A Practical Guide to Exam Taking Strategies
Writing PhaseRead the questionsWhen the exam starts, carefully read the questions. Think about what the focus of the question is and if there are any terms you need to define or distinguish between first. Pay attention to the depth of the question. Some questions are shallower and ask for definitions, but others will require you…
The Box Metaphor for Working Memory
In a way, I have a few of those ring boxes stored in a shoe box for motor neurons. While I am no neuroanatomy expert, I do have an organizational scheme for some of this information. So when I see motor neuron, I’ve already chunked a bunch of extra information and understanding with that one…
A Framework for Training Students to Better Use Evidence-Based Learning Strategies
Cover photo by RDNE Stock project on PexelsBy Megan SumerackiIf you read our blog, even sporadically, you are almost certainly aware that investigations into evidence-based learning strategies have been ongoing for quite some time. In fact, as we near the end of 2025, I’m realizing that Ebbinghaus’ work on spaced practice was published 140 years…
How Do You Like Them Apples? On the Importance of Teaching in the Time...
Before my little doom machine distracted me, I was going to write this blog post about deliberate practice and expertise development. About the importance of teachers (experts) in helping learners (novices) in developing metacognitive awareness through deliberate practice (1). About how becoming an expert is about more than just knowing more. About how becoming an…
GUEST POST: Scaffolding Speech: A Mother’s Journey into Language Development Without a Therapist
When a child's name is called, he should respond with a ‘Yes, Daddy?’ or ‘Yes, Mummy?’ but Charis wouldn't even respond with a ‘Yes?’ It seemed he didn't KNOW the name was his! We demonstrated name calling and response, instructed him, reminded him when he didn't respond but to no avail. When he was 3.5yrs,…
Motivation Effects and Efficiency of Retrieval Practice over Lecture
Taken together, what does this tell us? 1) We need to be paying attention to the interaction of learning strategies on motivational factors. Motivation matters both for student participation in course material but also for self-directed learning. 2) Jumping straight to practice is (maybe) ok to do. When I first read this article, I was…
Retrieval Practice: Hiding Broccoli in the Brownies (repost)
I’m sure most parents would agree that getting your kids to eat vegetables is important. Yet, kids are sometimes resistant to eating enough vegetables. If there were a way to make it easier and more enjoyable to get kids to eat their vegetables, that would probably be good, right? Perhaps if you’re already having dessert, putting…
Adult Learners with ADHD
by Althea Need KaminskeCover Image by Robin Higgins from PixabayAs of last October, the CDC estimates that approximately 1 in 16 adults in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD (1). Despite the high prevalence of ADHD in adults, there are few resources for adult learners with ADHD. Many resources online are designed for…
GUEST POST: The Motivation Cheat Code: Sidestep Willpower Using Science
So, how do you build dependable habits?Don’t get me wrong, sometimes life just gets in the way, a deadline creeps up or training gets extended last minute. But, having some sort of structure helps you respond instead of react. When habits are in place, you have a mental anchor, a reliable starting point, even in…
GUEST POST: What 130,000 Student Questions to AI Reveal About Critical Thinking
Our research, detailed in the report Asking to Learn, examined nearly 130,000 anonymized queries from over 8,600 students using an AI study tool embedded within a digital biology textbook often used in introductory biology courses. We focused on the "Explain" feature of the tool, which invites students to ask questions in their own words, providing…
