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Why Learning Fails
It is a truth universally acknowledged that pupils do not learn all that they are taught. They may learn something, they may even learn a lot, but it may not be a lot of what we think we have taught them or they may struggle to apply knowledge successfully. In this book, bestselling author Alex Quigley characterises how the long and winding road of successful learning is paved with many failures along the way.
Presenting eight key reasons why learning fails, alongside concepts from cognitive science and research evidence explained concisely and accessibly, the chapters span issues of pupils’ limited memory, their patchwork prior knowledge, flawed planning, struggles with independent learning, motivation, limits of attention, and more. Each chapter explores real-life examples of key learning failures and what can be done about it, before ending with five steps to success, along with practical teaching strategies and tools that can be used to secure success in every classroom.
Packed with practical advice and examples for teachers across all phases at every stage of their teaching career, this book offers a vital guide to support pupils to overcome common barriers to learning and go on to flourish while challenging the societal stereotypes that see us shy away from failures.
Presenting eight key reasons why learning fails, alongside concepts from cognitive science and research evidence explained concisely and accessibly, the chapters span issues of pupils’ limited memory, their patchwork prior knowledge, flawed planning, struggles with independent learning, motivation, limits of attention, and more. Each chapter explores real-life examples of key learning failures and what can be done about it, before ending with five steps to success, along with practical teaching strategies and tools that can be used to secure success in every classroom.
Packed with practical advice and examples for teachers across all phases at every stage of their teaching career, this book offers a vital guide to support pupils to overcome common barriers to learning and go on to flourish while challenging the societal stereotypes that see us shy away from failures.
- GenresNonfictionEducation
150 pages, Paperback
Published May 8, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 8, 2024
Love Quigley's writing!
May 28, 2024
Does this book offer a lot of new insights? No. But its take is original and Quigley offers a lot from and for the field. Both students and teachers should accept failure is part of the learning process and Why Learning Fails focuses on eight general failures. Of course it also offers solutions and idea without being pedantic.
So, a good book if you haven't read a lot on what works in education and a good refresher for those who know most of the recent discoveries of the last ten years or so. In both cases not a waste of time.
So, a good book if you haven't read a lot on what works in education and a good refresher for those who know most of the recent discoveries of the last ten years or so. In both cases not a waste of time.
August 6, 2026
Easy to understand and well laid out to be a useful guide to teachers.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews