Education Research Reading Room

ERRR #025. Daniel Willingham on When We Can Trust the Experts

Jan 1, 2019
In a fascinating discussion, Daniel Willingham, a cognitive psychology professor at the University of Virginia and education author, examines the role of expertise in combating job automation effects and promoting educational equity. He encourages educators to critically evaluate research, distinguishing between 'research-based' and 'research-inspired' claims. Willingham also discusses Montessori education, the importance of counterfactual thinking, and the need for incremental improvements in teaching methods, all while advocating for a transformative mindset towards science in education.
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ANECDOTE

Unexpected Beginning

  • Daniel Willingham's journey into education began with an invitation to speak to teachers using the Core Knowledge sequence.
  • His nervousness led to an unexpected success, sparking a career shift from cognitive psychology.
INSIGHT

Teachers' Frustration

  • Teachers expressed frustration with the overuse of "research-based" claims by administrators.
  • This frustration stemmed from a feeling of helplessness in evaluating research themselves, leading to Willingham writing his book.
INSIGHT

Meta-Beliefs and Cues

  • Willingham discusses "meta-beliefs" about human nature, influencing educational views and responses to "peripheral cues."
  • Enlightenment thinkers view school as essential, while Romantics emphasize natural development.
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