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Why Don't Students Like School?

192 pages, 2009

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Dan Willingham, a renowned cognitive scientist, and professor at the University of Virginia has written a book on how teachers can engage their students in the classroom. By describing how instructors and their pupils think and learn, his book will assist teachers in improving their profession. 

It demonstrates the significance of story, emotion, memory, context, and routine in the development of information and the creation of long-term learning experiences. Nine easy-to-understand concepts with obvious classroom applications. There are some surprising conclusions, such as the notion that intelligence is flexible and that thinking ability cannot be developed without information, and how knowing how the brain works might help teachers improve their teaching abilities.

Understanding the Brain's Learning Process

In 'Why Don't Students Like School?', Daniel T. Willingham explores the science behind how our brains learn. He explains that our brains are not designed for thinking, but rather for the automatic and effortless processing of information. This insight can help us understand why students may struggle with schoolwork that requires deep thinking.

The Importance of Knowledge

Willingham emphasizes the importance of knowledge in learning. He argues that having a broad base of factual knowledge is crucial for critical thinking and problem solving. So, if you're a teacher or a parent, it's important to help students build this knowledge base.

The Role of Practice in Learning

Practice makes perfect, right? Well, according to Willingham, it's not just about practicing, but practicing right. He suggests that repetitive and focused practice can help students to automate basic skills, freeing up their cognitive resources for more complex tasks.

The Power of Curiosity

In his book, Willingham also digs into the role of curiosity in learning. He believes that piquing students' curiosity can make learning more enjoyable and effective. So, if you're looking to make learning more fun for your students, try to tap into their natural curiosity.

The Impact of Cognitive Load

Ever wondered why students seem to forget what they've learned? Willingham explains this through the concept of cognitive load. He suggests that our working memory has a limited capacity, and when it's overloaded, learning becomes difficult. So, it's important to present information in a way that doesn't overwhelm students.

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