📰 News & Notes
No Pain, No Gain
Nidhi Sachdeva encourages us to lean into the paradox of desirable difficulties! While making learning a bit harder—like adding spaced practice, retrieval tests, or varied scenarios—might frustrate learners in the short term, it builds brain muscles for durable and flexible knowledge. Sure, mistakes and discomfort aren’t fun, but they’re the secret sauce to lifelong learning. Embrace the struggle; your learners will thank you later (even if they grumble now).
🎯 Takeaway: Desirable difficulties make learning tougher in the moment but lead to deeper, longer-lasting knowledge and skills.
What is the effect of different types of cues in educational videos?
Educational videos can be a goldmine for learning—if done right! A recent exploration into the use of cues like highlighting (think: red markers) or eye-tracking simulations (imagine following the teacher's gaze) in videos reveals a key truth: cues help focus learners' attention, reducing cognitive overload. While both methods improved learning outcomes, neither significantly outshone the other. The takeaway? Instructional designers should embrace the power of cues to guide learners and help them cut through the noise and focus on what matters!
🎯 Takeaway: Effective cues in educational videos sharpen learners' focus and lighten cognitive load, making even complex topics easier to grasp.
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The Ecstasy of an Open Brain
Critical periods are fleeting windows of rapid learning, hardwired into our brains. While once thought irreversible, emerging research suggests we may be able to reopen these windows, unlocking new potential for learning and recovery. This mind-bending exploration delves into the science behind these critical periods and their implications for conditions like PTSD, brain disease, and stroke.
🎯 Takeaway: Our brains have special learning windows. New research suggests we can reopen them, boosting learning and healing.
