For decades, percentages have been the cornerstone of academic assessment, a seemingly objective and straightforward way to quantify student performance. We assign a numerical score, average it out, and present it as a clear indicator of learning. Yet, beneath this veneer of simplicity lies a system riddled with flaws, one that actively hinders effective assessment, Read More
Category: Learning
The Environment and Brain Function
The brain functions that are associated with learning depend on communication with between neurons, which is mediated by neurotransmitters. Many chemicals are known to function as neurotransmitters, and also many chemicals are known to influence the functioning of neurotransmitters. Further, cognitive scientists have identified several environmental factors that are associated with the production and function Read More
Elevator Pitch: The New Theory of Disuse
The New Theory of Disuse (NTD): This theoretical framework provides a rationale for why difficulties can be desirable. The NTD characterizes an item in memory by two strengths: Storage Strength: Represents how well learned and interconnected an item is in memory. The theory assumes that storage strength, once accumulated, is never lost . Retrieval Strength: Read More
Elevator Pitches on Deeper Learning
Deeper learning refers to an approach to education that aims to equip students with the skills needed to deal with complexity and solve real-world problems. It goes beyond memorizing facts and focuses on competencies like problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, effective communication, learning how to learn, and developing an academic mindset. It’s important because traditional education Read More
Dimensions of Assessment
Three Dimensions of Learning: Imagine the data we would get is we designed school assessment system to focus on three areas: Habits of Effective Learners: Measured using traditional Course Grades, capturing content knowledge, task completion, compliance, and participation. Comparison to Other Populations: Measured using Standardized Tests like SBAC, SAT, and PSAT, providing a benchmark against Read More
Elevator Pitch on Zone of Proxial Development
Like all Vygotskian ideas, the zone of proximal development (ZPD) is a complex theory, but it can be reduced to a few simple principles that are quite easy to understand. First, within any domain of human knowledge, there are problems that an individual can solve easily and there are others that are too complex to Read More
AI Can Help Learners
For generations, students returning home from school were met with the question “what did you learn in school today?” The answer, of course, has been “nothing” for just as long. What was lost on all those generations is just how useful that question could be to our learning. We know that reconstructing what we have Read More
When Learning Is Inert
We have all experienced the change in our brains we call learning. We become capable of remembering information, performing actions, recognizing patterns, appreciating observations, asking questions, and otherwise interacting with ideas, tools, and people in a way we could not previously. Becoming aware of and evaluating our capabilities is learning as well. The many processes Read More
Review: A Brief History of Intelligence
The story is compelling; it is one of the most important and challenging questions we can face: What makes us unique? It is well told and includes sufficient detail to be informative, while written in language that general audiences will find approachable. Bennett seems to have adopted Stephen Jay Gould’s approach to never “dumb down” Read More
A Secret About Curriculum and a Message for Students
Education is fundamentally an endeavor grounded in guesses. Well, that may be hyperbole, but our curriculum is a guess at what our students may need to know for their future. We really can’t know what they are going to do, how things are going to change, or what we missed that we should have taught. Read More