#1 - The Science of Learning with Dr. Althea Kaminske
Jul 4, 2023
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Dr. Althea Kaminske, a psychologist specializing in cognitive psychology in education, shares intriguing insights about effective learning. She discusses six evidence-based strategies like retrieval practice and spaced practice that enhance memory retention. Dr. Kaminske emphasizes the dangers of cell phone notifications on focus and how concrete examples aid understanding. Additionally, she debunks common myths surrounding learning styles, advocating for techniques that optimize learning while addressing the importance of adaptability and self-care in educational settings.
Dr. Althea Kaminske emphasizes six evidence-based strategies for effective learning that enhance information retention and recall.
The podcast discusses the detrimental effects of cell phone notifications on concentration and focus during learning activities.
Both host and guest highlight the significance of aligning high-concentration tasks with personal energy levels to boost productivity.
Deep dives
The Connection Between Learning and Performance
Learning and performance are deeply intertwined, as improving one naturally enhances the other. Without the ability to learn, individuals face stagnation and repetitive mistakes, inhibiting personal growth and potential. Effective learning strategies are essential for achieving high performance across various domains, including education, research, and athletics. Consequently, fostering a culture that emphasizes continual learning can lead to significant advancements in overall performance levels.
Common Myths in Learning
Many misconceptions about learning persist, largely due to a lack of awareness of the science behind it. For instance, the belief in rigid learning styles, where individuals assume they must stick to visual or auditory methods, lacks empirical backing; instead, combining different modalities enhances learning better. Another enduring myth is the idea that brain usage is limited to specific hemispheres, while in reality, both hemispheres work together in a complementary manner. Recognizing and dispelling these myths can significantly enhance learning effectiveness.
Effective Learning Strategies
The podcast outlines six evidence-based practices that can improve learning outcomes significantly. Techniques such as retrieval practice, which involves actively recalling information, and spaced practice, which promotes spreading out study sessions over time, are crucial for long-term retention. Interleaving practice helps differentiate between concepts and skills by mixing them up, while dual coding emphasizes using both verbal and visual information together. Lastly, elaboration through asking 'how' and 'why' questions expands understanding and reinforces memory connections.
Incorporating Evidence-Based Practices
Implementing evidence-based practices requires thoughtful planning and understanding of how to create learning environments that capitalize on these strategies. For example, instructors can enhance student engagement by allowing time for note-taking and reducing information overload during lectures. By using visual aids strategically and incorporating retrieval practice techniques in class settings or assessments, educators can foster an atmosphere that promotes effective learning. With such practices, summative assessments can yield better results as students utilize the skills they've actively practiced.
Personal Learning and Performance Philosophies
Both the host and guest share insights into their approaches to learning and performance, focusing on personal well-being and effective time management. Recognizing the importance of physical and mental wellness, they emphasize allocating time to rest and exercise to optimize cognitive function. Scheduling high-concentration tasks in alignment with personal energy levels, such as conducting intense writing sessions in the morning, can enhance overall productivity and effectiveness. This philosophy underscores that managing one’s energy is as critical as managing time for achieving peak performance.
In this episode of the L&P podcast, I speak with Dr. Althea Kaminske, a psychologist who studies the application of cognitive psychology to education. Dr. Kaminske and I discuss six evidence-based strategies from psychology that you can utilize to learn and remember information more effectively:
Retrieval Practice
Spaced Practice
Interleaving
Concrete Examples
Dual Coding
Elaboration
Dr. Kaminske also shares some of her research on the harmful effects of cell phone notifications on our ability to focus and the lessons she has learned about how to utilize the six strategies in her own life.