Jennifer Instructional Designer

When we refer to heightened learner engagement, we are not just talking about increased click-traffic or user activity; we are referring to the crucial role that  memory  plays in the deep cognitive processing that occurs during learning. Without memory consolidation, engagement is superficial—real learning requires meaningful interactions that help information transition from short-term to long-term memory.  True engagement happens when learners actively encode, retrieve, and apply information in ways that strengthen memory and understanding. Without memory consolidation, engagement remains superficial—real learning requires meaningful interactions that support the transition from short-term to long-term memory. I had the pleasure of attending the 2025 International TESOL conference, where I attended a presentation on memory, which is vital to learning. Our presenters were from University of Central Florida, Aimee Schoonmaker, