Book Reviews – Page 3 – Education & Teacher Conferences

Making Room for Impact by Arran Hamilton, John Hattie, and Dylan Wiliam

Erik Jahner, PhD

June 24, 2024

Making Room for Impact by Arran Hamilton, John Hattie, and Dylan Wiliam

Time to make time to teach effectively and efficiently by digging into your practice with this insanely useful guide written by Arran Hamilton, John Hattie, and Dylan Wiliam. Making Room for Impact: A De-implementation Guide for Educators is not only for instructors; it’s for anyone associated with any level of education from teachers to researchers and administrators who want to make sure “what works” is not just added to the teacher workload but practices are sifted and dialed-in improving student, parent, and instructor lives and educational experiences.

This book is a powerful resource that promises to reshape your thinking and processes in terms of time, money, and effort. The authors highlight a common issue: while we continuously add new practices in hopes of becoming more effective, we seldom revisit, streamline, or remove outdated ones. The result is a longer workweek filled with stress, frustration, and a sense that even if you are getting things done, you’re not doing them well. But here is a systematic instruction manual to increase efficiency in education practice backed by evidence and scaffolded with useful tables, summaries, surveys, and diagrams from experts who have compiled and evaluated reduction philosophies and their implementations across the world.

The book provides a clear rationale for de-implementation, outlining the problems in current systems and the unrealized potential of reducing waste. The initial chapters set the stage with research and international comparisons, giving you and your institution a strong foundation to begin the practice. Its powerful simplicity and clear message guide readers through evaluating and individualizing processes for their unique contexts, akin to a “getting things done” approach for education. The main ideas are encapsulated in the four Rs of de-implementation:

Remove: Eliminate useless or less useful practices.
Reduce: Decrease the overuse of certain practices.
Re-engineer: Simplify non-essential practices by reducing complexities, steps, or time.
Replace: Swap out practices with more efficient and effective ones.

But how do you do this? The means are made clear through a four-step process to streamline your practices while still considering your unique context and current practices.

First, you’ll Discover your current practices, evaluating their effectiveness and understanding what is needed. Then armed with this information, you Decide which of the four Rs to apply. The book guides you through sorting and sifting your existing practices, evaluating their original goals, and determining if they still meet those goals. Detailed guidelines and over 80 potential methods are provided to assist you in this process, allowing you to choose approaches that best fit your context. Next, you’ll envision what the final product will look like and identify pathways to achieve it. The third step is to De-implement, where you bring your plans to life, monitor progress, and prepare for potential setbacks by deploying countermeasures. Finally, you Re-decide, evaluating the success of your de-implementation efforts and making necessary adjustments, emphasizing ongoing evaluation and adjustments to ensure sustainability and expansion.

Numerous case studies throughout the book illustrate these practices in action, making the concepts easier to understand and apply. The figures and tables are instructive and easy to read helping you visualize the process, building a deep understanding of both the philosophy and the practice. A number of these charts and chapters will be reread by you over the years as you internalize the philosophy and hone your practice. The appendices should not be neglected, they are invaluable, offering a “Shopping List” of over 80 de-implementation opportunities, an overview of 50+ cross-disciplinary research studies supporting de-implementation practices, insights into lean and six-sigma approaches, and 50+ tried and true methodologies for implementation from various fields.

The authors also recognize the real school situation—the institutionalization of inefficient and ineffective processes and the political implications of challenging existing views. They respect the psychological challenge of changing personal habits and guide you through both the personal and professional process of de-implementation.

By implementing these practices, you can save time, reduce workload, and improve your work-life balance. Even if learning outcomes remain stable (although they will likely improve), you’ll have more space to evaluate and update practices over time. Ultimately, these strategies are designed to make your day more effective, reduce stress, increase productivity and focus, and allow for necessary adjustments, with the overarching message that less can indeed be more. Not only are these authors giving you back valuable teaching time, but giving you back hours of lost personal time for yourself and your family.

Erik Jahner, PhD

May 17, 2024

Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

From the author of The Coddling of the American Mind, The Righteous Mind, and The Happiness Hypothesis, comes another compelling social commentary that helps us better understand and take part in our social evolution. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist at the Stern School of Business (NYU), once again asks what kind of society we want to create and empowers us with the knowledge to become agents of change.

In Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, Haidt identifies a critical period between 2010 and 2015 when our phones and computers became more than tools for communication and work, but they became “platforms upon which companies competed to see who could hold on to eyeballs the longest.” (p. 115) Not coincidentally, it was during this same industrial change that the western world saw a rapid increase in anxiety and depression among teenagers, revealing a society unprepared for the technological upheaval it faced.

Haidt contends that the “virtual world” is disembodied, limiting communication to language without the physical contact and expressive synchronous communication that our brains evolved to master. It’s a world with little real physical risk, offering bursts of addictive dopamine as we scroll from post to post. Individuals can join many communities online but often do so without the social investment and learning necessary in face-to-face interactions. It’s a new world, one which has capitalized on our biology, but one we have not yet biologically or socially evolved to handle in a healthy way.

But this is not an anti-technology book, it’s a book about how two “experience blockers” disrupt the natural trajectory of development, making us lonelier and more anxious. Changes in parenting practices are the second “experience blocker.” Our efforts to keep teens safe have been changing over the decades, we’ve overprotected and overscheduled them, denying them the necessary risk-taking and discovery opportunities essential for brain development during adolescence. We have denied them even the basic joys of unstructured play. But our protections have been unbalanced, linked to his first point, we’ve failed to protect them in the digital world, where there’s no consensus on rites of passage or developmentally appropriate use of technology.

Haidt refers to these combined issues as the “Great Rewiring.” The book provides an excellent historical overview of changes in parenting and adolescent behavior over generations. You’ll see reflections of your parents, grandparents, and children, noticing the significant differences in practices and the physical environment for development. Effective images and graphs drive home his main arguments without overwhelming the reader with data points. The data presented speaks for itself, but lest you have doubts Haidt effectively handles and incorporates arguments he has gotten and wondered over the years. Allow him to open your eyes to the data that led him to writing this book.

While directed at parents, this book is important for socially responsible technologists, scientists, legislators, and educators. Throughout the book, Haidt offers a social scientist’s and parent’s perspective on guidelines for teens’ interaction with technology and social experiences. Supporting his thesis with reams of extensive but easily accessible research, Haidt explains the skills we need to rekindle and the new skills we need to develop to overcome the mental health damage inflicted on a generation by changing parenting practices and social media. He provides specific developmental timetables and strategies, backed by research and parenting experience, explaining how and when certain types of technology should be introduced. While you may not agree with every perspective or suggestion, Haidt’s chapters provide essential talking points and critical issues that must be addressed in our changing world.

Haidt assertively demonstrates that a laissez-faire approach to technology has led to an era of psychological problems that can only be combated with collective change of which we are all individually a part. As technological change shows no signs of slowing, his insights are more crucial than ever. We need to invest individually and in communities through real-world interactions preparing for our future.

Insight into a Bright Mind by Nicole Tetreault

Erik Jahner, PhD

April 17, 2024

Insight into a Bright Mind by Nicole Tetreault

Insight into a Bright Mind: A Neuroscientist’s Personal Stories of Unique Thinking is a profoundly personal book, authored by Nicole Tetreault who finds neuroscience deeply meaningful on a personal level, shaping her understanding of herself and the world around her. The book is a neuroscience-informed exploration of her own personal reflections as an individual who is twice exceptional, recounting experiences with teachers, peers, and her children and interpreting the often-misunderstood lives of other exceptional individuals. The narrative reveals how the author’s early encounters with neuroscience have been intricately woven into a deeper understanding of herself, transforming the book into a piece of literature rather than mere information. You will be introduced to her personal experience from running, to Barbie, mathematics, and coloring with her mother. You will experience her pain, frustration, and joy. This emotionally evocative narrative not only ignites curiosity but also prompts introspection into one’s own development and story.

The book excels in translating neuroscience into culturally relevant ideas including autism, giftedness, gender, intelligence, and creativity just to name a few. This is an example of how neuroscience can enrich our understanding of ourselves and others beyond appreciating biology alone. Crafted with aesthetic expertise, each paragraph is not only enjoyable to read but also brims with a fascinating array of information about the brain.

Prior to reading this book, I had assumed that the topic might not interest me, deeming it too specialized and applicable only to a niche audience. However, the book defies these expectations by delving into the stories of exceptional minds and brains, shedding light on what they can reveal about ourselves and our interactions. Celebrating diversity, it aims to elucidate and dispel misconceptions that arise when attempting to confine individuals into narrow categories.

