The Bell Ringer

The Bell Ringer focuses on the science of learning, exploring effective teaching methods, the importance of foundational skills, and the role of parents and teachers in education. It addresses how understanding cognitive processes like working memory and math fundamentals can improve learning outcomes and discusses the need for evidence-based approaches in education.

Science of Learning Teaching Methods Foundational Skills Role of Parents Role of Teachers Cognitive Processes Math Education Evidence-Based Approaches Early Education

The hottest Substack posts of The Bell Ringer

And their main takeaways

Working memory: one of the most important things to understand about learning

519 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🚌 Education Learning Psychology Teaching Methods Cognitive Science Research
  1. Working memory is crucial for learning because it helps us hold and process information. Understanding how it works can improve teaching methods.
  2. Many teachers in the U.S. aren't trained on working memory, which limits their ability to support students effectively. Better training can help teachers use this knowledge in classrooms.
  3. Memorizing basic facts, like math facts, is important for building a strong foundation in learning. When students know these facts, they can focus on more complex problems.

Replay: What parents should know about the science of learning

339 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
🚌 Education Learning Science School
  1. Understanding how children learn can help parents support their education better. It's important to know what methods work best for different types of learners.
  2. Staying involved in your child's education can make a big difference. Regular communication with teachers and participation in school activities can help children succeed.
  3. Encouraging a growth mindset in children is key. Teach them that making mistakes is part of learning and that effort leads to improvement.

This week in the science of learning, August 18, 2024

139 implied HN points • 18 Aug 24
🚌 Education Learning Science AI Impact Math education
  1. There is a new online math platform that focuses on how kids feel about math rather than just their performance on tasks. Teachers have noticed that this approach makes kids want to participate and help each other more.
  2. A report warns that generative AI in schools may not be improving student outcomes. Some experts are concerned that it could automate thinking, which isn't what we want for student learning.
  3. Many high school students struggle with reading, and secondary teachers often lack the training to help them. There's a push to change this, but it's unclear if integrating reading lessons will take away from important content learning.

Bringing the science of learning to parent night

79 implied HN points • 23 Aug 24
🚌 Education Parenting Teaching Learning Literacy Child development
  1. Many teachers believe that parents are not involved enough in their children's education. They feel that more engagement from families could lead to better support for students.
  2. Parents want to learn how to help their kids succeed in school, especially through understanding learning science. This can strengthen the partnership between parents and teachers.
  3. Schools are starting to share effective learning strategies with parents, like metacognition and retrieval practices, which can help kids study better and improve their overall learning experience.

Keys to understanding: Video Q&A

179 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🚌 Education Teaching Methods Education & Policy Curriculum design
  1. Teaching methods can vary greatly, and it's important to recognize these differences to improve learning experiences.
  2. Understanding the reasons behind different teaching styles can help educators connect better with their students.
  3. By exploring teaching fundamentals, both teachers and students can enhance their interactions and overall educational outcomes.
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How to teach science

219 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🚌 Education Teaching Methods Curriculum Development Student Engagement Research Methods
  1. Learning science should be fun, but it's important to share the complete story behind science and math. This helps students understand its real value.
  2. Teachers should balance fun activities with serious discussions about scientific concepts. This approach encourages deeper understanding.
  3. Engaging students effectively means showing them how science relates to the real world. This makes learning more relevant and interesting for them.

Kids need 'more fluency in how politics operates around us'

59 implied HN points • 16 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political engagement Parenting
  1. Kids need to talk about politics at home, not just in school. Parents should help kids understand how the government works and why it's important.
  2. Civics education is often not prioritized in schools, making it harder for kids to engage with politics. This can lead to a lack of interest in participating in democracy.
  3. Parents should create a space for discussions about politics and current events. Even if they don't know everything, sharing conversations helps kids learn and care more about civic responsibilities.

Summer Reading

99 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
📚 Literature Books Reading Education Culture Personal
  1. Summer is a time when many people take breaks from work and enjoy vacations, especially in education. It's a chance to relax and step away from the usual busy schedule.
  2. Reading books during the summer can be a great way to unwind and enjoy downtime. It’s a good opportunity to explore different genres and authors.
  3. Having a stack of unread books can sometimes feel overwhelming but also exciting. It shows that there are many stories and ideas waiting to be discovered.

This week in the science of learning, August 11, 2024

59 implied HN points • 11 Aug 24
🚌 Education Teaching Methods Learning Science Educational Research Student Engagement
  1. Emily Hanford discusses the importance of effective reading strategies in schools. It's crucial for teachers to understand how children learn to read.
  2. Research shows that traditional methods may not be the best for teaching literacy. New approaches are needed to help all students succeed.
  3. The conversation around learning science highlights the need for continuous improvement in education. We should always look for better ways to teach and support learners.

