Should Teachers Know the Basic Science of How Children Learn?
American Federation of Teacher’s Ask the Cognitive Scientist
Scientific knowledge can influence educational practice in more than one way. Sometimes the applications are overt, as when scientific descriptions of how children learn offer new ideas for instructional methods. For example, researchers have described the learning benefits of spacing out practice, and some educators have sought to incorporate that finding into their classrooms.
Kids’ Anxiety Can Spike During The Summer. Here’s Why, And What Parents Can Do To Help.
(Washington Post)
We think of the summer months as carefree and relaxing, but many kids actually experience an uptick in anxiety during the break. Anxious kids rely on carefully crafted routines, and too little structure or shifting routines can feel overwhelming.
Our Best Bet Against Burnout Is Self-Care, Just Not The Kind You Think
(Mashable)
The research on managing chronic job stress indicates that people benefit from taking sufficient time off from work, engaging in relaxing activities, developing meaningful pursuits outside of work, and getting enough high-quality sleep, says David Ballard, senior director of the office of applied psychology at the American Psychological Association.
6 Steps to Equitable Data Analysis
(Edutopia)
When analyzing data, educators should include students’ identities and culture for a fuller picture of how they are doing.
School’s Out: Reflecting on the Term, Recharging over the Summer, and Readying for What’s Next
(ACUE Community)
I have never met a faculty member in my 30-year career who took the summer “off.” Even when an instructor has a nine-month contract, in my experience, most use the time to catch up on their field’s literature, conduct research, connect with colleagues, write, and strengthen their teaching. It’s who we are.
Helping Preschoolers Build Self-Regulation Skills That Are The Foundation Of Success
(KQED – Mind/Shift)
Preschool is an important time for children to build pro-social behaviors and learn to get along with other kids in a school setting. Recently, there has been more emphasis on academic preparation in preschool, but just as important, are the social and emotional skills kids will need to succeed when they move into kindergarten.
A Core Subgroup of Believers Don’t Just Think Learning Styles Are Real, But Also Inherited And Hard-Wired In The Brain
(BPS Research Digest)
The “learning style” myth – the idea that we each have a preferred modality for learning, usually described as visual, auditory or kinaesthetic – just won’t die. Belief in learning styles endures even though psychologists have pointed out repeatedly the many problems with the concept. Students don’t benefit from learning in their supposedly preferred style, for example, and teachers and their pupils don’t agree on the pupil’s learning style in the first place.
Evidence For Revolution
(Robert Slavin’s Blog)
Most of the time, the programs they have been required to use by their school administrations either have no valid evidence of effectiveness, or they have concrete evidence that they do not work.
Learning Grows: The Science of Motivation for the Classroom Teacher
(Learning and the Brain Blog)
A look at the latest book by Andrew C. Watson that focuses on growth mindsets and stereotype threat.
Intro Psych Series: Q/A With Dr. Berntsen
(The Novice Professor)
Over the next two weeks, The Novice Professor is teaming up with several wonderful guest posters who are sharing their takes on teaching the general survey course in psychology. Even if you don’t teach this course, there are lots of great ideas you can modify for your classroom. Join us as we get into the nitty-gritty from textbook selection to favorite assignments to assessment strategies!
Podcasting for Mental Health
(Inside Higher Ed)
New series focuses on mental and behavioral health disorders among college students.
