Overcoming the Curse of Expertise and Other Ways to Be Inclusive in Our Teaching with Sheila Tabanli

In 'A Mind for Numbers', Dr. Barbara Oakley provides practical advice and scientific insights on how to excel in math and science, even for those who have struggled in these subjects. The book highlights the importance of using both focused and diffuse modes of thinking, managing time effectively, and applying strategies such as interleaved practice and spaced repetition. Oakley shares her personal journey from being a mathphobe to becoming an engineering professor, illustrating that anyone can improve their skills in these areas with the right approach.

Nick Shackleton-Jones' 'How People Learn' challenges traditional views on learning and cognition, proposing a new model centered around emotional responses and contextual understanding. The book argues that effective learning is not about passively absorbing information but actively engaging with experiences and emotions. It suggests that understanding how our brains process emotions is crucial for improving educational methods and enhancing performance. The author blends insights from neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy to offer a comprehensive perspective on learning. The central thesis is that all cognition is an affective response, advocating for a shift in educational approaches to focus on emotional engagement and real-world relevance, rather than rote memorization and abstract theories.

Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning equips educators with research-backed strategies derived from over 100 years of cognitive science research and a 15-year scientist-teacher collaboration. The book focuses on four essential teaching strategies—retrieval practice, spacing, interleaving, and feedback-driven metacognition—that can be implemented easily and effectively in classrooms without extra preparation or resources. It provides step-by-step guidance and real-world examples to help teachers raise student achievement, support diverse learners, and promote higher-order thinking and knowledge transfer beyond the classroom.