Quick Ideas - Cognitive Sciences
Idea snapshot:
In recent years, there has been a much greater focus on cognitive sciences and how children learn. In this 'quick ideas series', I share three simple ideas which every school should use.
Our Story
Daisy Christodoulou has really brought to the fore what we know about learning and retaining information. She explains how our short term memory is very limited, yet our long term memory is, in theory, infinite. For that reason, learning things like multiplication tables reduces cognitive load and allows for the retention of new skills. These systems have developed a cult following amongst medical students who need to consume large amounts of information and they work very well in the classroom.
Idea one: The Leitner System
In recent years, there has been a much greater focus on the knowledge which we need children to remember. One very effective system for doing this is the Leitner System. I explain the system in this video:
I use the Leitner system for both Welsh and maths. When teaching second language Welsh, I have found that this system is an absolute game changer. I create decks of cards for the pupils to use and the system allows me to continually revisit knowledge with the pupils which they would otherwise forget. We all find it difficult to fit in those ten minute drillio sessions and get all of the children 'speaking'. This system works perfectly for this.
Idea two: AnkiDroid
AnkiDroid is a free app which allows you to create 'decks' of flashcards and information. The decks are blank and can be used for almost anything. When using the cards in each deck, you get to rate your ability to recall the information. An algorithm shows you the cards which you have found difficult more frequently. The app can be used on Chrome Books.
Idea three: Key Instant Recall Facts in Maths
Defining the knowledge that you need pupils to know takes a great deal of time, especially in the Welsh Curriculum. We have used Key Instant Recall Facts as a way of building up those non-negotiables for what we need children to know. Each morning, classes use the KIRFs as a two minute task whilst the class teacher is completing the register. The full resource is available on our full school site.
When using cognitive science in school, this is a very useful poster to focus planning.
