The author explores the three worlds that shape a student’s learning—the public world of the teacher, the highly influential world of peers, and the student’s own private world and experiences. Based on these influences, six recommendations for teaching and learning include:
1. Design learning activities with students’ memories in mind
2. Engage students in activities that enable them to revisit concepts
3. Monitor individual students’ evolving understanding of concepts
4. Focus on “big questions”
5. Capitalize on the peer culture to foster learning
6. Over time, encourage students to manage their own learning activities
Reviewed by Carol Campbell, PhD
Vice President for Education
Southwestern Union Conference
Author: Carl Newport
Author: Lynn Sharratt