Early math is not on parents' radar, but it should be

179 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🚌 Education Parental involvement Teaching Methods Learning Science
  1. Early math education is important but often overlooked by parents. Parents should pay more attention to how foundational math skills set the stage for future learning.
  2. Building a strong math foundation in early years can boost children's confidence. When kids understand basic math concepts, they are more likely to enjoy the subject later.
  3. Parents can engage their kids with simple math activities at home. Everyday experiences can be used to teach and reinforce basic math skills in a fun way.

Listen to “The Math Wars”

139 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🚌 Education Math education Teaching Methods Child development
  1. It's important to listen to research about learning methods. Many people have different views on how students learn best.
  2. The debate around teaching math shows how divided opinions can be. Understanding these differences can help improve education.
  3. Podcasts like 'The Disagreement' can be a fun way to explore complex topics. They encourage thinking about different sides of an issue.

This week in the science of learning, August 25, 2024

19 implied HN points • 25 Aug 24
🚌 Education Teaching Learning Pedagogy Research Curriculum
  1. Teaching reading is a mix of art and science. Teachers need to use research but also rely on their own experience to help students learn.
  2. Meaningful knowledge helps students connect what they learn to related ideas. This makes learning more useful and encourages deeper understanding.
  3. Building strong relationships between teachers and parents can help support students. Parents should talk to their kids about learning and current events to strengthen this connection.

Should teachers grade students’ homework?

99 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🚌 Education Teaching Methods Curriculum Development
  1. Teachers should consider if grading homework really helps students learn better. Sometimes, no grades can encourage kids to focus on understanding rather than just getting a good score.
  2. There is a debate among educators about whether homework should be graded or not. This discussion can impact how students feel about their work and their motivation.
  3. Finding the right balance in grading can make a big difference. Teachers might want to explore different methods to see what works best for their students.

Kindergarten math is crucial

139 implied HN points • 03 May 24
🚌 Education Math education Educational Research
  1. Learning math in kindergarten is really important for a child's development. It helps set a strong foundation for their future learning.
  2. Many classrooms may not focus enough on math at this age. More attention to early math skills can benefit children's overall education.
  3. Teaching flexibility with numbers, like how different combinations can make up a number, is essential. This approach encourages problem-solving and critical thinking from a young age.

Putting the "M" in STEM

239 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🚌 Education STEM Math Learning Curriculum Achievement
  1. Math is really important in STEM fields, but schools need to focus more on improving math skills. We need better math education to succeed in science and technology.
  2. Many people talk a lot about STEM, but they often overlook how crucial math is to it. If we want to see progress, math achievement needs to be a priority in education.
  3. To get students excited about STEM, we should encourage a strong foundation in math from an early age. This can help build confidence and interest in science and technology careers.

Can parents save math?

159 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🚌 Education STEM Parenting Learning Assessment Equity
  1. More math education can help get more students into STEM fields. Parents believe that improving math is a fair way to provide opportunities.
  2. A group of parents in California is advocating for better math programs in schools. They think this will help kids who want to succeed in science and technology.
  3. Investing in math education is seen as important for the future. Parents want to ensure all students have the chance to excel in these subjects.

Unlocked: Teaching math with John Mighton

79 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🚌 Education Teaching Learning Curriculum Assessment Pedagogy
  1. John Mighton emphasizes the importance of understanding math concepts rather than just memorizing formulas. This helps students develop deeper problem-solving skills.
  2. Focusing on problem-solving in math education encourages critical thinking and creativity in students.
  3. Teaching math should be about making connections and understanding rather than just practicing procedures. This approach can make learning more enjoyable.

Teaching math with John Mighton

99 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🚌 Education Teaching Learning Mathematics Pedagogy Curriculum
  1. Kids can get confused easily when we push them too hard with complex ideas. It's important to teach in a way that builds understanding step by step.
  2. Real learning happens when we focus on what students can grasp, not just on covering a lot of content. It's better to let them understand the basics well.
  3. Using evidence from research helps improve how we teach math. This can help solve the ongoing debates about the best ways to learn math.

The science of reading, a sense of urgency

119 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🚌 Education STEM Literacy
  1. Schools need to focus on what really helps students learn. It's important to prioritize the most effective methods for teaching reading.
  2. There is a pressing need to improve education practices based on solid research. Educators should act quickly to implement what works best.
  3. Understanding how reading works can lead to better teaching strategies. This knowledge can help create a better learning environment for all students.

This week in the science of learning, May 19, 2024

59 implied HN points • 19 May 24
🚌 Education Learning Science Research Curriculum Development Teaching Methods
  1. Schools need better data on how students read and what materials they are using. This helps to improve teaching methods.
  2. There's a strong interest in sharing stories and research about learning methods. People want to hear what works and what doesn't.
  3. The community is encouraged to provide feedback on topics of interest, which can lead to more personalized and engaging discussions.

Replay: Putting the "M" in STEM

59 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🚌 Education STEM Mathematics Learning Achievement Podcast
  1. Math is an important part of STEM education and needs more focus. It's often overlooked, but it is essential for understanding science and technology.
  2. Encouraging students in math can help close the achievement gap. When students feel supported in math, they tend to perform better overall.
  3. There are resources and strategies available to help improve math learning. Schools and educators can use various tools to make math more engaging for students.

