#109 Paul Kirschner and Carl Hendrick: How learning happens
Apr 10, 2020
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Paul Kirschner, an emeritus professor of educational psychology, and Carl Hendrick, a director of research at Wellington College, explore the intricacies of how learning happens. They discuss the impact of minimal guidance in instruction and share insights on effective strategies for remote teaching. With humor, they relate teaching to culinary arts and address the balance between personal lives and education. The duo emphasizes the significance of foundational knowledge and the transformative power of teacher-student relationships in navigating educational disparities.
Paul Kirshner emphasizes the need for evidence-based teaching methods, advocating against intuition-driven approaches in educational practices.
Learning is fundamentally about creating lasting changes in long-term memory, necessitating effective retrieval practices for true comprehension.
While technology can support education, it cannot replace the vital human interactions that foster engagement and effective learning environments.
Ongoing feedback and diversified assessment practices are essential, as they ensure continuous dialogue about student understanding and progress.
Deep dives
Introduction of Guests
The episode features an engaging discussion with two special guests, Carl Hendrick and Paul Kirshner, who contribute significantly to the field of educational psychology. Each guest brings a wealth of experience: Paul is an emeritus professor of educational psychology and is known for his influential work on instructional methods, while Carl is an English teacher and director of research at Wellington College. Their collective insights are foundational, as they delve into their collaboration on a new book that combines seminal works in educational psychology with practical applications for teachers. This creates a platform for discussing essential concepts and contemporary issues in educational practice.
The Importance of Evidence-Based Instruction
Paul Kirshner emphasizes that a major challenge in education is the prevalence of teaching methods based on intuition rather than scientific evidence. He highlights his influential paper, which argues against minimal guidance during instruction and supports more direct teaching approaches. This perspective advocates that effective instruction is rooted in cognitive psychology principles, where understanding how students learn can significantly impact the methods teachers choose to employ. By promoting an evidence-based approach, both guests aim to enlighten listeners on the necessity of blending scientific research with classroom practice.
Learning as a Change in Long-Term Memory
A central theme of the discussion is the notion that learning can be defined as a change in long-term memory. This highlights the importance of retrieval practice and the ability to recall information as a key indicator of actual learning. Both guests note that traditional assessments often fail to test retention of knowledge over time, leading teachers to mistakenly believe that students understand concepts when they haven’t truly internalized them. The discussion offers strategies for ensuring that what is taught in the classroom translates into lasting learning experiences.
The Role of Technology in Education
The episode addresses the role of technology in enhancing education, acknowledging its advantages while cautioning against over-reliance on digital tools. Carl Hendrick expresses skepticism about technology replacing the critical elements of human interaction and engaging teaching practices. He argues that while technology can aid learning, it lacks the ability to replicate the rich, dynamic exchanges that occur in a physically present classroom. This insight serves to remind educators that the essence of teaching lies in relationships and personal engagement, rather than solely in using advanced technological solutions.
The Necessity of Feedback and Assessment
Effective feedback and assessment practices play a crucial role in the learning process, as both guests agree that continuous evaluation of student understanding enhances learning. They emphasize that assessment should not be a one-time event but an ongoing dialogue where learners receive constructive feedback that aids in their understanding. Utilizing varied assessment methods encourages active engagement and helps identify areas where students struggle. The conversation suggests that teachers must adapt their assessment strategies to ensure they accurately reflect student progress and comprehension.
Impact of Classroom Environment on Learning
Both Paul and Carl note that the classroom environment significantly affects students’ ability to learn and engage with content. Factors such as classroom climate, student behavior, and peer interactions are critical in fostering a conducive learning atmosphere. They advocate for establishing strong routines and positive behavioral expectations to create an environment where students feel safe and motivated to learn. It is pointed out that without a supportive classroom culture, even the best instructional strategies may fail to yield the desired educational outcomes.
Changes in Educational Beliefs
As the conversation unfolds, Paul reflects on how the pedagogical landscape has shifted regarding educational beliefs and practices over the years. He highlights a growing understanding among teachers about the ineffectiveness of some long-held instructional methods like discovery learning devoid of proper guidance. This shift towards evidence-informed practices indicates a maturation in the field, where teachers are increasingly embracing research-backed strategies, while abandoning outdated models of teaching. This progress is welcomed, as it aligns more closely with cognitive science principles that have emerged through rigorous educational research.
Recommended Resources for Educators
The guests share key resources that listeners should explore to further their understanding of educational psychology and cognitive science. Paul recommends engaging with blogs and academic writings that distill complex ideas into practical strategies for classroom application. He emphasizes the importance of building foundational knowledge in cognitive psychology to foster better instructional design. These resources serve as invaluable tools for educators seeking to enhance their teaching practices while remaining grounded in sound educational theory.
Paul Kirschner and Carl Hendrick join me to discuss their excellent book: How Learning Happens. But over the course of 2 hours we delve into so mich more, including the writing of and reaction to Paul seminal paper, Why Minimal Guidance During Instruction Does Not Work and what advice Paul and Carl would have for teachers trying to help their students learn amidst school closures.
