The Science of Lesson Planning: High-Impact Practices That Deepen Student Learning

By Lori Cohen

Streamline your approach to lesson planning, reduce decision fatigue, and enhance student learning.

Teaching has always been complex work--full of shifting priorities, needs, and complications. Learn how to design lessons that anticipate challenges and opportunities, bringing clarity, creativity, and joy to learning and saving you time in the long run.

In The Science of Lesson Planning, veteran educator Lori Cohen gives K-12 teachers a practical guide filled with real classroom examples, planning tools, and AI prompts. This book weaves together the findings from cognitive science, neuroscience, and two decades of classroom experience into a coherent, actionable framework that will help you

Create inclusive, psychologically safe learning environments.Center student voice, agency, and independence in your lessons.Balance rigor with creativity.Use reflection to refine instructional approaches.Leverage AI and technology as useful tools in lesson design.

Whether you're a novice building foundational habits or a veteran ready to reimagine your practice, The Science of Lesson Planning serves as diagnostic tool, coaching guide, and planning playbook all in one. Unleash the power of intentional planning to center students and their needs and provide the transformative learning experiences they all deserve.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416634681
• ISBN13: 9781416634683
• Release Date: September 2026
• Publisher: ASCD
• Length: 178 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.