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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrew Watson
Andrew began his classroom life as a high-school English teacher in 1988, and has been working in or near schools ever since. In 2008, Andrew began exploring the practical application of psychology and neuroscience in his classroom. In 2011, he earned his M. Ed. from the “Mind, Brain, Education” program at Harvard University. As President of “Translate the Brain,” Andrew now works with teachers, students, administrators, and parents to make learning easier and teaching more effective. He has presented at schools and workshops across the country; he also serves as an adviser to several organizations, including “The People’s Science.” Andrew is the author of "Learning Begins: The Science of Working Memory and Attention for the Classroom Teacher."
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ABOUT THE BLOG
The Mindset Controversy: Carol Dweck Speaks…
Carol Dweck has responded to recent concerns about her Mindset theory. Her answers offer helpful guidance to classroom teachers. Continue reading
Obsessed with Working Memory: Identifying Overload
Because working memory overload interferes with learning, teachers should be experts at spotting WM problems. Here’s how to do just that. Continue reading
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Does Banning Classroom Technology Improve Engagement? Learning?
A study looking a technology ban in a classroom yielded puzzling results, and insightful recommendations. Continue reading
Critical Thoughts on Teaching Critical Thinking
We can teach critical thinking within disciplines — especially when students master information, and practice core skills. Can we teach more general critical thinking skills? Continue reading
Obsessed with Working Memory: Anticipating Overload
Once we can define working memory and understand its importance, teachers help students learn by ANTICIPATING working memory overload. Here’s how we do that. Continue reading
Growing Mindsets in Argentina?
A study with 12th graders in Argentina highlights an important message about Growth Mindset: doing one thing once is unlikely to have much of an effect. Continue reading
Obsessed with Working Memory, Part II
Working memory allows students to hold and combine information. (We call that “learning.”) What 3 essential facts about working memory should shape our approach to teaching? Continue reading
Beyond the Mouse: Pointing in Online Lectures
When teachers use gestures appropriately in online learning, students learn more. Continue reading
Obsessed With Working Memory: Part I
When I attended my first Learning and the Brain conference, I had never even heard of…