Progress in brain research has necessitated a call to action for application of this research into the practice of education. Your text addresses many different aspects of brain research that might inform educational practice, including information processing models, research directed toward different kinds of memory, and new research regarding brain development. For this discussion:
Find a recent journal article (published within the last 5 years) from a peer-reviewed journal that discusses a new study or research that is related to one of the areas of brain research discussed in your text this week. Be sure to post a link to the article you are discussing.
Briefly describe the study from your article, including the results of the study.
How might the results of the study you chose inform intentional teaching? Discuss at least one (1) way in which an intentional teacher might use this information in the classroom.
Be sure to include properly cited scholarly sources.
Full Answer Section
Study Results:
The study found a strong positive correlation between working memory capacity and math achievement. Students with higher working memory capacity performed better on math tests than students with lower working memory capacity.
Implications for Intentional Teaching:
These findings highlight the importance of incorporating activities that target working memory development into the math curriculum. Here's one way an intentional teacher might use this information:
- Chunking Information: Break down complex math problems into smaller, more manageable steps. This reduces the cognitive load on students' working memory and allows them to focus on each step individually. For example, instead of presenting a multi-step word problem all at once, the teacher could introduce it one step at a time, allowing students to solve each sub-problem before moving on to the next.
By incorporating strategies that target working memory, teachers can create a more inclusive learning environment and support the success of all students, especially those who may struggle with working memory limitations.
Additional Notes:
This is just one example of how brain research on working memory can inform intentional teaching practices. There are many other ways to target working memory in the classroom, and the most effective strategies will vary depending on the age and needs of the students.
Sample Answer
The Impact of Working Memory on Math Performance in Children
One area of brain research with significant implications for education is working memory. Working memory refers to the brain's ability to hold and manipulate information for short-term use. This function is crucial for learning, especially in subjects like math that require students to keep track of multiple pieces of information at once.
Recent Study:
A recent study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology titled "Working Memory and Mathematics Achievement in Elementary School Students:
A Meta-Analysis" (2021) [https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2020-61242-001] examined the relationship between working memory and math achievement in elementary school students. The researchers conducted a meta-analysis, which is a statistical technique that combines data from multiple studies.