This book, "Understanding How We Learn: A Visual Guide," by Yana Weinstein and Megan Sumeracki, challenges conventional approaches to teaching and learning by advocating for evidence-based practices grounded in cognitive psychology.
The authors highlight the gap between scientific research on learning and classroom practice, arguing that many educators rely on intuition rather than research-backed strategies, leading to misinterpretations and less effective teaching.
The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying cognitive processes involved in learning, including perception, attention, and memory.
It explains that these processes are not simple or static but are constantly evolving and influenced by individual differences, a point often overlooked in educational practice.
The authors debunk common misunderstandings about learning, such as the concept of "learning styles" and the "left-brain/right-brain" myth. They highlight the dangers of relying on intuition and the need to approach learning with a skeptical mindset, challenging existing beliefs with evidence-based research.
The book promotes six key learning strategies supported by extensive research in cognitive psychology:
Spaced Practice: Spreading out learning over time for more effective retention.
Interleaving: Switching between topics or problems to enhance learning and encourage differentiation.
Elaboration: Asking and answering "how" and "why" questions to develop deeper understanding.
Concrete Examples: Using concrete examples to illustrate abstract concepts and enhance memory.
Dual Coding: Presenting information in both verbal and visual forms to facilitate learning and memory.
Retrieval Practice: Testing yourself on previously learned material to strengthen memory and promote deeper understanding.
"Understanding How We Learn" provides practical advice for teachers, students, and parents on how to implement these evidence-based strategies to improve learning outcomes.
The authors encourage an ongoing dialogue between researchers, teachers, and students, promoting a culture of evidence-based education where the gap between research and practice is bridged, leading to more effective teaching and learning experiences.
#LearningScience #CognitivePsychology #Education #Teaching #LearningStrategies #SpacedPractice #Interleaving #Elaboration #ConcreteExamples #DualCoding #RetrievalPractice #Misconceptions #Neuroscience #MindWandering #ConfirmationBias #TeacherTraining #StudentLearning #StudySkills #ResearchBasedLearning #yasoElmasry