In this episode, I focus on curriculum as a variable for student success with education writer and author Natalie Wexler. She discusses the importance of using a knowledge-based curriculum in schools and explains how cognitive science plays a vital role in how we teach it. Studies identifying comprehensive, content-rich curriculum as a critical factor in student academic success was the common feature of academically high-performing countries as measured by the PISA. This podcast discuss what content-rich, knowledge-based curriculum is available to our schools now.
So here is the call to action: Use a content-rich, knowledge-based curriculum to give students the best chance at learning to read and to ultimately have a better future.
You can find out more by going to https://nataliewexler.com. Natalie gives information about her books The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System--and How to Fix It (2019), and The Writing Revolution: Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades (2017). Sign up for her newsletter Minding the Gap to stay up to date with education and cognitive science!
To find more on knowledge-based curriculums: https://knowledgematterscampaign.org/.
Free content-specific curriculum: https://www.coreknowledge.org/free-resource/core-knowledge-sequence/.
Effective learning strategies from Learning Scientists:
-https://www.learningscientists.org/downloadable-materials to learn about the 6 strategies for effective learning
-and, Encouraging Effective Learning Strategies: Tips for Parents (https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2017/9/30-1?rq=strategies)
