The ThoughtStretchers Podcast

Bridging Gaps With Mental Models

17 snips
Sep 24, 2025
Join Rebekah Berlin, a product developer enhancing teacher-child interactions, and Jim Heal, a seasoned education practitioner and author, as they dissect their co-authored work, Mental Models. They discuss bridging gaps between beliefs and evidence in education, emphasizing the power of mental models in teaching. Dive into the importance of varied examples for rich learning, the role of inquiry in cognitive science, and how deep questioning boosts knowledge retention. Their insights promise to bring clarity and practicality to educators seeking to refine their teaching strategies.
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ANECDOTE

Rebecca's Early Teaching In Memphis

  • Rebekah Berlin taught second through fourth grade in Memphis after joining Teach For America.
  • She stayed, met her husband (also a teacher), and valued the local educator community.
ANECDOTE

Jim's Path From Teacher To Research Advocate

  • Jim Heal was a high school English teacher in the UK before moving to the U.S. for doctoral work.
  • He then worked to close gaps between research and classroom practice via multiple initiatives.
INSIGHT

Mental Models Blend Knowing And Doing

  • Mental models combine conceptual networks (schemas) with procedural guidance for action.
  • A precise mental model lets you pause, rewind, and apply steps flexibly to perform tasks effectively.
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