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Andrew Watson

@andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social
2.1K followers 1K following 208 posts

I do professional development work with schools, focusing on the practical classroom application of cognitive science. I've written 3 books, edit the Learning and the Brain blog, and enjoy travel more than I should.

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Reposted by Andrew Watson
Rob McEntarffer @rmcenta.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
Proud to review two great books for the Learning & the Brain blog - J. Heal and R. Berlin's "Mental Models" and Zach Groshell's "Just Tell Them." Thanks for the opportunity, @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social ! www.learningandthebrain.com/blog/book-re... #edusky #teachlearnsky #cogscisci
learningandthebrain.com
Book Review: “Mental Models” and “Just Tell Them” – Education & Teacher Conferences
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Rob McEntarffer @rmcenta.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
I'm excited to present at the ResearchED conf.! I admire the heck out of this organization! Please share this w/teachers in the Denver area! It's gonna be a great day of conversations about teaching/ learning! lnkd.in/gCFpU6yH @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social #teachlearnsky #EDUsky #cogscisci
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Helen Reynolds @helenrey.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
A new summary! This time it's the incredibly useful The Goldilocks Map by @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social . A summary + one with a blank column for you to fill in! Again - please buy + read the book - it is an excellent roadmap for how to read the research. pdfs here: tinyurl.com/undzyyn
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Dr Haili Hughes @hugheshaili.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
What an amazing opportunity to learn from @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Hello friends! You're keen to spend a week this summer studying memory, attention, and learning? I've got just the workshop for you... We'll be in Boston this July for our 7th summer; I hope you'll join us. Reach out if you have any questions. Cheers
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
If you're interested in #Intrinsic_Motivation, I hope you'll join me at this amazing @researchED_US conference Saturday, March 29: researched.org.uk/event/resear... Honestly, I just feel lucky to be a part of this incredible team: I mean, check this out! drive.google.com/file/d/1gFy0...
researched.org.uk
researchED NYC | ResearchED
Keynote Speakers: Dr. Jim Heal & Meg Lee, Learning Science Partners Tom Bennett, founder – researchED Speakers: Patrice Bain & Amber Haven Dr. Heidi Beverine-Curry Andrew Bixler Faith Borkowsky & [......
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Alex Quigley @alexjquigley.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
A really useful & clearly argued case for more hard thinking in classrooms - along with convincing students such mental struggle is actually a good thing, by @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social www.learningandthebrain.com/blog/the-ben...
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Helen Reynolds @helenrey.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
It's becoming one of my top 'things I'd wish I'd known' Working memory ≠ short term memory Working memory = storage AND processing Inattention/distraction can be WM overload. Great book -complements @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social''s excellent Learning Begins. Lots of useful ideas for the classroom.
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Helen Reynolds @helenrey.bsky.social · 09/02/2025
Fantastic session with @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social yesterday about presenting at a conference. SO useful in the run up to researchED @tombennett71.bsky.social ... thank you! Every talk needs a blueprint, and LOADS of ideas about that. Brilliant. #cogscisci
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Barry Garelick @bg987.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
@rastokke.bsky.social @hollykorbey.bsky.social @benwilbrink.bsky.social @efratfurst.bsky.social @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
You want to improve your conference presentation skills? You've got time (but not much) to sign up for tomorrow's webinar. We'll talk about strategies & perspectives that provide both structure & freedom, so you can be wisely you. Please join us! www.eventbrite.com/e/so-youre-g...
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Christian Moore-Anderson @cmooreanderson.eurosky.social · 26/01/2025
An impartial review of the book "Difference Maker" from Learning & the Brain. Check it out⤵️ www.learningandthebrain.com/blog/differe... #EduSky #UKEd #SciTeachUK #iTeachBio #EduSci
learningandthebrain.com
Difference Maker: Enacting Systems Theory in Biology Teaching, by Christian Moore-Anderson |Education & Teacher Conferences
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 25/01/2025
Too often, I fear, adults blame students for the distractions we create. Cell phones, I'm looking at you. At the Learning and the Brain conference in San Fran (2/20-22), I'll argue we should rethink that blame. www.learningandthebrain.com//conference-...
A photo looking up at a group of students standing in a circle, their faces obscured by the phones they're holding
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Rod J. Naquin @rodjnaquin.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
If you're passionate about AI in education, leadership dialogue & teaching innovation, I'd love to connect! Whether you're a fellow educator, leader, or just curious about these intersections, let's find time to dialogue: calendar.app.google/Lm2faKFNpDvsnPP…
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
🚨 Save the Date 🚨 Feb 8 🚨 If you have ever wanted to speak at a teaching/learning conference, or Been accepted to speak, but didn't know how to create a talk, or Wanted to improve your presentation game, I've got practical and creative ideas: www.eventbrite.com/e/so-youre-g...