Unlike typical neuroscience for the layperson or confessions from a research bench that require diligent study and note-taking, this book seamlessly integrates neuroscience into an exploratory narrative, leaving readers eager for more. While packed with neuroscience, the text remains accessible due to the author’s adept translation and incorporation into an engaging writing style.

Each chapter within the book serves as a compelling essay into the exceptional experiences and the unique nature of each brain which defies categorization. The initial chapters provide a solid foundation in neuroscience, dispelling common myths and the development of the brain, showcasing its uniqueness akin to a snowflake and a development that is equally complex as it unfolds and interacts with our world. Subsequent chapters delve into the intellectual, personal, and sensory experiences of gifted individuals, offering readers a profound appreciation for their exceptional perspective. As the narrative progresses, emotions and attention are explored in depth, each chapter contributing to a deeper understanding and enjoyment of the subject.

We then see an intriguing exploration of neurological uniqueness beyond descriptions of autism spectrum to enlighten the reader with a deeper more appreciative understanding of some of the differences that get lumped together into some diagnoses. We then get a surprising connection between the brain and the gut that is sure to only further tantalize your curiosity and expand your dinner conversations. Moreover, the book offers invaluable advice for parents throughout, presenting alternative perspectives on situations that may initially seem discouraging from a child’s developmental standpoint. It not only encourages parents to embrace their child’s unique abilities but also offers insights into how these abilities may not always align with the development of other skills. The lesson offered is clear. Help your child identify their strengths, those strengths may often be hidden by asynchronous development, and then foster an environment with love and informed support to help your child explore their potentials. The last chapter gives some concrete steps you will enjoy putting into practice as a parent or teacher.

Furthermore, Insight into a Bright Mind transcends being merely informative, emerging as a creative masterpiece in its own right. I believe this book hits a specific area where neuroscience, culture, and creativity meet. Few authors have been able to achieve this, and I would place this book in the realm of Oliver Sacks with a pinch of Walt Whitman or Maya Angelou bringing together science, story-telling, and poetry. Elegantly structured and vividly written, it tantalizes the senses, resembling a captivating novel as readers delve into the author’s mind and, in turn, reflect on their own.

Erik Jahner, PhD

March 21, 2024

The Neuroscience of You by Chantel Prat

What a blast! Despite diving into countless neuroscience introductions, this journey felt uniquely enjoyable, resonating with me both as an educator and an eager neuroscience explorer. Chantel Prat’s The Neuroscience of You: How Every Brain Is Different and How to Understand Yours effortlessly blends captivating storytelling with profound insights into the emerging understandings and mysteries of the human brain. Prat’s background as a professor of neuroscience at the University of Washington and her expertise in a variety of cross-disciplinary fields and translation of psychology and neuroscience in several popular science outlets makes her book feel deeply personal and conversational. Through personal anecdotes, and reflective questions and surveys that make the book relevant to you, Prat makes neuroscience accessible and appealing to newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.

The first part of the book introduces neuroscience basics in relatable terms, avoiding overwhelming terminology while still challenging experts with nuanced concepts. Prat ensures the content remains current, reflecting modern understandings rather than outdated perspectives. Delving into familiar core topics like brain localization, hemisphere specialization, neurochemical dynamics, and brain rhythms, she leaves readers feeling empowered to explore their own brain’s unique mix. But she adds some amazing flavor to the topic as is clear with her reference to the neurochemical makeup of the brain as “mixology.” In each section as you apply the concepts there is a necessary and important qualification of “it depends.” You walk away feeling like you are ready to start being your own mixologist realizing the importance of environment, developmental, and genetic variation involved in the process of designing you. You are set up for some fun life designing and biohacking. Along with this preparation, you are set to participate in understanding the developing field of neuroscience. She emphasizes that you are right in the middle of this scientific journey and prepares you to take your own journeys into the wide field of emerging studies.

Building on this foundation, the second part of the book delves deeply and personally into essential cognitive skills, offering robust theory and engaging narratives to help readers understand and utilize their brain’s inner workings. From focusing and adapting to navigating, predicting, and building curiosity, the book covers key aspects of cognitive function, concluding with a fascinating exploration of the brain’s social nature and its role in human interaction. This second part of the book is wonderfully up to date adding nuance and understanding of the science that is currently being evaluated. Hopefully, you walk away from these sections with new questions and ideas as you will better understand your interaction with the world but also be more curious about it.

