Tag Archives: classroom advice

assessing inquiry learning

Point/Counterpoint: Escaping the Inquiry Learning Debate

In the absence of consistent research findings, assessing Inquiry Learning can be a challenge. Teachers should rely on basic cognitive variables — like working memory and attention — to reach conclusions about its usefulness. Continue reading



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benefits of direct instruction

Despite the Skeptics, a Champion of Direct Instruction

In the debates between “progressive” and “traditional” educational theories, few arguments rage hotter than the…



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outdoor learning advantage

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



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Getting the Best Advice about Learning

Occasionally I try to persuade people that neuroscience is fantastically complicated. In other words: we…



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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



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Can Meaningful Gestures Help STEM Students Learn Better?

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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Improving the Syllabus: Surprising Benefits of Jumbling

Jumbling practice problem topics together helps students learn more than organizing practice problems by topic. Continue reading



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When Homework Is (and Isn’t) Genuinely Helpful

The question “does homework help students learn” is too big a question. We need to narrow it down. What age student are we discussing? What kind of homework are they doing? What discipline are they studying? Continue reading



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Benefiting from Retrieval Practice: Get the Timing Just Right

Retrieval practice is an excellent study strategy for students more than 24 hours ahead of a test. However, within that 24 hour window, teachers and students should focus more on connecting ideas rather than recalling them. Continue reading



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Enhance Memory by Saying Important Words Aloud

You’d like to remember a list of words better? Here’s a simple trick: read them out loud to yourself. Continue reading



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