This week in the science of learning

79 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
🚌 Education Learning Science Curriculum design Math education
  1. Oral language skills are important for learning. Good communication helps kids understand and connect with their lessons better.
  2. There is ongoing debate about teaching methods in math. Different approaches can lead to confusion, so finding what works best for students is key.
  3. Curriculum design plays a big role in how effectively students learn. The way material is presented can make a big difference in student engagement and understanding.

What parents should know about the science of learning

79 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🚌 Education Learning Science Educational Research Child development
  1. Look for clear agreements in education research; it helps to focus on studies where experts reach similar conclusions. This shows what really works, like how reading on paper can be better than on screens.
  2. Understand that studying is not just about memorizing; students need to connect what they learn over time. A good learning strategy connects years of knowledge to build a strong base.
  3. Be open to new findings in education. Science keeps changing and evolving, so what we know now might change later, but reading and learning remain essential no matter the format.

From the principal's desk, a slow burn

99 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🚌 Education Learning Science Teaching Methods Curriculum Development
  1. It's important for schools to adopt the science of learning to help students succeed. This means using research-based strategies that really work in classrooms.
  2. Getting everyone in the school on board takes time and effort. The principal emphasizes the value of patience in making these big changes happen.
  3. Collaboration among teachers, parents, and students is key for improving education. Working together can create a better learning environment for everyone.

This week in the science of learning, April 28, 2024

59 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24
🚌 Education Learning Theory Teaching Methods Student Engagement Curriculum Development
  1. New approaches to math can help students understand concepts better. It's important to make math engaging and relatable.
  2. More homework in college may help students grasp subjects thoroughly. This suggests that practice is key to learning effectively.
  3. Student journalism plays a crucial role in education. It encourages critical thinking and helps students express their viewpoints.

On [not] getting to Carnegie Hall

79 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
🚌 Education Learning Practice Psychology Sports Music
  1. Americans often celebrate practicing sports and music but view studying as stressful. This shows a difference in how we value different types of hard work.
  2. Practicing skills like singing or dancing can feel heroic and inspiring. But studying for tests can feel more like a chore, which isn't always motivating.
  3. People might find it easier to accept struggle in creative fields than in academics. This affects how students feel about putting in the effort to learn.

When students report the news

59 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
🚌 Education Civic engagement Media Literacy Youth Programs
  1. Student journalism has important academic benefits. It helps students learn critical thinking and writing skills.
  2. Engaging in journalism can boost civic awareness among young people. It encourages them to understand and participate in their communities.
  3. New networks are promoting student journalism and its positive impacts. These platforms aim to highlight the value of student voices in media.

Renovations to the ivory tower

59 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🚌 Education Teaching Learning Pedagogy Curriculum Research
  1. Understanding how people learn is crucial for effective teaching. Teachers need to know learning styles to help students better.
  2. There are new resources and issues focusing on how novices learn. This can guide both educators and parents in supporting students.
  3. The importance of evidence-based approaches in education is growing. Relying on research can improve teaching strategies and student outcomes.

Book review: Math-ish and Math Mind

3 HN points • 30 Aug 24
🚌 Education Curriculum Teaching Learning Mathematics Child development
  1. Kids may not be learning math deeply if they only focus on concepts without practicing basic skills. Just like music, understanding math requires more than just thinking about it—it needs practice and foundational knowledge.
  2. Two new books suggest that creativity and a positive mindset toward math can help kids learn effectively. However, it’s important to also teach the necessary skills and techniques for actually doing math.
  3. There's a concern that these books might promote a 'think system' approach to math education, which could overlook the important learning processes. Skills in math, as in music, come from practice and mastering the basics.

Sunday Listens: Talking math instruction

39 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
🚌 Education Math education Curriculum Development Podcasting Research Trends
  1. Podcasts can be a great way to learn about math instruction and research. They offer discussions that can inspire teachers and parents alike.
  2. Listening to experienced educators helps us understand new strategies in teaching math. This can improve how we approach learning in schools.
  3. The focus on elementary math is essential for building a strong foundation. Early math skills are important for students' future success.

Coming soon: The Novice Issue

39 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🚌 Education Learning Teaching Literacy Training Tutoring
  1. A new issue called 'The Novice Issue' is coming soon for subscribers. It's likely to focus on beginners in a certain topic.
  2. The author encourages readers to think about their own experiences of learning something new. This could help tutors connect with their students.
  3. Subscribers can try a 7-day free trial to access more content and support the publication. It's a good way to explore what the author offers.

In the beginning....

99 implied HN points • 09 Dec 20
🚌 Education Learning Teaching Curriculum Policy Innovation
  1. The author took time to rethink their publication on education topics, showing the importance of reflection before action.
  2. The new newsletter aims to cover important issues related to education and hopes to engage readers.
  3. Subscribers are encouraged to share the newsletter with friends if they find it valuable, highlighting the value of community support.