One of the most important aspects of this book is that each individual is unique. Our unique mix of genes and environment has prepared each of us to interact with our world in our own way. But she also points out that it is this same mix that unites us.

This book deals artfully with the tension between freedom and determination, between scientific terminology and layperson accessibility, and between abstract theory and personal relevance. It is well-rounded so regardless of your expertise level you are bound to get something enjoyable from this text.

Above all, Prat’s passion for neuroscience shines through and is contagious, infusing the book with the excitement of a favorite theme park ride, promising endless returns for those eager to deepen their understanding. Additionally, the book serves as an excellent introduction to cutting-edge research and notable researchers in the field, making it an invaluable resource for anyone curious about the latest developments in neuroscience.

Evolutionary Intelligence by Russell Neuman

Erik Jahner, PhD

February 18, 2024

Evolutionary Intelligence by Russell Neuman

I have recently been reviewing human-technology interactions with a team at Brookings, and it is abundantly clear that we all have strong opinions about technology. Questions about technology surface with trepidation, curiosity, and personal doubt: How is technology affecting our development? What should we be worried about? What are the policy implications? What is happening to society? What is fact and what is driven by fear of the unknown? Then I was introduced to a book that addressed just what we needed.

Meet Russell Neuman, the friendly face behind the media technology scene at New York University. As a founding faculty member of the MIT Media Laboratory and a former Senior Policy Analyst in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Russell brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Neuman points out that behind the questions above is always a need to not only understand the technology but also a greater need to understand ourselves (our cognition and our history) in his exciting new book, Evolutionary Intelligence: How Technology Will Make Us Smarter.

We are evolving with our technology. Our brains have adapted to help us cover the globe, but those adaptations are also limited by the stretch of our genes and the limits of our biology. With technology, we move beyond the genetic and beyond social biases developing new skills as well as developing new worlds to adapt to. But we are the ones with the agency and the ability and drive to push ourselves forward to create our own futures for better or worse. As Neuman points out, we need to take the reins of responsibility, not with fear but getting to know ourselves.

In this book, readers are invited on a captivating exploration of the intricate interplay between emerging technologies and human cognition. The first chapter unveils the transformative potential inherent in these advancements, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between humans and machines as the cradle of developing intelligence. Rather than merely admiring technological marvels, the book underscores the paramount importance of human agency and historical context in shaping our technological trajectory. Neuman then offers an intriguing overview of the mechanics behind upcoming technologies, including innovative modes of human-machine interaction like direct-to-brain communication, accompanied by a measured skepticism regarding its implications. But as we are often fearful of AI taking over our lives, there may be some places where the technology can actually overcome our more detrimental natures. The author tackles this head-on, illuminating the potential of AI to rectify systemic prejudices in human perception—a formidable challenge in its own right. However, the fourth appropriately lengthy chapter aptly warns: great innovation demands great responsibility, addressing urgent concerns such as privacy breaches, social disparities, and the erosion of human autonomy in the digital era.

As the author points out, we often do not recognize social revolutions as we are in the middle of them. From this perspective, Neuman adds some fascinating historical context to his argument. Our interactions with new technologies have always been fraught with fear, trepidation, excitement, and misunderstanding. Drawing parallels to Darwin’s insights on evolution, Chapter 6 underscores the pervasive presence of evolutionary intelligence in contemporary society. We are then taken on an exploration across domains of our lives and how technology may interact with these domains from healthcare to finance, highlighting the need for thoughtful navigation in this rapidly evolving landscape. The book is polished off with discussions of our personal responsibility and technology and the ethics of how we are using it and moving it.

Like me, you will fill the book’s pages with highlights and notes that point to important aspects for parents, students, policymakers, and teachers. You will also savor the historical and research tidbits that can make you the life of the party. But it is the framing that makes this a worthwhile read and a personally reflective experience.

So, will AI replace us? It’s not a war but a coevolutionary dance: its evolutionary intelligence. This is a great primer on the important issues preparing you for the so-called singularity, the point at which technology allows us to ‘transcend the limitations of our bodies.’ When is that supposed to be? Futurists agree; this is only about 20 years away. Best to be prepared—join Russell Neuman in a fresh perspective and get to know yourself and the technology that will evolve with you and the new generation of humans.

