- “Uncommon Sense Teaching: Practical Insights in Brain Science to Help Students Learn”
by Barbara Oakley PhD (Author), Beth Rogowsky EdD (Author), Terrence J. Sejnowski (Author) - “Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning“
by Peter C. Brown (Author), Henry L. Roediger III (Author), Mark A. McDaniel (Author)
Neuroscientists and cognitive scientists have made enormous strides in understanding the brain and how we learn, but little of that insight has filtered down to the way teachers teach. Uncommon Sense Teaching applies this research to the classroom for teachers, parents, and anyone interested in improving education. Topics include:
• keeping students motivated and engaged, especially with online learning
• helping students remember information long-term
• how to teach inclusively in a diverse classroom where students have a wide range of abilit
In this video, the presenter introduces a transformative book centered around the science of learning, emphasizing the vital skill of effective learning for success. The book dives into key concepts surrounding memory, specifically working memory versus long-term memory, revealing how the former can deceive learners into thinking they’ve absorbed information when they haven’t truly retained it. Chapters dissect the limitations of working memory, offering methods to transfer information effectively to the long-term memory, catering even to individuals with weaker working memories.
The video segments the book, discussing chapters on the brain’s processes for memory transfer, the impact of sleep, and strategies to combat procrastination. It highlights the importance of understanding focused and diffuse concentration modes for optimized learning and explores two learning pathways: declarative and procedural.
The presenter appreciates the book’s scientific foundation and accessible explanations while cautioning that occasional oversimplification may occur due to its broad audience targeting. Comparisons with another notable book on learning reveal overlaps but also highlight the newer book’s focus on brain mechanisms.
Furthermore, the video offers three powerful learning techniques from the book:
- Retrieval Practice: Testing yourself on learned material to reinforce memory and understanding.
- Spaced Practice: Distributing study sessions over time for enhanced retention.
- Interleaving: Mixing up topics within subjects to deepen understanding and recognize nuances.
The video closes with additional advice emphasizing the benefits of exercise and sleep on learning while introducing a learning platform that fosters interactive and engaging learning experiences.
Key Ideas:
- Understanding the deception of working memory and effective methods to transfer information to long-term memory.
- Importance of concentration modes and utilization of both learning pathways: declarative and procedural.
- Three powerful learning techniques: Retrieval Practice, Spaced Practice, and Interleaving, proven to enhance learning effectiveness.
- Emphasis on the impact of exercise and sleep on learning and an introduction to an interactive learning platform, Brilliant, aiding in a deeper comprehension of various subjects.