Objective:
By the end of this lesson, students will understand and apply evidence-based strategies from learning science to enhance their academic performance.
Introduction
- Opening Hook: Begin by asking students, “Have you ever crammed for a test and forgotten everything a week later?” or “Why do some study methods work better than others?”
- Overview: Explain that recent research in learning science—championed by experts like Olav Schewe—has revealed actionable strategies for learning more effectively.
- Purpose: Emphasize that these strategies are not just theoretical but can transform their academic results.
- Resource Mention: Introduce Olav Schewe and his contributions, including articles and videos on efficient learning methods.
Listen to the podcast from the article in EdSurge here:
Key Concepts and Activities
- Retrieval Practice
- Explanation: The brain strengthens memory through the active recall of information, not passive review. Retrieval practice helps consolidate long-term memory.
- Activity:
- Ask students to spend 3 minutes writing everything they remember about a topic they’ve recently studied without using notes.
- Pair and share: Compare what they remembered, then revisit the material to fill in gaps..
- Brain Maturation and Individual Differences
- Explanation: The brain develops well into adulthood, with individual differences in learning styles and strengths emerging over time.
- Discussion Prompt: “Can you think of something that used to be difficult but now feels easier? How has your learning ability evolved over time?”
- Emotion and Cognition
- Explanation: Emotional states influence focus, memory, and problem-solving. Positive emotions enhance learning, while stress can hinder it.
- Discussion Prompt: “Can you share an example of a time when your emotions—positive or negative—impacted your ability to learn or perform?”
- Working Memory vs. Long-term Memory
- Explanation: The brain’s working memory has limited capacity. Effective learning happens when information moves into long-term memory through repetition and practice.
- Activity:
- Present a list of 10 unrelated items. Ask students to remember them after 30 seconds. Example; Bicycle, Pineapple, Umbrella,, Telescope, Basketball, Candle, Elephant, Notebook, Clock, Rainbow
- Discuss strategies for improving memory transfer, like chunking or creating associations.
Practical Applications
- Effective Note-taking
- Explanation: While taking notes is valuable, overloading on notes can detract from active engagement.
- Activity:
- Play a 5-minute educational video or lecture. Use the one below or choose another one here.
- Students practice selective note-taking by jotting only key ideas and connections.
- Reflect on what worked and what could be improved.
Example here:
- Managing Working Memory
- Strategies:
- Break complex tasks into manageable steps.
- Use external tools like diagrams or flashcards to offload cognitive load.
- Activity:
- Give students a complex task (e.g., solving a multi-step problem or analyzing a paragraph).
- Have them break it into smaller parts and use a visual aid to support their process.
- Strategies:
- Balancing Emotion and Cognition
- Techniques:
- Deep breathing exercises before studying.
- Setting manageable goals to build confidence.
- Practicing positive affirmations.
- Activity: Guide students through a quick mindfulness exercise, then discuss how it affected their focus.
- Techniques:
Conclusion and Reflection
- Recap: Revisit the four key concepts: Retrieval Practice, Brain Maturation, Emotion-Cognition Balance, and Memory Management.
- Reflection Activity:
- Students write a brief personal action plan: “What strategies will you use to improve your study habits this week?”
- Class Discussion: Share one strategy they plan to try, creating a collaborative learning environment.
Watch the video below and answer the questions.
“How We Learn – The Science of Learning” by Olav Schewe:
- What are the main challenges people face when learning new information effectively?
- Why is understanding the science of learning important for both students and educators?
- What role does retrieval practice play in improving memory and retention?
- How can breaking complex tasks into smaller steps help manage cognitive load?
- What is the difference between working memory and long-term memory, and why is this distinction critical in learning?
- What strategies are suggested in the video for improving focus and reducing distractions while studying?
- How does emotional regulation influence learning, according to the science presented in the video?
- What are some practical techniques for applying the science of learning in daily academic activities?
- How can visual aids and diagrams be used to support memory retention and comprehension?
- What is one new thing you learned from the video that you would like to incorporate into your study habits?
Homework Assignment
Learning Journal: Over the next week, students document:
- Times they practiced retrieval.
- Techniques they used to manage working memory.
- Instances where emotions influenced their learning and how they addressed them.
- Successes and challenges in applying these strategies.
