Learning That Sticks

1. The brain is a pattern-seeking, curiosity-driven learning machine

"If you wanted to create an education environment that was directly opposed to what the brain was good at doing, you probably would design something like a classroom"

Natural learning process. The human brain is an incredible learning machine, constantly filtering and processing vast amounts of data. It seeks patterns, driven by curiosity and the desire to close knowledge gaps. This natural learning process is often at odds with traditional classroom environments.

Curiosity as a driver. Curiosity primes the brain for learning by releasing dopamine, the same "reward molecule" triggered by winning prizes or eating sweets. This makes learning inherently enjoyable and addictive when driven by genuine interest. Educators can tap into this by designing learning experiences that reflect how we naturally learn, making the process more engaging and effective for students of all ages.

2. Learning occurs in six distinct phases, from interest to application

"All new learning requires a foundation of prior knowledge"

Six phases of learning. The learning process can be broken down into six distinct phases:

1. Become interested
2. Commit to learning
3. Focus on new learning
4. Make sense of learning
5. Practice and reflect
6. Extend and apply

Building on prior knowledge. Each phase builds upon the previous one, with new information connecting to existing knowledge. This model provides a framework for educators to design more effective learning experiences, ensuring that each step in the process is addressed and supported.

3. Sparking curiosity is crucial for engaging students in learning

"We remember things much better the more elaborately we encode what we encounter, especially if we can personalize it"

Emotional engagement. To capture students' attention, learning experiences should tap into emotions and curiosity. This can be achieved through:

• Creating mystery or suspense
• Presenting cognitive conflicts or unexpected information
• Structuring academic controversies
• Connecting learning to positive emotions

Personalization. When students can relate new information to their own experiences or interests, they are more likely to encode it deeply. Educators should strive to help students make personal connections to the material, increasing engagement and retention.

4. Students must see personal relevance to commit to learning

"If we want students to commit to learning, we must show them how learning is relevant to them—in short, what's in it for them."

Relevance and motivation. Students are more likely to engage with and retain information when they understand its relevance to their lives. This can be achieved by:

• Providing clear learning objectives and success criteria
• Framing learning around big ideas or essential questions
• Encouraging students to set personal learning goals
• Helping students see the path to mastery

Intrinsic motivation. While extrinsic rewards can be effective for simple tasks, intrinsic motivation is more powerful for complex learning. Educators should focus on helping students develop an internal locus of control and a growth mindset, connecting learning to personal interests and long-term goals.

5. Visual and verbal processing together enhance learning and retention

"We remember what we think about."

Dual coding. The brain processes information through two main channels: visual and verbal. Learning is enhanced when both channels are engaged simultaneously. Effective strategies include:

• Using nonlinguistic representations (e.g., graphics, diagrams)
• Pairing abstract concepts with concrete examples
• Encouraging students to create visual representations of their learning
• Teaching through "show and tell" methods

Active engagement. To move information from working memory to long-term memory, students must actively think about what they're learning. This can be supported through:

• Self-questioning techniques
• Note-taking (preferably by hand)
• Elaborative rehearsal (asking deeper "how" and "why" questions)
• Interleaving practice of different skills or concepts

6. Deliberate practice and reflection solidify new knowledge and skills

"Procedures that produce fast learning can produce fast forgetting"

Effective practice strategies. To solidify learning, students should engage in:

• Spaced practice (revisiting material over time)
• Retrieval practice (actively recalling information)
• Interleaved practice (mixing different types of problems or skills)
• Deliberate practice (focusing on areas that need improvement)

Reflection and feedback. Regular opportunities for reflection and feedback help students identify gaps in their understanding and refine their skills. This process should be:

• Specific and actionable
• Nonevaluative and noncontrolling
• Focused on helping students think about their learning

7. Extending learning through inquiry develops critical thinking

"We only learn what we think about."

Inquiry-based learning. To develop critical thinking skills, students need opportunities to extend and apply their learning through:

• Problem-solving activities
• Experimental inquiry
• Systems analysis
• Investigations of complex issues

Making thinking visible. Encouraging students to articulate their thought processes helps solidify learning and develop metacognitive skills. Strategies include:

• Elaborative interrogation (asking "how" and "why" questions)
• Self-explanation of problem-solving steps
• Writing assignments that require synthesis and analysis

8. A shared learning model enhances teaching and professional development

"A common vocabulary and mental models for designing and delivering effective learning experiences for students and the same starting point for expanding and refining your repertoire of teaching strategies."

Professional collaboration. A shared model of learning provides a common language and framework for educators to:

• Engage in professional dialogue
• Share and co-develop lesson plans
• Conduct peer coaching focused on student learning

Continuous improvement. By understanding the science behind learning, educators can:

• Diagnose student learning challenges more effectively
• Make intentional adjustments to their teaching strategies
• Reflect on their own practice and continue to grow professionally

Last updated: July 28, 2024