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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
Does Pollution Really Harm Children’s Working Memory?
Pollution harms students’ working memory, both on their commute to school and in the classroom. Until we can solve this larger social problem, a less polluted route to school should be explored. Continue reading
Investigating Mindfulness: How Do We Know Its Benefits?
We would, of course, like to see studies with larger sample sizes, active control conditions, longer-term evaluation of results and so forth. This study find some positive trends, but overall isn’t impressed with the research progress over the last 13 years. Continue reading
Sleeplessness Harms Women’s Thinking More Than Men’s?
You can understand why this study lit up my twitter feed recently. It makes a…
Neuroplasticity and Myelin: Fascinating Brain Mysteries
Neuroplasticity and myelin are critical for the brain’s lifelong development, and essential for some of its most remarkable accomplishments. Continue reading
Motivation vs. IQ: Which Is More Important?
In the “motivation vs. IQ” debate, the Gottfrieds’ research suggests that intrinsic love of learning sets students on a path to lifetime fulfillment. And, parents can help them get there by encouraging curiosity. Continue reading
Surprise! The Unexpected Outdoor Class Advantage
But do your students have a point? Might there be good reasons to move class outside every now and then? Continue reading
Getting the Best Advice about Learning
Occasionally I try to persuade people that neuroscience is fantastically complicated. In other words: we…
You Are Not a Nile Grass Rat…
Teachers should pay close attention to neuroscience and psychology research done on people. However, you should NEVER change your teaching practice based on research into non-human animals. Continue reading
Do Musicians Really Have Better Memories?
Musicians have better long-term, short-term, and working memory than non-musicians. We don’t know why musician memory is stronger, but we have good hypotheses. Continue reading
Motivating Retrieval Practice: Money Doesn’t Help
This study suggests that retrieval practice should–as much as possible–come in the form of very-low-stakes or no-stakes retrieval. Continue reading