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Learning and the Brain Blog

The Emperor’s New School — or, the Future of Education?
Andrew Watson
Andrew Watson

Here's my pitch for you: I can run a school...

Building Better Concept Maps
Andrew Watson
Andrew Watson

Teachers regularly hear that "concept maps help students learn." While...

When Retrieval Practice Backfires (and When It Doesn’t)
Andrew Watson
Andrew Watson

If you've heard about retrieval practice, you've probably heard this...

Beyond the Science of Reading by Natalie Wexler
Erik Jahner, PhD
Erik Jahner, PhD

There is something almost combustible about stepping into the reading...

Why Cognitive Science in Education Feels Fragmented—and How Self-Efficacy Helps
Andrew Watson
Andrew Watson

I've got good news: cognitive psychology has SO MANY practical...

Book Review: “Mental Models” and “Just Tell Them”
Guest Post

Today's book review is by Dr. Rob McEntarffer “Without… mental...

Rows vs. Pods: What Seating Research Says (and Doesn’t Say)
Andrew Watson
Andrew Watson

I spoke recently with an AWESOME group of primary school...

Speaking, Writing, and Learning: What the “Production Effect” Can—and Can’t—Do
Andrew Watson
Andrew Watson

A colleague recently asked me this thoughtful question: I've seen...

Fix the Past or Invent the Future by Yong Zhao
Erik Jahner, PhD
Erik Jahner, PhD

Educators have long rejected the idea of a Brave New...

Not All Jokes Are Created Equal: Teacher Humor That Helps (and Hurts)
Andrew Watson
Andrew Watson

Imagine I told you that "we have research showing that...

40% Wrong: The fMRI Problem in Educational Neuroscience
Andrew Watson
Andrew Watson

When our students learn -- or pay attention, or feel...

Answering Questions *Before* Reading: Can AI Make This Strategy Work?
Andrew Watson
Andrew Watson

2025 included MANY grand claims about transformational potential for AI:...

How to Change a School (Not Just a Classroom)
Andrew Watson
Andrew Watson

Many years ago, I accepted a new school role overseeing...

The Pygmalion Effect: What Teachers Actually Need to Know
Andrew Watson
Andrew Watson

Our story begins with a surprise and an exclamation point....

EdTech Essentials by Monica Burns
Erik Jahner, PhD
Erik Jahner, PhD

In many classrooms, Ed Tech like generative AI has quietly...

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