Yearly Archives: 2018

cognitive training

Play More Chess, Get More Smarts?

Some research suggests that general cognitive training — through chess, or music lessons — might help students learn a broad array of academic disciplines. However, research that controls for placebo effects discounts that finding. Almost certainly, students must learn each particular skill by practicing it. Continue reading



Posted in L&B Blog | Tagged | Leave a comment
embodied cognition

Resources to Get Started with “Embodied Cognition”:

The field of embodied cognition has gotten increasing attention in recent years. The short version…



Posted in L&B Blog | Tagged | Leave a comment
retrieval practice timing

Let’s Get Practical: When Should Students Self-Test?

When should students self-test for maximum learning? Recent research suggests that retrieval practice timing matters less than retrieval practice doing. That is: students can self test at the end of a textbook section, or an the end of a chapter; both techniques help them learn. For even better memories, do both! Continue reading



Posted in L&B Blog | Tagged | Leave a comment
parenting teens

Attack of the Teenage Brain!: Understanding and Supporting the Weird...

John Medina, developmental molecular biologist and New York Times best-selling author, has written a book…



Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment
Meta-Learning

Nope: Brain Training Doesn’t Work, Volume 262…

A recent study reveal — AGAIN –that “brain training” doesn’t work. Students can learn new things. But we can train their working memory or IQ in some abstract, artificial way. Continue reading



Posted in L&B Blog | Tagged | Leave a comment
divided attention

Fresh News on your Laptop Ban

In a college lecture course, divided attention caused by technology distractions didn’t harm student learning in the short term. But, on the final exam, it hurt both those who used the technology and those around them. With research like this, we can help students use technology more responsibly. Continue reading



Posted in L&B Blog | Tagged , , | Leave a comment
intellectual humility

Helping Today’s Students Have More Open Minds

People who demonstrate “intellectual humility” are quicker to admit that they might be wrong, and that others who disagree with them might be right. Early research suggests that promoting a growth mindset can help students develop intellectual humility, and learn from those with whom they disagree. Continue reading



Posted in L&B Blog | Tagged | 1 Comment
AdobeStock_120033967_Credit

Do Stress, Age, or Stereotypes Harm Your Working Memory?

We write a lot about working memory here on the blog, and so I was…



Posted in L&B Blog | Tagged | Leave a comment
music and language

Why Do Piano Lessons Improve Language Skills?

Why do music lessons help with language skills? A recent study from China suggests that piano lessons don’t improve children’s IQ or working memory, but do improve their ability to distinguish among consonants. The more we know about the relationship between music and language, the better guidance we can give families. Continue reading



Posted in L&B Blog | Tagged , | Leave a comment
AdobeStock_157277589_Credit

Problems in Science Communication, Part II: Too Little Skepticism

I spoke at this month’s Signs Summit in Chicago about problems in science communication. Here is…



Posted in L&B Blog | Tagged | Leave a comment