π Key takeaways for your classroom: Strategies to improve retention (03:00 min)
We have explored the factors that influence learning and memory, and now we want to apply this knowledge to the classroom. Here are the key points derived from the previous video, adapted into helpful guidelines for your teaching:
Learning in patterns π§©
Present content in a way that students can recognize patterns and connections.
- Structure your lessons in a way that exhibits clear patterns and order. For example, break down complex topics into smaller, well-defined sections and create clear transitions between them.
- Connect the content with prior knowledge. For this, actively incorporate and activate students' existing knowledge
- Utilize the brain's chunking technique to group and connect information. Consider how you can effectively group and connect information, or if it would be helpful to give your lesson a specific theme.
Learning and emotions π
Find a way to tie your students emotionally to your content.
- Arouse interest and curiosity
- Combine information with personal experiences and feelings. For example, use stories or real life examples to help students make an emotional connection to the learning content.
- Create a positive learning environment where students feel safe and comfortable to learn.
Learning is conscious and unconscious π€
Consider incorporating both conscious and unconscious learning opportunities into your teaching approach.
- Promote focused attention: Incorporate cues into your lessons to help students recognize and consciously focus on important information.
- Recognize implicit learning: Create environments that naturally expose students to content. For example, in foreign language teaching, expose them to the language as much as possible.
- Utilize experiential learning: Take advantage of extracurricular opportunities to provide students with direct experiences that connect to subject knowledge. Maybe visit a museum, or have your students do an experimental homework assignment for science class.