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Can We Boost Our Students’ Self-Control?

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: March 12, 2019

You have, no doubt, heard about this research before. Walter Mischel tested preschoolers on self-control….

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A Handy Summary of Memory Definitions, for Teachers and Students

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

Here‘s a quick summary of information about memory: sensory memory, working memory, long-term memory, and…

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Does Music Promote Students’ Creativity?

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: March 7, 2019

Music played during a creative task distracts students…but, music played before the task might increase creativity. Continue reading →

research-based advice for students

Taking Notes with Graphic Organizers

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: March 4, 2019

Researchers office us concrete advice on the best form for handwritten notes: outlines vs. graphic organizers; incomplete vs. complete. Continue reading →

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Do Collaborative Projects Reduce or Increase Working Memory Stress?

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

Should teachers ask students to work on projects in teams? This question generates a great…

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Praising Researchers, Despite Our Disagreements

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: February 28, 2019

This blog often critiques the hype around “brain training.” Whether Lumosity or Tom Brady‘s “brain…

Irresistible

Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of...

Rebecca Gotlieb
by: Rebecca Gotlieb
Posted on: February 26, 2019

Where is your mobile phone right now?  How much time have you spent on it…

Can Teachers Be Trusted to Evaluate Research?

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

Too often, teachers hear that our judgment about classroom applications of scientific research isn’t to be trusted. And yet, teacher judgment is essential when applying research in the classroom. Given that psychology research affects classroom practice only when teachers use it, why put down the teachers who are essential partners in this process? Our field should focus not on competition, but on respectful collaboration. Continue reading →

“Mindset Bull****,” “Gimmicks,” and Other Unhelpful Critiques

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: February 23, 2019

My friend Cindy Nebel has a thoughtful post about a recent article at TES. Here’s…

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Good News! Contradictory Research on Desirable Difficulties…

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: February 21, 2019

As we regularly emphasize here on the blog, attempts to recall information benefit learning. That…