Science of Learning Principles
Science of Learning Principles
Learning's Science Principles involve the particulars of science-backed strategies that help students learn and remember better. These principles are not only essential for teachers, but also for students since they consist of the advice on how to develop teaching methods and study habits that are efficient in bringing about better results.
What are the core principles of the Science of Learning?
The main rules of The Science of Learning are, cognitive load theory, spaced repetition, retrieval practice, and dual coding theory. Cognitive load theory maintains that the effectiveness of learning is higher when material is delivered by smaller and more digestible pieces. Spaced repetition talks about the centrality of the process of re-meeting the necessary information over time-variable intervals in the storage of memory. Retrieval practice is a technique that uses the effect of retrieval to strengthen memory, that is, recalling information from memory which strengthens the neuronal connections related to the information. Dual coding theory is the idea that information is easier to learn and remember if it is presented in both spoken words and pictures.
How can understanding the Science of Learning improve teaching methods?
One main way that the knowledge of the science of learning can massively enhaTeaching methodologies is guiding teachers to design lesson plans that best fit the brain's information processing abilities. For example, the teachers can add retrieval practice with quizzes and discussions that bring the students back to the earlier learned topics. They can also include spaced learning methods by looking at main points throughout the course more than once instead of learning them in a single session, which in turn, promotes the long-term retention of students better.
What role does feedback play in the Science of Learning?
The Science of Learning has a very important part played by Feedback because it gives knowledge to the learners about their performance, and helps them in identifying the areas which need to be improved. A piece of feedback that is effective must be timely, specific, and constructive; it must inform the students on how they can better their understanding and skills. To illustrate, a teacher who gives real-time feedback on the essay of a student can indicate to him/her the points he/she is good at and the ones he/she is weak in, which leads to specific changes that improve the student's writing skills.
Can the Science of Learning principles be applied outside of traditional education settings?
Absolutely, the rules of learning science are not only for schools but can also be used in other environments, such as job training or self-teaching to improve learning. A case in point is that workers who are involved in professional development can learn a new software application using spaced repetition, whereas someone who learns by himself/herself can use retrieval practice, e.g. flashcards or practice exams to test their knowledge, thus increased retention and application of new skills.