Science of learning
How learning works: memory, attention, and how the brain changes with practice. I draw on my own research and the work of others to explore what the science means for everyday learning.
What I write about
The science and practice of learning better
Motivation
Why we start, why we quit, and what keeps us going. Motivation is at the heart of my research, and I write about what the science tells us and how to put it to work in your own learning.
Tools & techniques
Mnemonics, spaced practice, retrieval, and other techniques supported by scientific evidence. What they are, when they help, and how to put them into practice.
Books
Notes on books about learning and learning design: the ideas in each book, the research behind the ideas, and where the evidence supports, complicates, or challenges those ideas.
About
A little background
Observe with curiosity, try with courage, reflect with honesty, and adjust with patience. We learn more, and enjoy it more, when we treat learning as an experiment.
I am a Professor in Instructional Design and Technology at Bowling Green State University, where I also serve as Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Research. I earned my Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology from Michigan State University, and I have studied how people learn ever since. My research is funded by the National Science Foundation, and I serve as Associate Editor for Educational Technology & Society and the Online Learning Journal.
Away from work, I am an avid reader and a curious learner. I read widely on the science of learning, from motivation to memory to brain plasticity. This site is where I reflect on my own experiences as a learner, educator, and researcher, and write about research worth knowing, tools worth trying, and books worth reading about how we learn.
Blog
Recent essays
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2026
How AI Is Changing Instructional Design
September 19, 2026 · AI
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2026
Can Belief Become a Barrier to Learning?
August 15, 2026 · motivation
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2026
Does the Design of Learning Still Matter in the Age of AI?
July 18, 2026 · AI
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2026
Why We Remember Some Things Better Than Others?
June 20, 2026 · memory
Research
My research
In my research, I study how the design of online learning environments shapes motivation, participation, and learning, with recent projects on gamification, learning analytics dashboards, and virtual reality. You may find more information about my research and publications on the research page.
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2026
Examining the role of personality traits and perceived need satisfaction in gamified learning
Gao, F., Liu, J., Rogers, K., Li, L., & Liu, R. · Knowledge Management & E-Learning, 18(2) · DOI
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2025
Towards tailored online learning: Predicting students' online learning patterns with perceived needs satisfaction
Gao, F., & Liu, R. · Educational Technology and Society, 28(2), 1–14 · JSTOR
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2024
Advancing gamification research and practice with three underexplored ideas in self-determination theory
Gao, F. · TechTrends, 68, 661–671 · DOI
Contact
Stay in touch
For collaboration or inquiries, please send me a message.