Erik Jahner, PhD

January 23, 2024

Get It Done by Ayelet Fishbach

Over the last few months, I have been working with a student who is retaking a class for a third time, not failing because the material was difficult for her but because she just could not get herself to progress. This is a pattern in college and life for her. She expresses a strong desire to succeed but struggles to muster the motivation needed to stay on track. Often, she begins a course or class projects with great intentions but finds her motivation waning over time. She even sets clear goals and then watches them sit on her desk. The recurring message she receives from others (and increasingly from herself) has been perhaps that she doesn’t want it badly enough, but when she self-reflects, this is a sentiment she vehemently disagrees with. She wants it with all her heart, and it brings her to tears but has been lost on how to move from “want” to “motivated.”

While engaging with her I began to read Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation by Ayelet Fishbach. And wow what a timely read! Unlike traditional productivity books, Fishbach delves into the science of motivation and offers insights on how to bridge the gap between wanting to do something and actually accomplishing it.

Engaging in discussions with my student about goal-setting and goal-sustaining advice from this book appears to have breathed new life into her journey. She has begun to see motivation as a skill that can be cultivated and is enthusiastic about doing so, especially within a social context of both our classroom interactions as well as working with her family. Importantly this enthusiasm is sustained. This experience has led me to view this book not only as a valuable self-help resource but also as a tool to assist others. Instead of dictating what individuals should do, it equips you with the scaffolding necessary to guide conversations with yourself and others that can support self-actualization.

The book’s first three parts primarily focus on three key ingredients for improving your drive to accomplish projects, not just mechanically getting lists of tasks done. Firstly, Fishbach provides guidance on articulating your goals effectively, ensuring that they serve as a driving force not just an artifact. Secondly, she addresses the challenge of maintaining motivation throughout the journey towards your goals. Lastly, she emphasizes the interconnectedness of our goals within the context of our busy lives and offers essential strategies to manage multiple goals.

She highlights the importance of recognizing that goal achievement is not solely an individual endeavor, but something influenced by our interactions with others. By harnessing these social connections, you can propel yourself forward and, in turn, help those around you. In the fourth section of the book Fishbach promotes the idea that goal-setting is a collaborative effort that can strengthen relationships. Through great stores and points of discussion, she equips readers with tools to become better mentors to their students or support systems for their families.

As a productivity book, this is also an easy read. While the insights are original and grounded in scientific research, these stories are informative, enjoyable, and brief. Any good productivity book should be a quick easy read from which you can extract useful tips and understand why you are about to embark on the suggestions offered, not a long drawn-out process that becomes another difficult goal to attain. While succeeding in this regard, this book is also hugely helpful to complement any other productivity methodology demonstrating that goals are not only things that need to get done but they add meaning to our lives, something often missed in other books.

In a world where people often feel disconnected, “Get It Done” serves as a valuable guide to socializing the practice of setting and achieving goals. It not only helps you enhance your self-control, patience, and mindset but also encourages a sense of community and shared purpose in pursuing meaningful goals.

Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less by Ellen Braaten

Erik Jahner, PhD

December 19, 2023

Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less by Ellen Braaten

In Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less: How to Rekindle Your Child’s Motivation, Ellen Braaten delivers a valuable resource for parents facing the challenges of raising a child who embodies what a creative parent aptly termed a “malaizy” child – a fusion of malaise and laziness. However, the book extends beyond this concept, offering a guide to connecting with oneself as a parent and with one’s child. It presents an easy-to-read and practical approach to parenting, skillfully integrating theory without overwhelming the reader. Through authentic examples, the author engages readers in understanding the dynamics of parent-child relationships, providing valuable insights into how to engage their child with the world around them and navigate the evolving landscape of parenting when their child lacks motivation as expected.

Crucially, while it may initially seem that the book caters solely to parents of young children, it offers a significant benefit by tailoring advice to various age brackets, ranging from five-year-olds to young adults in college. This inclusivity ensures that parents can find relevant insights and guidance not only for their current parenting challenges but also for those that may arise in the future.

The book weaves authentic stories of parents and their children into its narrative, exemplifying and fostering curiosity and creativity in the reader’s own experience. This approach not only captivates the reader but also compels them to apply the book’s contents to their own parenting journey.

