#682 Daniel Willingham: Why Don't Students Like School?

Sep 23, 2022

Daniel Willingham, cognitive scientist and author of 'Why Don't Students Like School?', discusses fascinating topics in this episode. He explains why the brain relies on memory instead of thinking and why students need factual knowledge alongside critical thinking skills. The importance of curiosity in learning, the impact of individual differences in intelligence and learning styles, and the influence of technology on education are also explored.

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INSIGHT

Brain Avoids Effortful Thinking

The brain is not designed for thinking; it prefers to rely on memory instead of effortful thought.
Thinking is a last resort when we don't have an answer stored in memory already.

ANECDOTE

Curiosity Drives Learning Exploration

People exhibit curiosity by exploring uncertain rewards and trying new options.
Curiosity peaks when new information connects meaningfully to what someone already knows.

INSIGHT

Critical Thinking Needs Knowledge

Teaching critical thinking without domain knowledge is deeply mistaken.
Effective thinking relies heavily on background knowledge specific to the subject area.

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Dr. Daniel Willingham is Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia. Until about 2000, his research focused solely on the brain basis of learning and memory. Today, all of his research concerns the application of cognitive psychology to K-16 education. He is the author of books like Cognition: The Thinking Animal, Why Don't Students Like School?: A Cognitive Scientist Answers Questions About How the Mind Works and What It Means for the Classroom, and Outsmart Your Brain.

In this episode, we focus on “Why Don’t Students Like School?”. Topics include: why the brain is not designed for thinking, and what people like to think about; why students need factual knowledge, and not just critical thinking skills; the transference of knowledge between domains; the importance of extended practice; individual differences in intelligence; what distinguishes experts from laypeople; learning styles; multiple intelligences; growth mindset; and the impact of technology on education.

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