Drawing on neurobiological evidence about how learning works, we know that engaging different parts of the brain and providing brain breaks enhances learning and supports better retention. The more parts we engage, the better. By parts, I mean areas of the brain, like those that relate to hearing or...

The research is undeniable. Students cram for exams. One reason is that, for many of them, it worked in undergraduate studies. But we all know that, given master's-level education and our PA curriculum cramming, it can be problematic. 

First, let's unpack what is meant by "cramming." This term refe...

Have you ever spent hours writing comments on students' submitted work, like a SOAP note, and then, when they hand in the next one, it still has all the same mistakes you commented on the last time? You're not alone. So, I'm here to confirm what you already know. Students tend to ignore feedback. Wh...

As someone who taught students to search the literature effectively and assess the validity and credibility of sources, I appreciated finding this simple tool that can help our students consistently and critically assess resources. 

I frequently taught the course in which we helped students learn h...

In the first part of this two-article series (Click Here), I presented the findings of a study conducted at Harvard College on grading, an issue near and dear to all of us. In that first article, I presented some of their findings, which also resonate across higher education, including PA education....

In October of 2025, Harvard College (Claybaugh, 2025) released a report that sparked significant discussion in higher education about grading. Although the report reflects the findings from the faculty and student body at Harvard, what is happening there is likely happening in many other institution...

I’m sure you have had this experience. After the test scores are released, one or more students show up at your office and say, “I felt really confident going into this test. I know the material, but my grade doesn’t show it.” 

Research has shown that students often believe they have learned the ma...

In previous articles, I shared how the first and last five minutes of class shape learning and retention (primacy and recency effect). In this edition, we’ll zoom out further and look at how we end an entire course. The end of a semester often arrives with stress, fatigue, and a shared sense of “let...

Recently, the NCCPA released its 2024 statistics report. Every few years, I like to present a summary of some of that data because, as educators, I believe it’s important that we have our finger on the pulse of what is happening in our profession at the national level. 

All of the information prese...

In a previous post, we discussed the importance of learning students' names. In this one, I will continue that thought and expand on it in relation to enhancing student success through respect and care. 

For a moment, think about a teacher you had that you really liked. One that affected, impacted,...