The initial part of the book lays the foundation by exploring the concept of motivation and introducing key terms and basic theory. While the book does touch on theory, it does so lightly, ensuring that readers are not overwhelmed by technicalities. It sets the stage for a deeper dive into the factors that influence a child’s motivation – aptitude, pleasure, and practice. In recognizing that every child can experience a loss of motivation, the book emphasizes the importance of considering three essential factors: aptitude (natural talent), pleasure (the joy derived from their interests), and practice (repeated efforts to enhance skills). While these three elements interconnect, they each contribute a distinct aspect to the overall picture.

The subsequent part of the book delves further into these factors within the context of societal expectations and a child’s unique personality. It encourages parents to understand and adapt their parenting style to better align with their child’s motivation. The focus then shifts to goal-setting, with the book highlighting that happiness is a byproduct of pursuing meaningful objectives. It reinforces the idea that goals should not be seen as static endpoints, but rather as dynamic journeys filled with opportunities for growth and evolution. Additionally, the book offers guidance on addressing contemporary challenges such as managing sleep schedules, navigating social media, and accommodating learning differences.

However, there are moments when situations fall outside the realm of basic advice, requiring a more detailed exploration. In these instances, the author addresses concerns about a child’s motivation that extend beyond a simple “don’t care” attitude, providing valuable guidance for parents.

Throughout the book, the author consistently emphasizes the importance of seeking additional information and encouraging a shift in both the parent’s and their child’s perspectives on the world. Understanding one’s child and oneself is depicted as the cornerstone of effective parenting. The book seeks to empower parents, offering them ample reasons for optimism and embarking on an intriguing journey of nurturing and motivating their children. Indeed, this book reframes the notion of parenting an unmotivated child as an adventure rather than a burden.

Each chapter concludes with a practical plan of action, outlining what to think about, what to talk about, and what steps to take. This approach underscores the author’s recognition that parents not only desire theoretical knowledge but also seek practical tools to foster meaningful conversations with their children. It also addresses the often-overlooked aspect of parenting, which involves reframing one’s thinking about parenting. The author’s approach revolves around understanding both oneself and one’s child, working collaboratively with the child to help them make the most of their learning and life journey.

The book equips parents with practical tools, including diagrams and surveys, to facilitate a deeper understanding of both their child and themselves as parents. This self-awareness stands as a crucial component of the book’s message, emphasizing that it’s not solely about engaging with one’s child but also about comprehending one’s unique role as a parent. The author further highlights the need for parents to explore beyond the book’s pages, providing a valuable list of resources at the end. These resources guide readers toward additional insights and direction for their ongoing parenting journey.

In summary, Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less is a must-read for parents seeking a comprehensive and actionable guide to understanding, nurturing, and maximizing their children’s motivation. It caters not only to parents of disengaged children but is a valuable resource for any parent. The book seamlessly blends storytelling with practical advice, empowering parents to confidently navigate the intricate terrain of parenting with optimism. It serves as an excellent introduction, providing parents with a solid foundation as they navigate the often rocky and unpredictable path of supporting their disengaged child.

Erik Jahner, PhD

November 21, 2023

Attention Span by Gloria Mark

In our world we now spend over 10 hours a day in front of screens; our mind wanders, we get distracted, and before we know it, we have accomplished next to nothing. So, we subscribe to podcasts, read self-help books (not unlike this one), and search for the hacks that can keep us in a strong state of optimal “focus” or “flow.” We feel that regular focus at work is the goal; we give ourselves very little wiggle room; and we often make digital media the enemy. We need to learn to focus better. Gloria Mark reframes all of this in Attention Span, an intriguing exploration of our attention spans in the digital era.

Mark provides a balanced view on focus and distraction. She challenges common myths throughout. Contrary to popular belief, constantly striving for intense focus while using computers doesn’t always equate to productivity; it’s healthy to have less concentrated moments too. The ideal state of ‘flow’ with technology is beneficial, but it’s not a mandatory goal for every task. Distractions and multitasking aren’t just a result of notifications or lack of discipline; they often arise from various factors beyond our control. Also, we should not underestimate the value of what seems like mindless activities on our devices; these can actually provide necessary mental breaks that boost our overall productivity and add to happiness at work. Understanding these aspects can lead to a more balanced and effective approach to our digital lives.

