Teaching with Learning in Mind

A series of notes and presentations from Efrat Furst exploring the neuroscientific basis of learning:

Explore the science of learning, with explanations, illustrated models and concrete examples, references to scientific Literature notes, popular literature and blogs, site

Learning in the Brain - the relationship between Working memory and Long-term Memory, the importance of first Making Meaning to create connections to existing knowledge, followed by effective Retrieval practice to reinforce access pathways for effective use of the learning. page

Presents a practical model of how memory works, separated into Working memory (processing) and Long-term Memory (storage).

Emphasis on the effective use of Working memory processing for Making Meaning and creating memories in Long-term Memory.

The importance of Retrieval Practice to reinforce not just a piece of knowledge, but the neurological pathway used to retrieve that knowledge. A typical practical example might be

“The Testing Effect” – an established series of findings from cognitive psychology that shows enhancement of long-term memory performance after practicing by using retrieval as compared to rote rehearsal. page