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Today’s Unpopular Research Finding: Potential Perils of Mindfulness

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: May 11, 2019

New research suggests that mindfulness may lead to “particularly unpleasant” experiences for many practitioners. This research is in early stages, but we should consider its implications in school mindfulness programs. Continue reading →

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Right Brained Language Learning (And Other Reasons to Ignore Brain...

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: May 9, 2019

Recent research shows that right-hemisphere brain activity predicts successful language learning. For that reason (and many others), we shouldn’t think about “right-brain” or “left-brain” mental functions. Continue reading →

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Visual & Verbal: Welcome to “Dual Coding”

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: May 6, 2019

By “dual coding” — that is, by presenting information both verbally and visually — we can reduce our students working memory load. And: we can help them learn. Continue reading →

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Early Signs of Autism: “Joint Attention”

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: May 2, 2019

This video, by Simon Baron-Cohen, explains the importance of “joint attention” in early diagnosis of autism. Continue reading →

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A Rose by Any Other Name Would Smell as Confusing

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: April 30, 2019

All too often, psychology discussions use confusing — or worse, deliberately cheerful — terminology. Teachers should seek out direct and neutral terms to simplify and clarify our discussions. Continue reading →

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No, Brain Scans Can’t See You Think

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: April 27, 2019

https://npjscilearncommunity.nature.com/users/19663-tracey-tokuhama-espinosa/posts/42620-deciphering-fact-from-fiction-about-the-brain Continue reading →

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Does Low-Structure Free Time Improve Executive Function?

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: April 25, 2019

Students can be taught executive-function skills that help in schools. They learn executive-function skills that help outside of school by playing on their own. Both kinds of practice help children mature. Continue reading →

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Great Myths of Adolescence by  Jeremy D. Jewell, Michael I....

Rebecca Gotlieb
by: Rebecca Gotlieb
Posted on: April 22, 2019

Do you think that teenagers today are lazier, riskier, and more self-absorbed than previous generations? Great…

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The Best-Known Neural Model of Learning Might be Substantially Wrong

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: April 22, 2019

A new neural model of long-term memory formation might change our understanding of learning. It should not, however, change our approaches to teaching. Continue reading →

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Building a Better Research Mousetrap: @justsaysinmice

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: April 19, 2019

A new twitter account can help you sort the good science reporting from the bad. And, it’s got cute pictures too. Continue reading →