The book is dominated by her refreshing and unique approach to research and thinking that drive the structure of the book from life to interviews to lab. She starts from a common ground, exploring well-known concepts like ‘flow’ – the deep immersion in an activity, and then evaluates whether this strived-for experience is found in real practice and if it’s all it’s cracked up to be. Is it really the optimal experience? Mark acknowledges that while the concept of flow is intriguing, its occurrence in the workplace is not as frequent as one might think. As with other concepts in the book, rather than discarding this idea, she takes it further, testing and applying it in real-world settings. She adapts similar research methods, poses fresh questions, and rethinks approaches based on her observations. This dynamic between scientific rigor her curiosity and real-world applications creates an engaging narrative that captivates the reader throughout the book.

A core idea in the book is the idea of kinetic attention. The ability to shift strategically between attention types of rote activity, frustrated, focused, and bored is an important attentional skill. And she suggests ways to master it. But one of the first steps is really understanding attention as a dynamic activity that changes across the day, across the week, and other cycles of life. However, keeping this in mind she writes with subtle evaluation of free will throughout the book with a direct intriguing discussion at the end. What does it mean to control attention? Why do some people feel they control their minds and environment while others feel like they are at the whim of notifications and distractions?

There are many fresh and interesting ideas that make you widen your eyes. She teases us with “You may not have thought that playing Candy Crush can actually help us achieve a psychological balance in our workday, but that might soon change” (p. 210). What?! I wanted to read more. And her hope of integrating technology and not demonizing it is really a nice touch of reality. Another intriguing finding from Gloria Mark’s research might make you rethink your beliefs about Facebook: people who spent more time on Facebook tended to report higher levels of happiness at the end of the day. In contrast, the amount of time spent in face-to-face interactions throughout the day didn’t demonstrate a significant correlation with changes in their mood by day’s end.

The final part of the book is packed with practical advice, from setting goals to managing interruptions and incorporating mindfulness practices. These tips are invaluable for anyone looking to improve their attention span in a world rife with digital distractions.

Gloria Mark doesn’t just discuss problems; she provides a roadmap for thriving amidst digital distractions and opportunities, making it a must-read for educators, students, professionals, or anyone seeking to optimize their attention in this screen-filled age. Screens are not going away, and neither are other distractions. Distractions need to be understood not simply avoided.

Classroom Cognition Explained, or, Dual Coding Just Right

Andrew Watson

November 19, 2023

Classroom Cognition Explained, or, Dual Coding Just Right

The Good News: research into cognitive science can be SPECTACULARLY USEFUL to teachers. (That’s why we have Learning and the Brain conferences….)

The Less Good News: ideas that come from cognitive science can be MISUNDERSTOOD and MISAPPLIED with alarming frequency.

For example: as I’ve written elsewhere, dual coding has lots of potential benefits for reducing working memory load — and thereby helping students learn. That’s the good news.

But — less good news — dual coding has too often been interpreted to mean “put icons on things to make them better.”

Wouldn’t it be great if someone could bring together LOTS of ideas from cognitive science, AND explain them with well-executed dual coding?

Yes; Yes It Would…

Well, someone has done exactly that. Three someones, in fact. Bradley Busch, Edward Watson (no relation), and Ludmila Bogatchek have written Teaching and Learning Illuminated: the Big Ideas, Illustrated.

As that title promises, this book illuminates (that is, dual codes) the greatest hits from cognitive science: retrieval practice, cognitive load theory, Rosenshine’s principles, mindset, and a few dozen more.

Each section combines a pithy description of a particular concept with a visual representation of its core ideas.

So, for instance, page 35 summarizes dozens of studies looking at the benefits of spreading practice out (“spacing”) and practicing related topics together (“interleaving”).

And, the facing page offers a carefully considered graph that depicts learning over time. One path (“cramming”) looks good because it works so well in the short term. But the second path (“spacing and interleaving”) results in more learning over time.

Voila: “desirable difficulties” in one thoughtful graph.

Unlike so many examples of dual coding of the “put-an-icon-somewhere” school, Busch, Watson, and Bogatchek create substantial, meaty visuals that both require and reward careful study.

I never looked at the illustrations and thought: “gosh, that’s pretty.”

Instead, I thought:

Oh, gosh, I need to stop and study this for a bit.

Wait, why is that line there?

Ok, now I get it. Presumably this axis is labeled…oh, right, so cool!

In other words, the visuals both require thought and support thought. The result: readers understand these complex ideas even better.

So Many Shelves

I’ve written in the past that the “best book to read” depends on the reader’s current knowledge.

If you’re somewhat of a beginner in this field. I think you should probably read a book that focuses on just one topic: long-term memeory, or attention, or cognitive load theory.

