Graduate School of Education *
This book is informative and accessible for quick reads. The consistent approach to each chapter works really well, especially for utilising the practical applications. The embedded use of diagrams adds to the reader's understanding of some complex concepts. -- Charlotte McLean * SENCO and Senior Leader *
An impressive collection of findings that draws on the latest research within cognitive science and education. Ross succinctly discusses, clarifies and offers practical, research-informed examples for busy leaders and teachers. -- Mark Leswell * Research lead *
The ‘human teacher first’ meets the science. A clear and practical guide to ‘debunking’ teaching practices, with excellent use of analogies and ideas to support teacher development. -- Samantha Torr * Vice Principal: Director of Alpha Teaching School Hub, @alpha_tsh *
This brilliant book is concise and informative with visual explanations and summaries for quick reference, plus useful examples and templates. It outlines the complex connection between cognition, memory and emotion in learning. -- Sarah Hopp * Head of additional learning support and inclusion, @sarahhopp143 *
A fantastic book that successfully interweaves the breadth of cognitive theory and practical strategies in a clear and accessible way. A great book to begin understanding the science of learning and the complexity of influences on this. -- Sarah Benskin * Assistant Principal (T & L, Curriculum and CPD), Nottingham @drblearning *
Being research-informed is one thing; having time to do it is another. Solve both issues by reading and acting upon this excellent introductory guide to the theory and practice of memory. Highly recommended. -- Dr Paul S. Ganderton * Education consultant, @ecogeog *
Ross McGill has managed to beautifully execute and simply explain the fundamentals of cognitive learning and the importance of understanding the “how” in the context of the brain, complete with wonderful illustrations perfect for the classroom teacher, learner and parent. So no matter who you are, no matter how successful, no matter how much you already may understand about this topic, Ross has something to offer you. -- Victoria dos Santos * Assistant athletic director and pastoral lead *
This book covers all the key points in understanding how human memory forms and functions according to models of memory and neuroscience through a historical and contemporary approach that can enable educators to adapt their teaching in light of evidence. Some key points have been made about emotion and stress, which affect learning and memory, and being aware of these can facilitate effective teaching methods in the current climate – as it requires students to become active learners and be able to actively retrieve memories. This is crucial for today’s heavy content-based exams and curriculum. -- Shafina Vohra * Psychology teacher, @ShafinaVohra *
A guide to memory highlights the importance of understanding how our students learn. The worked examples and the templates will help teachers bring these ideas into the classrooms of all settings! -- Ryan Curran * Vice principal Delta Independent School *

The book is excellent and gripping and thoroughly fascinating. The theory sections are very well written and work well as a quick read as well as being very well suited to a slower careful read. The practical sections are remarkably clear and helpful.
I defy anyone to read this and not be forced to stop and reflect, and as a result their lessons can't fail to be improved.
This is the first book I've read for a long time that has really grabbed me and forced me to reflect and to be challenged. I cannot recommend it strongly enough.

-- Peter Hall, Assistant Headteacher * @maths_ast *