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The Limitations of Retrieval Practice (Yes, You Read That Right)

Last week, I wrote that “upsides always have downsides.” That is: anything that teachers do…

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Upsides Always Have Downsides: “Side Effects” in Education Research

Here at Learning and the Brain, we believe that research can improve education. Specifically, research…

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Getting the Details Just Right: Retrieval Practice

Can we ever research a topic too much? Can we reach a point where, well,…

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Walking Promotes Creativity? A Skeptic Weighs In…

When teachers try to use psychology research in the classroom, we benefit from a balance…

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ADHD and Asperger Syndrome in Smart Kids and Adults by...

In ADHD and Asperger Syndrome in Smart Kids and Adults: Twelve Stories of Struggle, Support,…

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The Most Important 5 Minutes in Class: The Primacy/Recency Effect

As we put our lesson plans together, we teachers want to know: are some minutes…

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Working Memory in Everyday Life

Imagine this scenario: you’re standing in the CVS toothpaste aisle, trying to decide. You think…

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Earworms and Sleep: What Will They Research Next?

Just last week, I spoke with middle- and upper-school students about learning. We all know…

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“No Cameras Allowed:” Does Taking Pictures During Lectures Benefit Learning?

Should students use cameras to take pictures of boardwork? My high school students know my…

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It’s Funny (but It’s Not): Our Instincts about Learning are...

Every now and then, research is just plain funny. Here’s the story: If you’ve spent…