Once you understand lots of the pieces, it’s time to read the books that put them all together.

Teaching and Learning Illuminated looks like an easy read — so many cool pictures! At the same time, it includes an ENORMOUS number of research-based insights and suggestions.

For that reason, I think of it as an “early-advanced” book more than one for those who are new to the field. Those illustrations are welcoming, but they also create cognitive demands of their own.

Full Disclosure

Because this field is relatively small, I know one of the three authors — Bradley Busch — a bit. (I recently recorded some brief video snippets for his website.)

I don’t believe our conversations have influenced this review, but the reader should know of them in making that evaluation.

I’ll also note: yes, I have written a book about Mindset; and yes, this book includes a mindset chapter called “The Watson Matrix.” But: their matrix isn’t about my summation of mindset theory.

The Whole Toolbox in One (Free) Download

Andrew Watson

October 29, 2023

The Whole Toolbox in One (Free) Download

If you want to learn more about improving teaching with psychology research, I’ve got good news:

There are SO MANY excellent books to read.

I’ve also got bad news:

There are SO MANY excellent books to read, we can struggle to manage them all.

In fact, as I’ve written elsewhere, I think the “best book to read” depends on the category of book you’re looking for.

At the beginning of your research+education journey, you probably want a book devoted to one topic: say, working memory, or motivation, or attention.

As you get more familiar with different categories of research, you might instead want a book that brings many topics together.

Today I’d like to recommend a book from the second category: the Great Teaching Toolkit: Evidence Review from Evidence Based Education. (You can read about it and download it here.)

Step One: How to Begin?

Anyone striving to write a book that “brings many topics together” starts with an enormous challenge: how to organize such a behemoth?

We have SO MUCH pertinent research on SO MANY topics: how can we possibly tidy this muddle?

The Toolkit’s authors devise a sensible sorting strategy. They believe research gives teachers strong guidance in four areas:

What sorts of knowledge do teachers need?

How can we make classrooms emotionally safe?

How can we structure classroom work and routines efficiently?

What teaching strategies require students to think hard?

Now, other authors organize their thinking in other ways. (For instance: Dan Willingham’s Why Don’t Students Like School focuses on nine key principles from cognitive science that should guide instruction.)

But I think you can see right away why the Toolkit’s organizational structure sounds so helpful and sensible.

Step Two: Break It Down

Within each of these categories, the authors offer between 3 and 6 specific principles: everything from “teachers should know common misconceptions in their discipline” to “strategies for asking questions effectively.”

This structure, in turn, allows for a straightfoward teacher-development plan.

If I were using this Toolkit with a faculty, I would have teachers select one of these sixteen topics: prefereably one where they feel the least confident and successful.

Each teacher would then dig into the research-base suggestions provided right there in the Toolkit.

Even better: the Toolkit reviews the research it summarizes. Teachers and school leaders who want to know exactly why this strategy or topic has been prioritized get all the info they need to dig deeper and discover more.

Examples, Please

You have, no doubt, heard that feedback is essential for student learning.

Imagine that a teacher reviews the Toolkit’s list and determines that s/he really needs to work on this specific part of her craft.

Turning to section 4.4, this teacher quickly gathers several useful insights about the role of feedback in our work.

In the first place, the Toolkit draws a helpful distinction between feedback that helps the teacher — by giving us information about how much our students know and understand — and feedback that helps the student — by giving them structured ways to improve.

That simple distinction sounds almost too obvious to state out loud…but in my experince isn’t emphasized nearly often enough.

In the second place, the teacher will find several thoughtful prompts for further thought.

As the authors wisely say: “there is no simple recipe for giving powerful feedback.”

Should the teacher remind the student of the success criteria, or point out gaps between the current work and those criteria?

The Toolkit doesn’t offer prescriptive answers because research can’t do that. Research can provide us with options, and let teachers sort out the best ways to put all those options together.

And, if you’re a research nerd (as I am), you’ll be delighted to find almost 20 pages of discussion on their sources for these ideas, and their methods for sorting them all together.

TL;DR

You already know several specific cognitive-science informed teaching strategies? You to want a bigger picture?

The Great Teaching Toolkit will be a feast for you. (And yes: you can download it free!)

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Yes; Yes It Would…

So Many Shelves

Full Disclosure

Step One: How to Begin?

Step Two: Break It Down

Examples, Please

TL;DR

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