Key Takeaways
1. The brain is a pattern-seeking, curiosity-driven learning machine
"If you wanted to create an education environment that was directly opposed to what the brain was good at doing, you probably would design something like a classroom"
Natural learning process. The human brain is an incredible learning machine, constantly filtering and processing vast amounts of data. It seeks patterns, driven by curiosity and the desire to close knowledge gaps. This natural learning process is often at odds with traditional classroom environments.
Curiosity as a driver. Curiosity primes the brain for learning by releasing dopamine, the same "reward molecule" triggered by winning prizes or eating sweets. This makes learning inherently enjoyable and addictive when driven by genuine interest. Educators can tap into this by designing learning experiences that reflect how we naturally learn, making the process more engaging and effective for students of all ages.
2. Learning occurs in six distinct phases, from interest to application
"All new learning requires a foundation of prior knowledge"
Six phases of learning. The learning process can be broken down into six distinct phases:
- Become interested
- Commit to learning
- Focus on new learning
- Make sense of learning
- Practice and reflect
- Extend and apply
Building on prior knowledge. Each phase builds upon the previous one, with new information connecting to existing knowledge. This model provides a framework for educators to design more effective learning experiences, ensuring that each step in the process is addressed and supported.
3. Sparking curiosity is crucial for engaging students in learning
"We remember things much better the more elaborately we encode what we encounter, especially if we can personalize it"
Emotional engagement. To capture students' attention, learning experiences should tap into emotions and curiosity. This can be achieved through:
- Creating mystery or suspense
- Presenting cognitive conflicts or unexpected information
- Structuring academic controversies
- Connecting learning to positive emotions
Personalization. When students can relate new information to their own experiences or interests, they are more likely to encode it deeply. Educators should strive to help students make personal connections to the material, increasing engagement and retention.
4. Students must see personal relevance to commit to learning
"If we want students to commit to learning, we must show them how learning is relevant to them—in short, what's in it for them."
Relevance and motivation. Students are more likely to engage with and retain information when they understand its relevance to their lives. This can be achieved by:
- Providing clear learning objectives and success criteria
- Framing learning around big ideas or essential questions
- Encouraging students to set personal learning goals
- Helping students see the path to mastery
Intrinsic motivation. While extrinsic rewards can be effective for simple tasks, intrinsic motivation is more powerful for complex learning. Educators should focus on helping students develop an internal locus of control and a growth mindset, connecting learning to personal interests and long-term goals.
5. Visual and verbal processing together enhance learning and retention
"We remember what we think about."
Dual coding. The brain processes information through two main channels: visual and verbal. Learning is enhanced when both channels are engaged simultaneously. Effective strategies include:
- Using nonlinguistic representations (e.g., graphics, diagrams)
- Pairing abstract concepts with concrete examples
- Encouraging students to create visual representations of their learning
- Teaching through "show and tell" methods
Active engagement. To move information from working memory to long-term memory, students must actively think about what they're learning. This can be supported through:
- Self-questioning techniques
- Note-taking (preferably by hand)
- Elaborative rehearsal (asking deeper "how" and "why" questions)
- Interleaving practice of different skills or concepts
6. Deliberate practice and reflection solidify new knowledge and skills
"Procedures that produce fast learning can produce fast forgetting"
Effective practice strategies. To solidify learning, students should engage in:
- Spaced practice (revisiting material over time)
- Retrieval practice (actively recalling information)
- Interleaved practice (mixing different types of problems or skills)
- Deliberate practice (focusing on areas that need improvement)
Reflection and feedback. Regular opportunities for reflection and feedback help students identify gaps in their understanding and refine their skills. This process should be:
- Specific and actionable
- Nonevaluative and noncontrolling
- Focused on helping students think about their learning
7. Extending learning through inquiry develops critical thinking
"We only learn what we think about."
Inquiry-based learning. To develop critical thinking skills, students need opportunities to extend and apply their learning through:
- Problem-solving activities
- Experimental inquiry
- Systems analysis
- Investigations of complex issues
Making thinking visible. Encouraging students to articulate their thought processes helps solidify learning and develop metacognitive skills. Strategies include:
- Elaborative interrogation (asking "how" and "why" questions)
- Self-explanation of problem-solving steps
- Writing assignments that require synthesis and analysis
8. A shared learning model enhances teaching and professional development
"A common vocabulary and mental models for designing and delivering effective learning experiences for students and the same starting point for expanding and refining your repertoire of teaching strategies."
Professional collaboration. A shared model of learning provides a common language and framework for educators to:
- Engage in professional dialogue
- Share and co-develop lesson plans
- Conduct peer coaching focused on student learning
Continuous improvement. By understanding the science behind learning, educators can:
- Diagnose student learning challenges more effectively
- Make intentional adjustments to their teaching strategies
- Reflect on their own practice and continue to grow professionally
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FAQ
What's Learning That Sticks about?
- Brain-Based Model: Learning That Sticks by Bryan Goodwin focuses on a brain-based model for K-12 instructional design and delivery, emphasizing how cognitive science can enhance teaching practices.
- Phases of Learning: It outlines a six-phase model of learning, including becoming interested, committing to learning, focusing on new learning, making sense of learning, practicing and reflecting, and extending and applying knowledge.
