The ABCs of How We Learn: 26 Scientifically Proven Approaches, How They Work, and When to Use Them

by Daniel L. Schwartz, Jessica M. Tsang, Kristen P. Blair

Overview

Selected as one of NPR's Best Books of 2016, this book offers superior learning tools for teachers and students, from A to Z.

An explosive growth in research on how people learn has revealed many ways to improve teaching and catalyze learning at all ages. The purpose of this book is to present this new science of learning so that educators can creatively translate the science into exceptional practice. The book is highly appropriate for the preparation and professional development of teachers and college faculty, but also parents, trainers, instructional designers, psychology students, and simply curious folks interested in improving their own learning.

Based on a popular Stanford University course, The ABCs of How We Learn uses a novel format that is suitable as both a textbook and a popular read. With everyday language, engaging examples, a sense of humor, and solid evidence, it describes 26 unique ways that students learn.

Each chapter offers a concise and approachable breakdown of one way people learn, how it works, how we know it works, how and when to use it, and what mistakes to avoid. The book presents learning research in a way that educators can creatively translate into exceptional lessons and classroom practice.

The book covers field-defining learning theories ranging from behaviorism (R is for Reward) to cognitive psychology (S is for Self-Explanation) to social psychology (O is for Observation). The chapters also introduce lesser-known theories exceptionally relevant to practice, such as arousal theory (X is for eXcitement). Together the theories, evidence, and strategies from each chapter can be combined endlessly to create original and effective learning plans and the means to know if they succeed.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780393709407
Publisher:	Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc.
Publication date:	07/26/2016
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	604,799
File size:	18 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Daniel L. Schwartz is the dean of the Stanford University Graduate School of Education and holds the Nomellini-Olivier Chair in Educational Technology.
Jessica M. Tsang is the senior manager of research applications at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
Kristen P. Blair is director of research for Stanford University’s Strategic Digital Learning Initiative.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction xiii

A is for Analogy: Finding the general principle 1

B is for Belonging: Silencing anxiety and buying in 12

C is for Contrasting Cases: Discerning critical information 26

D is for Deliberate Practice: Becoming an expert 39

E is for Elaboration: Making memories meaningful 52

F is for Feedback: Supporting self-improvement 64

G is for Generation: Building lasting memories 78

H is for Hands On: Recruiting the body's intelligence 86

I is for Imaginative Play: Developing cognitive control 102

J is for Just-in-Time Telling: Making lectures and readings work 114

K is for Knowledge: Essay on efficiency and innovation in knowledge 129

L is for Listening and Sharing: Learning more together than alone 140

M is for Making: Producing interest and practical knowledge 153

N is for Norms: Cultivating the rules of the game 166

O is for Observation: Imitating feelings and procedures 180

P is for Participation: Getting into the game 193

Q is for Question Driven: Creating a reason to inquire 206

R is for Reward: Motivating behavior 220

S is for Self Explanation: Going beyond the information given 234

T is for Teaching: Taking responsibility for others' understanding 249

U is for Undoing: Overcoming misconceptions and misplaced reasoning 260

V is for Visualization: Inventing structure for complex information 277

W is for Worked Examples: Acquiring skills and procedures 293

X is for eXcitement: Turning up attention and arousal 305

Y is for Yes I Can: Increasing self efficacy 317

Z is for ZZZs: Consolidating the memories of the day 331

Figure Credits 343

The ABC Animals 347

Problem-Focused Index 349

Index 351

Editorial Reviews

"Daniel Schwartz and his co-authors have developed an easy-to-understand, easy-to-use synthesis of the learning literature without oversimplifying the complexity of the teaching and learning process. I am particularly impressed with the inclusion of multiple examples, potential risks, and possible misapplications, along with the acknowledgement that no one technique, by itself, will likely work in every situation. This book does a wonderful job introducing usable knowledge that can be flexibly applied by those seeking to encourage learning."

David B. Daniel

"The book serves as a much-needed bridge between new revelations in the science of learning and everyday classroom practices. Each section is accessible, concise and well-stocked with primary references and resources."

Best of 2016 NPR Books

"Packed with tips, tools, and exercises for every type of learner and learning situation, The ABCs of How We Learn is a book whose utility goes far beyond the classroom, but into every area of life—from remembering your password to learning to play golf—and it should be required reading for us all."

PsychCentral

"[A] teaching resource that is concise, is easy to navigate, and displays current and proven techniques. . . . The ABCs of How We Learn is a text that would be most appropriate for educators of all disciplines and at all levels, especially for primary and secondary school educators. . . . [O]ffers an easy-to-use reference for novice and expert teachers that will help them further develop their teaching skills. . . . [A]nyone interested in learning theories can appreciate the inclusion of various chapters related to educational psychology, specifically with regard to feedback, knowledge, norms, observation, and reward."

PsycCRITIQUES

"A uniquely actionable new book of learning sciences principles that can improve teaching and learning…. [E]very teacher and student can benefit."

Learning and the Brain