1. Take Cognitive Load Theory for example. Cognitive scientists have shown over and over again how critical it is to manage cognitive load to enhance learning.

2. Similarly, research on explicit instruction has shown that guided teaching with clear, direct steps is highly effective, especially for foundational skills. Yet, many schools shy away from this approach in favor of trendier, unproven methods (such as learning styles).

3. It is common to find many educators well-versed in learning styles (a concept unsupported by research) yet unfamiliar with Cognitive Load Theory, which is backed by decades of solid evidence.

4. If we want to improve student learning, we need to stop hopping on every trendy educational trend that is presented to districts.

5. Instead, we should invest time and resources into refining and implementing what's proven to work. Consistent application of Cognitive Load Theory and explicit instruction has the potential to transform student outcomes.

@SciInTheMaking Because they have a fix in with about 10 Billion dollar “education” companies and got to keep that machine going. Kids are not the focus of public schools anymore.

@educator4ever36 But if districts have limited funds (as they often claim when teachers demand raises), why do they spend money on educational trends that do not work? It's something I always ask myself.

@SciInTheMaking Follow the money. No money in old proven ideas and text books from the 70s and no consulting contracts to educate the educators and the admins.

@slash_s1 It's interesting because when teachers demand higher pay, all of a sudden they are short on funds.

@SciInTheMaking Education is like fashion these days… Rather than figuring out what actually works people follow what looks ‘cool’. Get caught up in trendy ideas whether it works or not.

@pr_lindgren But at what cost? That's what bothers me.

@SciInTheMaking Because those don't work for a certain group of people. So now the entire world has to suffer.

@ramsetty123 It works for everyone because we all think and learn in similar ways.

@SciInTheMaking Given that you are a Science teacher and that inquiry-based learning is more profound in science classes than in other subjects, how are you teaching science now, and how do you address it in your school?

@AmmarMerhbi Thanks for asking that question because it comes up all the time! The reason why science instructors are taught inquiry-based learning is because that is how scientists do their investigations. If we want students to think like experts, then put them in similar situations.

@SciInTheMaking They chase every new educational trend bc each one brings new contracts and new cash. Greed rules public education . Proven techniques are simple and require a teacher who is a master of their content to deliver it. They require teacher and student to be so in love with life

@BrendaMDiaz4BOE I understand the issue with greed, but what confuses me is how districts continually claim to have tight budgets, yet still spend their limited funds on trendy educational programs that ultimately don’t deliver results.

@SciInTheMaking I have stood on this for years. AND we ignore good research when it goes against the narrative: kids need recess (for the brain break the physical activity, the sunlight, and the social learning), the arts make students better people, but what are two quick cuts when schools fail

@bandcoach71 I completely agree. I wonder what is the reason for cutting recess. It just doesn't make sense to me making kids under 10 years old just sit in class all day with no play. Adults have a hard time doing this.

@SciInTheMaking Same reason people spend years and a gazillion dollars looking for magical ways to lose weight or quit smoking. Because what works is HARD. And people hate working hard.

@SamMacD86958750 Oh that is an interesting take!