- Research-Based Strategies: The book provides research-backed strategies to help educators design effective learning experiences that engage students and promote long-term retention of knowledge.
Why should I read Learning That Sticks?
- Improved Teaching Practices: The book helps educators understand the science behind how students learn, enabling them to implement more effective teaching strategies.
- Engagement Techniques: It offers practical advice on engaging students emotionally and intellectually, crucial for fostering a productive learning environment.
- Addressing Learning Challenges: Insights into common learning challenges and how to overcome them make it a valuable resource for both new and experienced teachers.
What are the key takeaways of Learning That Sticks?
- Understanding Cognitive Processes: A major takeaway is the importance of understanding how the brain processes information, which can inform instructional design.
- Emphasis on Curiosity: The book highlights the role of curiosity in learning, suggesting that fostering a sense of wonder can significantly enhance student engagement.
- Intentional Instruction: It encourages teachers to be intentional about their instructional choices, aligning teaching strategies with the cognitive processes involved in learning.
What are the phases of learning outlined in Learning That Sticks?
- Become Interested: Focuses on capturing students' attention and sparking their curiosity about the subject matter.
- Commit to Learning: Encourages students to see the relevance of what they are learning and to set personal learning goals.
- Focus on New Learning: Emphasizes active engagement with new information through strategies like questioning and note-taking.
- Make Sense of Learning: Guides students to connect new knowledge with prior knowledge, helping them create meaningful mental models.
- Practice and Reflect: Involves repeated practice and reflection on what has been learned to solidify knowledge.
- Extend and Apply: Encourages students to apply their learning in new contexts, reinforcing their understanding and retention.
What specific strategies does Learning That Sticks recommend for engaging students?
- Use Nonlinguistic Representations: Incorporate visuals, diagrams, and physical models to help students grasp abstract concepts.
- Ask Probing Questions: Engaging students with higher-order questions encourages deeper thinking and helps them connect ideas.
- Encourage Active Note-Taking: Students should take notes by hand and summarize their learning to enhance retention and understanding.
How does Learning That Sticks define the role of curiosity in learning?
- Curiosity as a Driver: Curiosity is a fundamental driver of deep learning, motivating students to explore and engage with new concepts.
- Creating Engaging Environments: Teachers should create learning environments that stimulate curiosity through mystery, cognitive conflict, and emotional engagement.
- Curiosity and Retention: Engaging students' curiosity can lead to better retention of information, as they are more likely to remember what they find interesting.
What does Learning That Sticks say about the importance of emotional safety in the classroom?
- Foundation for Learning: Students must feel emotionally safe to learn effectively, as concerns about health and safety can hinder learning.
- Building Relationships: Positive relationships between teachers and students create a supportive learning environment.
- Empathy and Engagement: Teacher empathy and warmth are linked to better student behavior, motivation, and achievement.
How does Learning That Sticks suggest teachers can help students make sense of their learning?
- Chunking Information: Break learning into smaller segments to help students process and connect new information effectively.
- Encouraging Summarization: Guide students to summarize their learning, which helps them identify key ideas and reinforce their understanding.
- Using Cooperative Learning: Engage students in group discussions and activities to process and articulate their understanding collaboratively.
What are some common misconceptions about learning that Learning That Sticks addresses?
- Learning Styles Myth: Challenges the idea of fixed learning styles, emphasizing that all students can benefit from a variety of instructional strategies.
- Overemphasis on Memorization: Critiques the focus on rote memorization, advocating instead for understanding and application of knowledge.
- Misunderstanding of Engagement: Clarifies that engagement is not just about being entertained; it involves emotional and intellectual investment in the learning process.
What practical tools does Learning That Sticks provide for teachers?
- Classroom Toolkit: Includes a toolkit of research-based strategies for each phase of learning, offering practical applications for teachers.
- Guided Notes and Summary Frames: Suggests using guided notes and summary frames to help students organize their thoughts and enhance comprehension.
- Assessment Techniques: Provides insights into formative assessment practices that can help teachers gauge student understanding and adjust instruction accordingly.
How can I apply the concepts from Learning That Sticks in my classroom?
- Implement Phased Learning: Structure lessons around the six phases of learning to create a more engaging and effective learning environment.
- Foster Curiosity: Use strategies to spark curiosity at the beginning of lessons, such as posing intriguing questions or presenting real-world problems.
- Encourage Reflection: Incorporate regular opportunities for students to reflect on their learning, such as journaling or group discussions.
What role does curiosity play in Learning That Sticks?
- Natural Driver of Learning: Curiosity motivates students to explore and engage with new concepts, fostering a love of learning.
- Enhances Retention: When students are curious, they are more likely to remember what they learn, as curiosity leads to deeper processing of information.
- Promotes Inquiry-Based Learning: Encourages educators to create learning experiences that tap into students' curiosity, leading to inquiry-based learning and critical thinking skills.
Review Summary
Readers praise Learning That Sticks for its concise, practical approach to instructional design based on cognitive psychology. The book offers strategies for creating engaging content that promotes higher-order thinking and long-term learning commitment. Reviewers appreciate the neuroscience-backed model, which addresses cognitive overload and memory retention. The "Goldilocks' zone of challenge" and techniques for committing knowledge to long-term memory are highlighted as valuable takeaways. Teachers find the book applicable across various educational levels and consider it an essential resource for lesson planning and instruction design.
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