This spring I read How Learning Works: Eight Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching by Norman, Ambrose, DiPietro, Lovett, and Bridges (2023) and How Humans Learn by Joshua Eyler (2018). These are both excellent books that cover the fundamental concepts and principles of effective teaching. But which was better? Which book did a better job of teaching me, a teacher, how to teach effectively? Which would I recommend to a friend or colleague? I really liked that the “8 principles” book was divided into eight core concepts that seem very fundamental to good teaching. Many of these were new to me when I first read them. And each chapter includes the research and evidence behind the concept. On the other hand, I found Eyler’s How Human’s Learn a lot more engaging and digestible. The explanations of key concepts are interspersed with entertaining narrative and anecdotes from his life as a teacher and learner.  

So which one was better?  

As I pondered this question more and more I started to daydream about Josh Eyler and Susan Ambrose (one of the key authors of the “8 principles” book) engaged in an “rap battle”. When I think of an “rap battle” I picture two rappers competing about which one of them, or an idea they are championing, is better, and going back and forth verse by verse to sling boasts and insults and respond to one another. This could be done in a live/impromptu fashion, or as a more scripted song. Being the nerd that I am, I’m most familiar with epic rap battles in the context of “epic rap battles of history” on Youtube, and in fact I’ve used the one between economists Keynes and Hayek in my teaching. So what if Eyler and Ambrose went head to head? Who would win? And how could I watch this rap battle? And then an idea struck me, …AI! So I plugged the prompt below into Microsoft Co-Pilot and this is what I got. And who won the rap battle? You be the judge! 

Co-Pilot Prompt: 

Please create the script for an “epic rap battle”, about 2-5 minutes long, between Joshua Eyler, author of “How Humans Learn” and Susan Ambrose and the authors of “How Learning Works: Eight Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching”, battling it out about which book is best at teaching instructors how to teach effectively. Please take your time. 

Result: 

Title: “Battle of Pedagogical Titans” 

[Verse 1: Joshua Eyler] 

Eyler in the house, I’m here to teach, 
How Humans Learn, my book’s the reach, 
From cognitive science to classroom lore, 
I’ll show you how to engage and explore. 
 
Lectures alone? Nah, that’s old school, 
Evidence says it’s a learning cesspool, 
Active learning’s the key, my friend, 
Interaction, discussion, that’s the trend. 
 
[Chorus] Eyler vs. Ambrose, who’ll prevail? Teaching’s an art, let’s set sail!
 
[Verse 2: Susan Ambrose]

Hold up, Eyler, don’t get too smug, We’re the Learning Works crew, no need to shrug, Eight principles strong, evidence-based, Our book’s the guide, can’t be replaced. 

Feedback matters, that’s our first rule, Assessment’s not just a teacher’s tool, Metacognition, deep processing too, We’ve got the science, and we’ll school you. 

[Chorus] Eyler vs. Ambrose, who’ll prevail? Teaching’s an art, let’s set sail! 

[Verse 3: Joshua Eyler] 

Eyler’s back, with stories to tell, 
Narrative pedagogy, oh, it rings a bell, 
Students need context, emotions, and more, 
Not just facts, but connections galore. 
 
Online learning? Well, let’s debate, 
Face-to-face’s great, but don’t underestimate, 
Virtual classrooms, when done right, 
Can spark minds, ignite, take flight. 
 
[Chorus] Eyler vs. Ambrose, who’ll prevail? Teaching’s an art, let’s set sail!
 
[Verse 4: Susan Ambrose]

Hold your horses, Eyler, we’ve got the score, Learning principles galore, ready for war, Motivation, scaffolding, and spaced practice, Our book’s the roadmap, no need to guess. 

Collaboration’s key, not just solo flight, Peer learning, teamwork, that’s our insight, So, Eyler, step back, take a seat, We’re the Learning Works crew, can’t be beat. 

[Chorus] Eyler vs. Ambrose, who’ll prevail? Teaching’s an art, let’s set sail! 

[Outro]  In this epic battle, who’s the champ? 
Eyler or Ambrose, light the lamp, 
But truth be told, it’s not about winning, 
It’s about effective teaching, minds spinning. 
 
So, instructors, take notes, learn the tricks, 
Blend science and practice, that’s the mix, 
Eyler, Learning Works, both have their place, 
Teaching’s an art, let’s embrace the race. 

Note: This rap battle is purely fictional and for entertainment purposes. Both books offer valuable insights for educators.12 

Photo by Gordon Cowie from Unsplash.com