Why Don’t Students Like School?. Book Summary

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Daniel T. Willingham

What’s inside

‘Why Don’t Students Like School?’ by Daniel T. Willingham explores the intersection of cognitive science and classroom education. Dissecting how students think and learn, Willingham provides insights into the challenges and misunderstandings about learning. The book delves into principles of cognitive science as they apply to teaching strategies, debunking popular myths and offering tangible advice on creating more engaging and effective educational experiences. It illustrates why traditional teaching methods often fail to capture students’ interest and how educators can harness cognitive principles to enhance learning.

You’ll Learn

  • Understanding how students learn from a cognitive perspective
  • Implementing more engaging and effective teaching methods
  • Debunking common educational myths
  • Improving educational experiences through cognitive science principles

Key Points

  • Cognitive processes underlying learning
  • Common myths about education debunked
  • The role of curiosity in student engagement
  • Strategies for effective teaching
  • The importance of background knowledge
  • Cognitive science principles applied in classrooms
  • Recommendations for educational reform

Who’s it For

  • Educators
  • School administrators
  • Parents
  • Education policy makers
  • Students interested in cognitive science

About the author

Daniel T. Willingham is a renowned cognitive scientist with a deep interest in education. Serving as a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia, his research focuses on the application of cognitive psychology to K-12 education. Willingham’s work is pivotal in bridging the gap between cognitive science and practical teaching strategies, making him a trusted voice among educators and policymakers.