Understanding Learning-Three Core Learning Principles handout

Pdf Summary

The document discusses three core learning principles grounded in educational psychology research that challenge common student misconceptions and improve meaningful learning.

1. <strong>Challenging Misconceptions Is Essential for Learning</strong>  
Students often hold strong, incorrect beliefs—for example, that only 10% of the brain is used or that Mozart increases intelligence. These misconceptions persist even after instruction because students fail to see the relevance of contradictory evidence and do not replace old ideas with new understanding. Learning gains are significantly higher when teaching explicitly refutes misconceptions and presents evidence for correct concepts, rather than merely presenting the right information.

2. <strong>Knowing What You Know and Don’t Know (Metacognition) Is Critical</strong>  
Many students overestimate their understanding and abilities, especially low-performing ones, which hinders their learning. High-performing students tend to be more aware of their knowledge gaps and adjust their study approaches accordingly. Improving students' metacognitive skills through instructor modeling, reflection activities, and formative assessments helps learners better recognize their actual competence and focus their efforts more effectively.

3. <strong>Active Learning Enhances Deep Understanding and Memory</strong>  
Traditional lecture-centered instruction emphasizes passive reception of content and "covering" material but often results in shallow learning and poor retention. Research shows that incorporating active learning—engaging students through discussions, problem-solving, and peer instruction—significantly improves conceptual understanding and thinking skills, transforming concrete thinkers into abstract thinkers. Memory and understanding are strengthened when students actively retrieve and apply knowledge rather than just passively receive it.

Overall, effective teaching must address prior student knowledge, promote metacognitive awareness, and engage students actively to foster genuine, durable learning beyond rote memorization.

Asset Subtitle

One-page essays illustrate each of the learning principles championed in the How People Learn book, along with reflection prompts.

Keywords

Educational Psychology

Student Misconceptions

Metacognition

Active Learning

Conceptual Understanding

Instructional Strategies

Learning Gains

Formative Assessment

Peer Instruction

Deep Learning