

S2E26: Dan Willingham on Applying Cognitive Science to K12 Education
Apr 30, 2023
Renowned cognitive scientist Dan Willingham discusses applying cognitive science to K12 education, exploring concepts like difference versus commonality in education, perspectives on open learning, the role of background knowledge in comprehension, and the relationship between natural learning and formal education.
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Understanding Memory Models in Teaching
- Working memory and long term memory operate differently and affect teaching strategies.
- Working memory overload causes frustration, disengagement, and difficulty in learning.
Commonalities Trump Differences in Learning
- Children share core learning processes despite individual differences.
- Differences arise mainly from experience, personality, and interests, not fundamentally different learning systems.
Build Early Reading Motivation
- Promote a reading home environment by modeling reading and valuing learning.
- Build motivation and background knowledge early to ensure better decoding and comprehension.