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

In 'The Reading Mind', Daniel T. Willingham delves into the complex cognitive processes involved in reading. He explains how the brain registers letters, words, and sentences, and how reading comprehension is influenced by background knowledge and motivation. The book discusses the two fundamental processes of reading: by sight and by sound, and addresses the connection between reading and writing. Willingham also examines the role of technology in learning to read and its effects on reading habits. The book is designed to be accessible and valuable for teachers, reading specialists, literacy coaches, and school administrators.

In 'Why Don't Students Like School? ', Daniel T. Willingham delves into the cognitive science behind how the human mind works and its implications for teaching. The book addresses ten significant questions about cognition and education, providing evidence-based principles that are actionable for teachers. Willingham argues that the brain is designed to save us from thinking, and thinking is slow and unreliable, but people enjoy mental work when it is successful. He emphasizes the importance of factual knowledge preceding skill, the role of memory in learning, and the need for tasks that pose a moderate challenge to engage students. The book also discusses the limitations of discovery learning, the importance of extended practice, and the need to connect new information to existing knowledge. Willingham's insights aim to help teachers improve their practice by understanding what students are likely to think about and how to maximize the cognitive engagement of their students.