Ed Boosters™: Simple or Science-Driven?
Ed Boosters™ transforms learning by grounding every strategy in cognitive science. Learning aligned with the brain's processes improves understanding, retention, and outcomes.
Cognitive Science in Action
Microlearning: Breaking It Down
Ever tried to carry too many groceries at once and dropped everything? The brain feels the same way when it's bombarded with too much information at once. Microlearning is like packing knowledge into small, manageable bags that are easy to carry and remember.
The Brain Science
According to Cognitive Load Theory (Sweller, 1988), the brain works best when information is broken into smaller, digestible chunks. Studies by Hug (2006) show that microlearning improves both short-term and long-term memory retention by giving the brain time to process information before moving on to the next piece.
Boosters™ Brain Science in Action
Boosters™ books are designed to focus on one concept at a time. This step-by-step approach ensures students fully master each idea before moving on, reducing overwhelm and building confidence. Learning happens at a manageable pace-with results that stick.
Engaging Formats: Learning Made Active
Learning passively is like reading the rules of a game without ever playing it—you’ll understand the basics, but it’s hard to really get it. Active engagement is like jumping into the game; it’s where the real learning happens, turning concepts into skills that stick.
The Brain Science
Research shows that active learning leads to better outcomes. Bransford et al. (2000) found that active engagement improves both comprehension and memory. Prince (2004) further confirmed that students in interactive learning environments consistently outperform those in passive settings.
Boosters™ Brain Science in Action
Boosters™ lessons are packed with interactive elements like dynamic visuals, real-world applications, and thought-provoking questions. This approach keeps students actively involved, fostering deeper understanding and lasting retention.
Visual Impact: Seeing is Retaining
Think of visuals as a GPS for learning—they guide the brain to understand and remember information more efficiently. Pairing visuals with text doesn’t just explain concepts; it creates mental landmarks, making it easier to recall and apply what’s been learned.
The Brain Science
Research supports the power of visuals in learning. Dual-coding theory (Paivio, 1986) explains that combining verbal information with visuals creates two processing pathways in the brain, doubling retention efficiency. Mayer (2002) found that students using visuals alongside text perform up to 60% better on recall tasks compared to those relying on text alone.
Boosters™ Brain Science in Action
Boosters™ materials incorporate imagery, charts, and diagrams to simplify complex topics and create lasting visual associations. With minimal text and bite-sized chunks on each page, the content is designed for maximum processing and retention, helping students absorb and retain information with ease.
Color Psychology: Focus in Full Spectrum
Colors influence the brain in unique ways-just like a red-walled restaurant can boost energy and appetite, or a blue sky can create a sense of calm. In education, specific colors are more than just decoration; they’re tools that can stimulate focus, enhance memory, or promote a sense of clarity. By tapping into the psychology of color, learning becomes both engaging and effective.
The Brain Science
Research highlights the impact of color on memory and focus. Elliot and Maier (2014) discovered that specific colors stimulate attention and improve recall. Dzulkifli and Mustafar (2013) further demonstrated that using colors to emphasize critical information enhances categorization and retrieval.
Boosters™ Brain Science in Action
Boosters™ materials use strategic color-coding to highlight key concepts, making information visually organized and easier to recall. Each color is carefully chosen to enhance readability, engagement, and focus, ensuring that students get the most out of their study sessions.
Typography: Fonts That Challenge
Typography is like a workout for the brain. Just as lifting slightly heavier weights strengthens muscles, reading text in a slightly unconventional font gives the brain a mental workout, boosting focus and making the information more likely to stick.
The Brain Science
Research supports this phenomenon, known as the “disfluency effect.” Diemand-Yauman, Oppenheimer, and Vaughn (2011) found that using slightly harder-to-read fonts encourages deeper cognitive processing, leading to better focus and retention. Studies show that participants using challenging fonts consistently outperform those using standard fonts on memory tests.
Boosters™ Brain Science in Action
Boosters™ materials incorporate subtle variations in typography to engage attention and enhance learning. These carefully chosen fonts create just the right stimulation level, boosting focus and retention while avoiding frustration.
Mnemonics and Hints: Making It Stick
Mnemonics are like a map for the brain, guiding it to new information by connecting it to familiar landmarks. Hints, word associations, and creative plays on words transform abstract concepts into recognizable paths, making it easier to navigate and retrieve knowledge when it’s needed.
The Brain Science
Associative memory is a powerful tool for learning. Craik and Tulving (1975) showed that deeper levels of processing—such as forming associations—significantly improve recall. Bower (1970) found that participants using mnemonic devices outperformed those relying on rote memorization, retaining more information over time.
Boosters™ Brain Science in Action
Boosters™ materials integrate mnemonic devices, clever wordplay, and memory aids to connect new concepts with familiar ideas. By making information relatable and fun, this approach ensures that students can confidently recall and apply their knowledge.
"How does Boosters get into our brains?"
–Sima Gold, Far Rockaway
Grounded in Research, Built for Students
Ed Boosters™ combines cognitive science principles with real-world applications to create learning materials that teach the way your students learn.