Reckon that’s why ATD asked me to write a book on myths (yep, NeuroX was one), and then one on learning science, where I said much like this (more tersely; I’m not as eloquent) as preface. Thanks for helping clear the air!
Reading this piece, I feel like “finally, someone explained the truth.” I work in education research, and you are right that putting the word “neuro” in front of a product one is trying to sell gives it a sheen of authenticity that is rarely earned. Neuroscience has come a long way in my lifetime, but the principles of effective learning that are most generalizable are, I agree, those you state. Because we know more now about neuroplasticity through the lifespan, we better understand why retrieval practice and deliberate practice work so well, but those particular insights principally came from observational and experimental cognitive psychology (and, to an extent, from common sense. We get better at things we do a lot, especially if we gradually ramp up the difficulty and learn from our mistakes).
It feels like we are always looking for a magical scientific shortcut in education, which is why the 'neuro' label sells so well. This is a great reminder that there are no shortcuts - good education is always about the hard work of actual learning science and deliberate practice.
Yes!! Agree 💯 Michaela. My favorite mantra is "learning is hard". And I think we do a disservice to experts and novices alike when we don't help people understand and embrace that! Nobody rolls out of bed an expert at anything, but it can sometimes look that way! Which is dangerous :)
Education ladies research literacy. I encourage more Neuroscientists to get into education research. Constructivism and behaviorism is outdated and harming generations of children. Neurodiversity and Neuroscience can help us fight back.
Reckon that’s why ATD asked me to write a book on myths (yep, NeuroX was one), and then one on learning science, where I said much like this (more tersely; I’m not as eloquent) as preface. Thanks for helping clear the air!
Thank you Clark :) We do what we can and keep plugging away, yes?!
Reading this piece, I feel like “finally, someone explained the truth.” I work in education research, and you are right that putting the word “neuro” in front of a product one is trying to sell gives it a sheen of authenticity that is rarely earned. Neuroscience has come a long way in my lifetime, but the principles of effective learning that are most generalizable are, I agree, those you state. Because we know more now about neuroplasticity through the lifespan, we better understand why retrieval practice and deliberate practice work so well, but those particular insights principally came from observational and experimental cognitive psychology (and, to an extent, from common sense. We get better at things we do a lot, especially if we gradually ramp up the difficulty and learn from our mistakes).
It feels like we are always looking for a magical scientific shortcut in education, which is why the 'neuro' label sells so well. This is a great reminder that there are no shortcuts - good education is always about the hard work of actual learning science and deliberate practice.
Yes!! Agree 💯 Michaela. My favorite mantra is "learning is hard". And I think we do a disservice to experts and novices alike when we don't help people understand and embrace that! Nobody rolls out of bed an expert at anything, but it can sometimes look that way! Which is dangerous :)
Great information here!
Great post. Thanks for writing it.
Thank you, Carl. I should and can say the same about all of your posts!
This is a fantastic read!
Thanks, Jack! I appreciate your feedback!
Education ladies research literacy. I encourage more Neuroscientists to get into education research. Constructivism and behaviorism is outdated and harming generations of children. Neurodiversity and Neuroscience can help us fight back.
Lacks** not ladies.