Season 4

This month we are thinking… about thinking. We read a review of the applied research on retrieval practice, which recognizes the difference between “learning” something and “knowing” something. We reflect on the ways this has played out in our classrooms, and what we can learn from recent studies for how to improve our use of… Read More »

Standardized testing is happening again this year. Researchers are talking about how to use the data more responsibly. We read an advising memo that describes some of the common problems with comparing testing data from this year to past years, so we can properly recognize the progress students have made this year. Later, we discuss… Read More »

Images and animations offer tools to visualize our content, but must strike a balance between ease-of-use and ability to prompt thinking. We read a study that tested the impact of prior knowledge and multimedia format on learning outcomes. Later, we read a case study about an administrator navigating a toxic district culture. Guest Jenn Binis… Read More »

Gamification offers a fresh take on teaching design that offers increased engagement and improved learning. However, research to-date has been unclear about what components of gamification work. We read a meta-analysis that searches for which pieces of gamification can benefit your students. Later, we turned to a study of how research is interpreted by teachers…. Read More »

Teacher preparation and professional development can pursue anti-racist, decolonial practices by deconstructing our assumptions about effective practice. We read a study from pre-service teachers engaged in disrupting oppressive paradigms of teaching in a collaborative pursuit of more just practice. Later, we turned to an examination of the neuroscience underlying motivation. These authors claim a popular… Read More »

Science communication has been turned upside down by the explosion of popularity of social media platforms. We read a reconceptualization of nature-of-science education for the social media age. What is our job as teachers, of any content area, to prepare our students to be responsible consumers of science as citizens?   Later, we turned to… Read More »

The importance of mathematical reasoning is visible in conversations from pandemics to politics. Sarah Dolence joins us to discuss how a numeracy framework developed for citizens can inform math instruction for students. Later, we read research connecting instructional choices to student perceptions of classroom goal structures. From tasks to evaluations, are we incentivizing growth? Finally,… Read More »

The future of teaching depends on training future educators, but pairing student teachers with effective veterans can be challenging. New research allays some fears from veteran teachers by showing that taking a student teacher does not negatively impact classroom outcomes. Later, we explore a critique of scripted curricula that shows their inconsistency with democratic values…… Read More »

With many schools beginning the fall in remote or hybrid settings, we’re still thinking about digital teaching. Research on video filming techniques shows how your camera and editing choices impact student retention and understanding. Later, we read about a new model for need-supportive teaching. Three essential elements build an engaging and productive classroom. Finally, we… Read More »