Research

My research is dedicated to understanding and improving how people learn. We are engaged in a number of projects involving K-12 and University students that explore basic principles of learning and how these can be applied toward improving education.

Retrieval Practice

Retrieving information from memory is a common way to reveal what we know. Retrieval can also be a powerful way to enhance memory. We are investigating ways of using retrieval to learn a variety of things, from new vocabulary in a foreign language to complex concepts and skilled procedures.

"Pretrieval" Practice

While it is helpful to answer questions about content that has already been learned, answer questions before learning something can also be beneficial. We are currently exploring these "prequestions" and their potential to enhance learning of both simple and complex materials.

Metacognition

Successful learning depends on people being able to accurately judge what they know and do not know. This is not easy to do, and many things can easily mislead people's impressions of their own learning. We study the factors that lead to these "metacognitive illusions," how to overcome them, and how students can be successful regulators of their own learning.

Transfer of Learning

Knowledge must be used in a variety of new situations, sometimes unexpectedly. We are interested in how knowledge can be acquired and flexibly adapted to new situations, and the mechanisms that underlie and facilitate this transfer.

The Role of Errors in Learning

Errors and mistakes are an unavoidable part of the learning process. Instead of a hindrance to learning, however, these errors can play a powerful role in promoting successful learning. We are exploring questions such as how errors and misconceptions in prior knowledge can facilitate learning of new information on a variety of topics.

Distributed Practice

A common approach to studying is to "cram" as much information as possible into memory in a short amount of time. Much more effective for long-term learning is to study repeatedly over shorter sessions that are distributed, or "spaced" apart in time. We are engaged in studies that seek to apply this principle toward enhancing student learning in a number of educational situations.

The Role of Technology in Learning

The use of technology is ever increasing in education. How do we know what works and how to use it? We are interested in the effects of various types of educational technology on learning, how those technologies afford opportunities to engage effective learning principles, and how best to use technology for effective and efficient learning in educational settings.