Learning science

Not all learning mechanisms are equal. Research and implementation reveal a clear hierarchy that guides every design decision.

Tier 0: Non-negotiables

These must be in place before anything else matters.

Mechanism	What it means
Faultless communication	Instruction is unambiguous. Examples clearly distinguish what counts from what does not.
Retrieval practice	Active recall is the primary learning event, not passive consumption.
Mastery gating	Students do not progress without demonstrating ≥90% accuracy on rigorous assessments.

Tier 1: Force multipliers

These amplify Tier 0 once the foundation is solid.

Mechanism	What it means
Spacing	Distribute practice over time. Cramming creates temporary performance.
Interleaving	Mix problem types to prevent context-dependency.
Worked examples	Study complete solutions before attempting problems.
Feedback	Immediate for basic facts; elaborated (explaining why) for concepts.

Tier 2: Context-dependent

These work under specific conditions.

Mechanism	What it means
Novelty	Activates attention. Useful for marking practice intervals.
Multimedia	Combine verbal and visual when both add value. Avoid redundancy.
Gamification	Can increase engagement if it reinforces learning behaviors, not just completion.

Tier 0 is binary. You either have faultless communication, retrieval practice, and mastery gating, or you do not. No amount of Tier 1 or 2 optimizations can compensate for a broken foundation.

Non-negotiables

1EdTech standards

⌘I

Overview

For developers

Concepts

Tier 0: Non-negotiables

Tier 1: Force multipliers

Tier 2: Context-dependent

​Tier 0: Non-negotiables

​Tier 1: Force multipliers

​Tier 2: Context-dependent

Tier 0: Non-negotiables

Tier 1: Force multipliers

Tier 2: Context-dependent