Category: May 2021–Evidence

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are forced to make behavioral changes such as hand-washing and mask-wearing. We avoid crowds, maintain social distancing. and take measures for ventilation to prevent infection, even on cold winter days! Now, these new behaviors are part of our daily routine. Without thinking much, I frequently wash my hands and regularly wear a mask.
During this period, I have also developed a new study habit: listening to a foreign language program on the radio and studying Spanish for 15 minutes three days a week.

There are many ways to teach and to learn. Some ways are not particularly effective or efficient (e.g., repetitive re-reading of the same material) and some ways are highly effective and efficient (e.g., correctly using flashcards). One would think that all teachers and students would abandon the ineffective ways and adhere to a diet of healthy study choices. Unfortunately, many who could benefit from an awareness of what would help them have not been presented with the information that they need to make the change.

One of the main quests for any teacher has been to find practical solutions to help students improve their learning outcomes. Since learning is a complex phenomenon and learners are unique individuals with different brains, the task at hand might feel quite challenging and at times discouraging. However, if we look at cognitive processes underlying learning, we might be able to help tackle them more effectively and maximize learners’ achievement. Learning requires memory and a good place to start digging more about memory and how it works is The Science of Learning (SoL).