Monthly Archives: July 2018

Nope: Brain Training Doesn’t Work, Volume 262…

A recent study reveal — AGAIN –that “brain training” doesn’t work. Students can learn new things. But we can train their working memory or IQ in some abstract, artificial way. Continue reading



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divided attention

Fresh News on your Laptop Ban

In a college lecture course, divided attention caused by technology distractions didn’t harm student learning in the short term. But, on the final exam, it hurt both those who used the technology and those around them. With research like this, we can help students use technology more responsibly. Continue reading



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intellectual humility

Helping Today’s Students Have More Open Minds

People who demonstrate “intellectual humility” are quicker to admit that they might be wrong, and that others who disagree with them might be right. Early research suggests that promoting a growth mindset can help students develop intellectual humility, and learn from those with whom they disagree. Continue reading



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Do Stress, Age, or Stereotypes Harm Your Working Memory?

We write a lot about working memory here on the blog, and so I was intrigued to see a review article summarizing 21 factors that might influence our WM performance. Several of this article’s conclusions jumped out at me. Some



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music and language

Why Do Piano Lessons Improve Language Skills?

Why do music lessons help with language skills? A recent study from China suggests that piano lessons don’t improve children’s IQ or working memory, but do improve their ability to distinguish among consonants. The more we know about the relationship between music and language, the better guidance we can give families. Continue reading



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Problems in Science Communication, Part II: Too Little Skepticism

I spoke at this month’s Signs Summit in Chicago about problems in science communication. Here is the second half of what I said. (You can find the first half, which focuses on “too much skepticism” here.) We live in age that been



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exercise and memory

Can a Quick Bicycle Ride Help You Learn Better?

Can exercise improve memory? That fascinating question has inspired a lot of research. The answer you get often depends quite specifically on the kind of exercise, and the kind of memory, that you study. For example, a recent study asks



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Your Brain Headlines of the Week

Every week generates lots of interesting research in brain-world. These headlines most grabbed my attention:



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Reach for Greatness: Personalizable Education for All Children by Yong Zhao

Yong Zhao, University of Kansas Professor of education, has published over 30 books, including a few reviewed here at Learning and the Brain about the importance of entrepreneurship and  creativity  for producing a well-educated citizenry, even though the educational culture



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too much skepticism

Problems in Science Communication, Part I: Too Much Skepticism

When teachers question guidance offered by outside research experts, we might be faulted for “too much skepticism.” Yet expertise is more useful and meaningful when provided by insiders. Effective science communication depends on researchers who know schools and classrooms through day-to-day experience. Continue reading



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