Strategies for Enhancing Memory & Critical Thinking - E113

This week, we are diving further into the book "Why Don't Students Like School?" by Daniel Willingham. Specifically, we are exploring ideas of critical thinking, memory, and the importance of background knowledge in remembering key ideas and concepts. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/113**Why Don't Students Like School by Daniel WillinghamHow To Get Students Thinking - E110Chapter 2 key ideas:Thinking skills depend on factual knowledge (intertwined and need to be practiced in parallel)Working memory capacity is limited - chunking can "expand" itKnowledge gaps continue to grow steadily unless we focus on closing the gapsThinking like a scientist needs background knowledge - unexplained results require expectationsChapter 3 key ideas:Memory is the residue of thoughtWhat is in your memory? What do you always need to review?What you are ACTUALLY thinking about is what is going to stick in your memoryLessons - what do we want students to focus on and think about? Need purposeful goals and designHooks - what will students be focusing on? The flashy part or the concept?Knowledge needs to first go into working memory before going into long-term memoryEffective teachers - nice (connections) and organized (interesting to learn, easy to understand)Four types of connections - jokes, empathy/caring, storyteller, show personStorytelling is important for memory4 C's: Causality, Conflict, Complications, and CharacterLessons can be structured using the 4 C'sStoryworthy by Matthew DicksFlipping perspectives can be interesting (from character and conflict)Mnemonics are great for memorizing concepts without meaning - cues the brainSometimes rote memorization needs to happen and that's ok!Classroom Implications:Critical lens to lesson plans - where is the focus of thinking?Use discovery learning with careOrganize a lesson plan around the conflictBe careful with attention grabbersSupport the Show.Connect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show