Why Don't Students Like School?: A Cognitive Scientist Answers Questions About How the Mind Works and What It Means for the Classroom, 2nd Edition

In this book, cognitive psychologist Daniel Willingham gets to the bottom of many of the questions that teachers and parents may have about learning. For instance, Willingham explains why students can recall the plot of Star Wars with ease but have a hard time remembering European history. He also addresses age-old questions in education, such as how we can teach students meaningful skills and if we should use drill practice to do so. The book is an excellent resource for educators. The first notable aspect is the excellent organisation. Each chapter focuses on concrete questions, then presents the scientific background, and ends with recommendations for practice and a succinct summary. Second, the background and tips are well researched and present the scientific consensus. This is especially important given the number of highly questionable materials for schools with unsupported claims of scientific support. This book delivers the best advice for evidence-based practice. My only slight criticism is that I found the images a bit superfluous. There are images liberally scattered throughout the book. However, most of them are mostly decorative and do not add anything to the discussion. Perhaps, there is some deeper cognitive principle behind their inclusion that was lost on me. Anyway, this is a superb book that should be required reading for all educators from kindergarten to university.