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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 Best Way to Take Notes: More Feisty Debate
When teachers contemplate asking students to take longhand notes, we should think about the level of desirable difficulty this strategy creates. We should also beware the working memory challenges inherent in note-taking, especially on complex material. Continue reading
The Great Homework Debate: Working Memory Disadvantage?
New research into working memory might give teachers fresh perspective in the great homework debate. Well-designed homework might make new words and concepts easier to learn, because the right kind of practice can reduce differences between high- and low-working-memory students. Continue reading
Pro Tips: How To Think Like A Cognitive Scientist
A short, “intensive” college course might seem like a good idea. However, essential cognitive science principles suggest that students will learn less in them. Researchers consistently show that it’s better to spread learning out over time, and that easy learning doesn’t last. Continue reading
Is Dopamine For Motivation or Learning?
Neuroscientists talk a lot about neurotransmitters. These chemicals move from one neuron to another at synapses,…
The Neuroscience of Intelligence: “Slim” Neural Networks
Although “more” often seems better, brains can benefit from “less.” Recent research suggests that higher levels of intelligence result from more efficient networks. These slim neural networks result in better processing. Continue reading
No Grades? Doug Lemov Just Isn’t Having It…
Although many experts argue that schools should have no grades, Doug Lemov strongly disagrees. His claim that the end of grades would preclude meritocracy has prompted a lively debate. Continue reading
Should Mothers Help Children With Homework?
According to a new study in Finland, a mother’s homework help might reduce her child’s feelings of autonomy and competence. For this reason, even well-intentioned help might reduce a child’s motivation–at least in 2nd and 3rd grades. Continue reading
Crucial in the Classroom: Distinguishing between Experts & Novices
Novices & experts think differently. Teachers should not treat novices like experts, but should help them become experts. To do so, we need to think realistically about the limits of novice cognition. Continue reading
Let’s Get Practical: More Flashcards Are Better
What flashcard strategies yield the most learning? Research suggests that relatively large flashcard piles spreads repetitions out, and therefore helps students learn better than relatively small piles. Because students prefer small to large, teachers should offer them consistent — and firm — guidance. Continue reading
Concerned about Concussions: Athletes and Actors
Teachers have often worried about athletes and concussions. New research suggests we should worry about actors and concussions as well. Two-thirds of professional actors suffer concussions, and 30% experience five or more. Those numbers encourage us to keep our eyes on student actors and techies. Continue reading
