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The Science and Stories Behind Effective College Teaching: Teaching and Learning

Ethan Gray

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Published in How Humans Learn: The Science And Stories Behind Effective College Teaching (Teaching And Learning In Higher Education)

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The Science of Learning: A Foundation for Effective Teaching

Effective college teaching is not merely a matter of delivering content to students. Rather, it is a complex and multifaceted process that requires educators to understand the science of learning.

Cognitive science research has uncovered fundamental principles that govern how students learn. These principles include:

How Humans Learn: The Science and Stories behind Effective College Teaching (Teaching and Learning in Higher Education)

by Joshua R. Eyler

4.7 out of 5

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Working Memory: Students can only hold a limited amount of information in their short-term memory. Therefore, teachers should structure lessons that break down complex concepts into smaller chunks.
Attention: Students' attention is有限的，因此教师必须采取措施吸引和保持学生的注意力。这可能涉及使用多媒体，互动活动和反馈。
Long-Term Memory: Students need to be able to store information in their long-term memory in order to retrieve it later. This can be facilitated through repetition, spaced practice, and meaningful connections to prior knowledge.
Transfer: Students need to be able to apply what they have learned in one context to other contexts. This can be promoted through problem-solving, critical thinking, and real-world applications.

By understanding these principles of learning, teachers can design instruction that is more effective and engaging for students.

The Stories of Teaching: Lessons from the Front Lines

While the science of learning provides a foundation for effective teaching, it is also important to consider the stories of teachers who have successfully applied these principles in the classroom.

These stories can provide valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of teaching, as well as practical strategies that can be implemented to improve student learning.

Here is an example of a story from a college professor who teaches a large introductory course:

"I used to lecture for the entire class period, but I noticed that my students were getting bored and restless. So, I started breaking up my lectures with interactive activities, such as group discussions and online quizzes. I also made sure to incorporate real-world examples into my lessons to make the material more relevant to my students. As a result, I saw a significant improvement in student engagement and learning."

This story illustrates how one teacher used the principles of learning to create a more effective learning experience for her students.

Putting It All Together: Science and Stories for Transformative Teaching

Effective college teaching is a blend of science and stories. By understanding the principles of learning and drawing inspiration from the stories of successful teachers, educators can create transformative learning experiences for their students.

Here are some tips for bringing science and stories together in your teaching:

Use research-based teaching methods: Incorporate cognitive science principles into your lesson planning and instruction.
Tell stories about your own teaching experiences: Share your successes and challenges with your students to help them learn from your experiences.
Invite guest speakers to share their stories: Bring in experts from the field to share their insights and inspire your students.
Encourage students to share their stories: Create opportunities for students to reflect on their learning and share their experiences with their classmates.

By combining science and stories, you can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that will help your students succeed.

Effective college teaching is a complex and rewarding endeavor. By understanding the science of learning and drawing inspiration from the stories of successful teachers, educators can create transformative learning experiences for their students.

As you continue your journey as a college teacher, remember to embrace both the science and the stories of teaching. By ng so, you will become a more effective and inspiring educator.

How Humans Learn: The Science and Stories behind Effective College Teaching (Teaching and Learning in Higher Education)

by Joshua R. Eyler

4.7 out of 5