Introduction
1. How to use this book
2. How learning happens
3. Common learning problems
4. Why aren’t my pupils motivated or engaged?
5. Focus and attention
6. Learning is thinking
7. Connecting learning
8. Forgetting & rethinking
9. Assessment
Biography
Finola Wilson is the Director of Impact School Improvement Ltd., a trusted partner to a wide range of education organisations across the UK and beyond, which uses the latest research and evidence to create professional learning and bespoke consultancy with impact.
“The Illustrated Pocket Guide to Teaching and Learning” is a gem of a book. Fin has an exceptional ability to translate complex educational ideas and theories into clear, practical, worked examples that genuinely make you stop and think about your classroom practice.
As a prolific reader of education books, I’ve often found myself agreeing with what I read but unsure how to turn those ideas into meaningful, day-to-day changes in teaching and learning. This book solves that problem. It gets straight to the nitty-gritty of improving practice in a way that is both accessible and immediately useful.
I have no doubt it will become a go-to handbook for teachers and senior leaders alike, supporting professional development and helping to form new, effective habits that really make a difference in the classroom.
- Alison Williamson, Professional Learning Lead – Llanvihangel Crucorney and Llanfoist Primary School Federation, Monmouthshire
Finally, a one-stop guide that can be used to create a shared language and culture to support teachers in the 21st century. There are so many pedagogical approaches, it can be difficult to know where to start. In an increasingly demanding profession, this book offers practical, pro-active and procurable advice to support teachers at any stage in their career. School leaders can use this to secure a consistent, standardised approach to Teaching and Learning and will appreciate the real-life, authentic examples used to explain the thinking processes involved. I can't wait to start using this across our school.
- Sarah Horton, Assistant Headteacher – Treorchy Comprehensive School, Rhondda Cynon Taf
“The Illustrated Pocket Guide to Teaching & Learning” is an exceptionally clear, practical and thoughtfully crafted resource for teachers and school leaders. Its strength lies not only in the clarity of its language—concise, accessible, and grounded firmly in cognitive science—but also in the way each idea is made immediately actionable in real classrooms.
The inclusion of sketch notes is particularly powerful. These visual summaries translate complex concepts into intuitive, memorable representations that teachers can grasp at a glance and use as prompts in professional conversations. They make the learning stick, and they will undoubtedly support teachers to reflect, plan, and refine their practice with confidence.
What stands out throughout is the unwavering focus on the realities of school life: the cognitive challenges pupils face, the habits teachers rely on, and the practical routines that underpin effective learning. The book provides tools that are genuinely usable!
This guide will be invaluable for any teacher or leader committed to improving classroom practice in a meaningful, sustainable way. It doesn’t just tell you what to do—it helps you understand why it works and how to make it happen.
Liam Gould, Deputy Headteacher – Wodensfield Primary School, Wolverhamption
“The Illustrated Pocket Guide to Teaching and Learning” is a fiercely practical deep dive into what truly fuels effective learning. It exposes the barriers that hold students back and shows teachers exactly how to dismantle ingrained habits through purposeful, deliberate practice. A powerful read for anyone serious about getting pupils to think hard and learn.
- Nicola Morrison, Deputy Headteacher – Cynffig Comprehensive School, Bridgend
The Illustrated Pocket Guide is a well-judged blend of accessible research and practical, hands-on strategies, the guide equips teachers and leaders with approaches they can apply immediately in the classroom. A must-have for those new to teaching and for experienced practitioners seeking to refine and develop their practice in ways that make a genuine, lasting difference.
- Leanne Eyre, Headteacher – Maelor School, Wrexham
If you have ever wanted a practical guide to Teaching and Learning, grounded in research, then this is the book for you, and indeed, ALL teachers!
- Jamie Tennant, Headteacher - Broughton Primary School, Flintshire
This book equips school leaders to lead research-informed experimentation with staff, offering the opportunity to transform professional learning into deliberate, hands-on practice. Its emphasis on iteration and reflection makes it especially valuable for building a shared professional language and securing consistent, high-quality practice across the school.
- Matthew Oliver, Headteacher – Ysgol Gynradd Bryn Bach, Tredegar
This book is a brilliant tool for developing staff. The chapters make it easy to build shared understanding, have better professional conversations, and turn good ideas into everyday practice. It’s practical, supportive, and designed for leaders and teachers who want meaningful improvement.
- Glyn Tiltman, Acting Headteacher – Seaview Primary School, Swansea
Too often educational books are long-winded and impractical. This one isn’t. Clear, concise and full of relatable examples, it respects teachers’ time and shows exactly how ideas can be used in the classroom. If you want to make a real difference to your practice, this book is a must-read.
- Pam Potter, Primary School Teacher – Neyland Community School, Pembrokeshire
A wonderfully practical and research‑grounded guide to teaching. What makes this book stand out is how it invites you to do something with every idea rather than simply read along. The clear, engaging writing is paired with genuinely helpful sketchnotes that illuminate key concepts and make the learning stick. It’s an accessible, well‑crafted resource for anyone committed to growing their practice.
- Alex Barons, Deputy Headteacher – Ysgol Eirias, Colwyn Bay
As a school, we have always valued Finola’s work. Her new book is easily accessible and helps to make a real difference in supporting teachers to deliver effective teaching and learning based on relevant educational research.
- Sally-Anne Watts, Headteacher - Ysgol Tycroes, Ammanford