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
If you're interested in #attention and #WorkingMemory--and you're in Edmonton, Canada--I hope you'll join me at the AISCA conference on Feb 14: www.aisca.ab.ca/events/aisca... It was a GREAT group last year...and I'm looking forward to the conversation.
aisca.ab.ca
AISCA Teachers' Convention | AISCA
Registration done through Calgary Regional Consortium: https://crcpd.ab.ca/news/155
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Helen Reynolds @helenrey.bsky.social · 16/01/2025
A recent TeacherTappUS question prompted a 'debate' about teachers putting smartphones in lockers... wish I'd had this excellent blog to hand... but here it is. We should model it because it can be really difficult to model. @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social www.learningandthebrain.com/blog/a-smart...
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Sara Hjelm @sarahjelm.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
March 15 - check out the speakers and get your ticket pronto👇🏻 www.haninge.se/skola-och-fo...
haninge.se
researchED
Välkommen till researchED, den internationella skolkonfe­rensen som riktar sig till alla som är intresserade av skolutveckling och den senaste forskningen inom pedagogik. Konferensen lockar pedagoger,...
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Steve Chiger @stevechiger.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
Andrew is a superlative presenter, and I don’t say that lightly. I’m certain this will be well worth your time!
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Helen Reynolds @helenrey.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
I've signed up! Going to be super useful!
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
🚨 Save the Date 🚨 If you've ever wanted to speak at a conference, but * weren't sure how to create a talk, * lacked confidence in structuring & presenting, * had questions about a speaker's perspective Join me online on Feb 8. www.eventbrite.com/e/so-youre-g...
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Helen Reynolds @helenrey.bsky.social · 31/12/2024
Big discussion about finals at my school. Wish I'd had this to show people. The astonishment from my students that ALL exams are cumulative was, well, astonishing when I moved from UK to US Thanks @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social #cogscisci #iteachphysics www.learningandthebrain.com/blog/the-gre...
learningandthebrain.com
The Great Exam Debate: A Conversation with a Colleague |Education & Teacher Conferences
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Steve Chiger @stevechiger.bsky.social · 29/12/2024
I’m inspired a bit by @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social’s writing on attention in Learning Begins. To wit, we might tell a student to “pay attention” w/o really understanding the sub-processes that involves. (Stay with me — I will make the connection. 😅) 2/7
The cover of Andrew Watson's book Learning Begins.
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Dr. Sarah Oberle @sarahoberle.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
Any takers to join @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social and me for a read and discuss? Can’t manage a book club rn but articles I can do… (And I can send if paywalled) @mikehobbiss.bsky.social
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Meg Lee @megvertebrae.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
Please join us on Saturday, March 29 for researchED NYC! Tickets will go on sale soon, but now is the time to apply to speak! If you are an evidence-informed educator or researcher, apply by December 15: forms.gle/yZhKNDqNxfNu... I'm happy to answer questions about the event!
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Paul Cline @paulclinepsy.bsky.social · 06/12/2024
@andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social writes about important stuff in a clear, accessible and entertaining way. Here he is on why students don't like thinking hard, and what we might do about it: www.learningandthebrain.com/blog/the-ben... #edusky #CogSciSci
learningandthebrain.com
The Benefits (and Perils) of Thinking Hard |Education & Teacher Conferences
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Steve Chiger @stevechiger.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
Here’s a terrific duet of posts from @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social, who bravely wades into the constructivism debate and — per usual — remains thoughtful in his take. (Bias: I have the same ultimate conclusion that he does, though Andrew is surely more well read here.)
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
Debates about "sage on stage" vs "guide on side" pedagogy rage hotly in education. Can we clarify the muddle with *clearer definitions*? And: research focusing on those clearer definitions? I explain the definitions here: www.learningandthebrain.com/blog/constru... 1/2
learningandthebrain.com
Constructivism, or Constructivism? Part I |Education & Teacher Conferences
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Paul Cline @paulclinepsy.bsky.social · 29/11/2024
Well, this is exciting! @mikehobbiss.bsky.social and I are delighted to announce the forthcoming publication of our book - How to Teach Psychology: An evidence-informed approach Available for pre-order now! www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1915261953/
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Katy's Shit Cartoons @cartoons.katymontgomerie.com · 28/11/2024
Atoms are binary. They are either intended to be hydrogen or helium. We can't just scrap this worldview just because of a handful of exceptions
Pie chart:
74% hydrogen
25% helium
1% other (in tiny font)
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 25/11/2024
I learned SO MUCH at last week's Learning and the Brain conference in Boston. Professor George Bonanno's talk reframing #trauma was especially informative. And, I was happy to talk about #intrinsic motivation with so many curious, thoughtful, and supportive people. May the conversations continue!
A color drawing of two heads shaing thoughts -- represeted by gears mixing together
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 24/11/2024
In this post, Matias does a great job of summarizing several recent talks (including mine) at reserachED in Denver. Check it out! www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-res...
linkedin.com
My researchED Denver #rEDDenver highlights
I just participated in this marvelous conference as a speaker and learner (always) on November 9th. Here I share some key ideas I wrote down during the sessions I listen to: Dr.
