structure inhibits creativity

Beware: Too Much Structure Hinders Creativity (for Experts)

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: January 26, 2018

Research shows that too much structure hinders creativity, whereas less-structured information allows more imaginative flexibility. Nonetheless, beginners do need structure to learn new skills. Continue reading →

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A Bilingual Advantage in New Language Acquisition?

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: January 24, 2018

Neuroscience research suggests a bilingual advantage for learning a new language. The the debate about the benefits of bilingual education continues… Continue reading →

Growth mindset helps subgroups

Growth Mindsets Help All Subgroups Learn

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: January 22, 2018

A Growth Mindset gives a student the equivalent of an extra month in school. This benefit helps all students–including those in SPED, ELL, and disadvantaged minorities. Continue reading →

Downside to Oxytocin

Surprise! Less Oxytocin Might Improve Social Interaction

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: January 20, 2018

A potential downside to oxytocin: it might harm social interactions. This specific research finding offers teachers a general reminder: be skeptical of simplistic teaching advice based on hormones. Continue reading →

runaway

The Runaway Species: How Human Creativity Remakes the World by...

Rebecca Gotlieb
by: Rebecca Gotlieb
Posted on: January 19, 2018

Humans are driven to create and innovate. In fact, this drive is what fuels our…

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Improve Your Understanding of Neuron Essentials

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: January 18, 2018

You’ve heard a lot of information about neurons at the Learning and the Brain conferences that you attend; perhaps a quick review would be helpful to consolidate your learning? Continue reading →

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Don’t Be Fooled by the Learning Pyramid Myth

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: January 16, 2018

The problem with the pyramid is not merely that it’s inaccurate, but that it’s incoherent.
The important lesson here goes beyond “always check the sources.” Instead, the point is “always check specific claims.”
Continue reading →

Relatively young students

The Struggles of Young-for-their-Grade Students

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: January 14, 2018

If a school has a strict cut-off date for a particular grade, then some students will be almost a full year younger than others. The age-appropriate developmental differences between the youngest and the oldest kindergartener might be substantial. Continue reading →

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Can Meaningful Gestures Help STEM Students Learn Better?

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: January 12, 2018

The right kind of gesture helps students understand physical space better. And students who can think well about space do better in STEM classes. Continue reading →

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Does Forest-Bathing Benefit Your Anxious Amygdala?

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: January 10, 2018

Living near forests might promote healthy brain development, especially as measured by “amygdala integrity.” Continue reading →