Episode 228: Skip the Education Fads and Stick With What Works with Marcie Samayoa

Choralosophy

Fads like “learning styles,” “restorative justice,” “inquiry based learning” and more, versus Cognitive Load Theory, Explicit Instruction etc. Marcie Samayoa’s experience as an ESL/immigrant student has shaped her view on teaching at risk American kids.

in this episode, I’m joined by Marcie Samayoa—a dedicated chemistry teacher and passionate advocate for evidence-based education.

We tackle some of the biggest debates in modern teaching, starting with one myth we’ve all heard: learning styles. Are you a “visual learner”? An “auditory learner”? Turns out, science doesn’t back that up. Marcie and I break down why this myth still lingers and explore what actually works in the classroom, from explicit instruction to cognitive load theory.

But we don’t stop there. We dive into real struggles teachers face every day—burnout, moral injury, and the overwhelming pressure to implement new methods without proper support. Marcie shares her frustration: Why are foundational skills like cognitive load and explicit instruction self-taught instead of core training for educators?

We also discuss balancing inquiry-based learning with strong fundamentals—something that resonates in both science and music. Whether it’s balancing chemical equations or teaching a choir to sight-read, we agree: students need clear, structured guidance before they can truly explore.

Finally, we hit on a tough question: Is prioritizing social-emotional learning over academics helping or hurting our students? Marcie and I discuss how teachers can support students and stay focused on their academic success—without burning out or overstepping their roles.

Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.

Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope

Clinician/Presenter Requests

Support the Show/Bonus Materials

Choralosophy Community Blog

Merch Store!

Visit Kaleidescope Today!

www.sightreadingfactory.com is the best literacy tool on the market today. Enter Choralosophy at checkout to get 10% off memberships for you AND your students!

Be Sure to Find Choralosophy on TikTok!

For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!

Sign up for an annual membership and save over $50 by entering Choralosophy at checkout! Save 15% on monthly or annual subscriptions.

Marcie Samayoa began her teaching journey at UCLA, where she earned a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Science Education in 2015. She started teaching as an intern in 2016 and went on to complete her teaching credential at CSUN in 2018. Currently, she is finalizing her National Board Certification while teaching high school Chemistry.

Over the course of her nine years in the classroom, Marcie has encountered many students who feel intimidated by science before they even begin. Comments like “Science is not my thing” are common among her students, and similar sentiments often arise from friends pursuing healthcare careers who claim, “I can’t be a doctor. Science is too difficult.”

Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.com

These statements resonate deeply with Marcie, as they remind her of her own struggles at UCLA. Despite spending long hours in the library, she initially faced challenges on exams. It was then that she realized hard work alone wasn’t enough—she needed to study smarter. Through research, she discovered cognitive science techniques that transformed her approach to learning. This shift not only helped her overcome academic hurdles but also earned her a spot on the Dean’s Honors List by her senior year.

Now, Marcie is passionate about helping students overcome their fear of science, guiding them toward strategies that build confidence and success in the subject.

Great deals, speedy shipping, and back to school sales at SheetMusicPlus!

@SciInTheMaking on X

@scientistsinthemaking.com on BlueSky

RyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!

@choralosophypodca

.

View this profile on Instagram

Choralosophy Podcast (@choralosophy) • Instagram photos and videos