Ben’s Cognitive Science Annotated Book List for Teachers
There’s a problem with books on learning science. On one side are book written for popular audiences that are full of dubious claims backed up with fluffy sources or no sources at all. Sometimes the evidence is good, but the authors make great, unsupported leaps to their recommendations. On the other side, is rigorous research that makes such limited claims that it’s not really useful.
The following resources, I think, fall in a Goldilocks zone. They’re based on good evidence. They interpret it sensibly. I’ve listed them in order of my (totally subjective) preference.
Ben’s Top Five
Full of poignant examples. A great introduction to using the cognitive model in teaching. Each chapter is built around a question like: “Is drilling worth it?” or “Why do students remember everything that’s on television but forget everything I say?”
These are some of the leaders in their field who hired a non-academic co-writer to make their book readable. A great survey of all the most important research on cognitive science from the last few decades.
Applicable well beyond math and science. Actually, math teachers might be disappointed that there’s not more math focus.
Written in a journalistic style.
A textbook for those who really want to dig into cognitive science. Extend well beyond that which would be applicable in the classroom. This link connects to a more recent edition.
Happy reading! If you find new gems or have other favorites, talk them up in the comments. I’d love to hear about them.