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Steve Chiger @stevechiger.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
One of the best reviews an educator-author can get! @hibitus-habitus.bsky.social — check it out! And everyone else, learn more at gramandgran.com!
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Kate Jones @katejonesteach.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
I created this graphic for my students to discuss the importance of effective study strategies in addition to other factors such as pastoral support, attendance & effort. What else would you add? Sleep, exercise, nutrition, monitoring screen time, awareness of distractions ...
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Research shows that #retrievalpractice is straight-up awesome. This meta-analysis suggests ways to fine-tune our RP strategies. (E.g.: feedback helps but isn't necssary; "brain dumps" are probably not very effective.) www.learningandthebrain.com/blog/getting...
A serious looking student writes in her notebook, with a book and a laptop open on the desk in front of her.
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Last year I got to attend #researchED outside Stockholm -- what an amazing group of people! This year, I'll be presenting on #workingmemory, & on strategies to evaluate "research-based" teaching suggestions. I hope to see many of you there! researched.org.uk/event/resear...
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 13/11/2024
What's the best way to make #flashcards? Should students make their own? If I'm reading the research right, the answer is: "they should make them *with our specific guidance*." The details merit attention: www.learningandthebrain.com/blog/should-...
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Christian Moore-Anderson @cmooreanderson.eurosky.social · 10/11/2024
New feed alert!🪧 Tag your posts with #EruditePedagogy to join an open-minded scholary and exploratory discussion of teaching and learning. No dogmas, just living in the questions. Pin to your home if you're a pedagogy erudite! bsky.app/profile/cmoo...
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Adam Robbins @mrarobbins.bsky.social · 03/11/2024
10 days to go #edusky Still time to join a diverse group of middle leaders as we explore key aspects of the role.
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 02/11/2024
When we ask teachers to make changes because "the research says so," that's a BIG ASK. I think we're often right to offer research-based suggestions. But we should start with humility as we do so. More here: www.learningandthebrain.com/blog/the-dan...
A teacher literally pulling her has as the children throw papers in the classroom around her.
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 01/11/2024
You've heard about #intrinsic-motivation, and you have some questions? Join me for "Rethinking Intrinsic Motivation" at the Learning and the Brain conference in Boston: www.learningandthebrain.com//conference-... (Preview: "self-determination theory" is only the beginning...)
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 28/10/2024
If you're interested in Thinking and Learning (and working memory), I hope you'll join me at researchED in Denver next week. www.dmns.org/learn/teache... So many splendid speakers!
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 24/10/2024
Should students highlight as they read? I've found a meta-analysis suggesting that benefits depend on a) who is doing the highlighting, and b) the age of the student. Some practical suggestions included: www.learningandthebrain.com/blog/getting...
learningandthebrain.com
Getting the Details Just Right: Highlighting |Education & Teacher Conferences
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 22/10/2024
Does it ever make sense to ask my students a question if I'm SURE they don't know the answer? Oddly, this strategy -- used sparingly and correctly -- might be an excellent idea. Check out this article on "pre-questions" www.learningandthebrain.com/blog/getting...
learningandthebrain.com
Getting the Details Just Right: "Pre-questions" |Education & Teacher Conferences
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 06/10/2024
Everybody knows that "blue light before bed" interferes with sleep. The words "everybody knows" make me nervous. When I investigated, I found evidence on both sides of the claim... www.learningandthebrain.com/blog/the-rar...
learningandthebrain.com
The Rare Slam Dunk? Blue Light Before Bed |Education & Teacher Conferences
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 17/09/2024
You would like a school strategy that a) helps students who struggle b) costs no money and takes almost no time c) has been studied in many contexts (including England) and d) works? Try "values affirmation": www.learningandthebrain.com/blog/an-amaz... (Don't let the squishy name put you off.)
learningandthebrain.com
An Amazingly Simple Way to Help Struggling Students (with Potential Controversy) |Education & Teacher Conferences
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 16/09/2024
Cog-sci research can be FANTASTICALLY useful for teachers. But, research conclusions are not always "right" in our contexts. How do we balance openness with skepticism? Perhaps we can think of "research-informed guidance" like a weather forecast... www.learningandthebrain.com/blog/weather...
learningandthebrain.com
Weather Forecasting and Cognitive Science |Education & Teacher Conferences
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Andrew Watson @andrewwatsonttb.bsky.social · 13/09/2024
A recent study got A LOT of attention for showing that writing by hand fosters **memory and learning**. One small problem: the researchers DID NOT MEASURE how much participants remembered or learned. I am not making this up: www.learningandthebrain.com/blog/writing...
learningandthebrain.com
"Writing By Hand Fosters Neural Connections..." |Education & Teacher Conferences
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Mike Hobbiss @mikehobbiss.bsky.social · 05/09/2024
This looks great #rED24
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