Does Banning Classroom Technology Improve Engagement? Learning?

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: July 18, 2019

A study looking a technology ban in a classroom yielded puzzling results, and insightful recommendations. Continue reading →

Critical Thoughts on Teaching Critical Thinking

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: July 15, 2019

We can teach critical thinking within disciplines — especially when students master information, and practice core skills. Can we teach more general critical thinking skills? Continue reading →

Obsessed with Working Memory: Anticipating Overload

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: July 13, 2019

Once we can define working memory and understand its importance, teachers help students learn by ANTICIPATING working memory overload. Here’s how we do that. Continue reading →

Growing Mindsets in Argentina?

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: July 10, 2019

A study with 12th graders in Argentina highlights an important message about Growth Mindset: doing one thing once is unlikely to have much of an effect. Continue reading →

Obsessed with Working Memory, Part II

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: July 7, 2019

Working memory allows students to hold and combine information. (We call that “learning.”) What 3 essential facts about working memory should shape our approach to teaching? Continue reading →

Beyond the Mouse: Pointing in Online Lectures

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: July 5, 2019

When teachers use gestures appropriately in online learning, students learn more. Continue reading →

Obsessed With Working Memory: Part I

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: July 2, 2019

When I attended my first Learning and the Brain conference, I had never even heard of working memory. Now, I obsess over working memory. And, I think all classroom teachers should join me. Heck, I think everyone who cares about learning,

Does Smartphone Addiction Boost Anxiety and Depression?

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: June 29, 2019

Despite all the scary headlines, research on cell-phone usage relies on self-report. And: people are very bad at remembering how much they actually use their phones. We simply don’t yet know much from research about their effects. Continue reading →

Debunking Education Myths (Without Accidentally Reinforcing Them…)

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: June 27, 2019

Enduring education myths get in the way of student learning. Happily, we have concrete strategies to rebut those myths — without unintentionally making them seem more persuasive. Continue reading →

Powerful Evidence: Self-Control Training Works — and Changes Brains

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: June 24, 2019

Both survey data and fMRI neuroimaging suggest that a program to help poor children develop self-control skills had real benefits over many years. Continue reading →