Grasp by Sanjay Sarma : The Science Transforming How We Learn 2023 Paperback NEW

Sanjay Sarma, the head of Open Learning at MIT, has the challenging task of making the MIT experience accessible to a wider audience. To do so, he must understand how learning works and what conditions are most conducive to effective learning. He questions the traditional classroom methods of lecture, homework, test, and repeat, and explores alternative techniques that could potentially revolutionize education. In his book, "Grasp," Sarma delves into various frontiers of learning, ranging from fundamental neuroscience to cognitive psychology and beyond. One particular area of interest is the role of forgetting. Rather than viewing forgetting as a mere failure of memory, scientists are discovering that it serves as a critical weapon in our learning arsenal. Forgetting helps us filter out irrelevant information and focus on what truly matters. By understanding this process, educators can develop better strategies to enhance learning. Neuroimaging has also provided new insights into how reading works in the brain. Researchers are now able to identify children who may benefit from specialized dyslexia interventions even before they learn to read. This early detection allows for targeted interventions that can significantly improve a child's reading abilities. Another innovative strategy that Sarma highlights is the concept of flipped classrooms. In traditional classrooms, students listen to lectures in class and complete homework at home. Flipped classrooms reverse this approach, where students watch recorded lectures at home and engage in interactive activities, such as discussion and problem-solving, in class. This model allows for more active engagement during class time and has shown promising results in improving student learning outcomes. Throughout the book, Sarma challenges long-held beliefs in education, such as the notion of "learning styles." Despite popular belief, research has consistently shown that tailoring instruction to a student's preferred learni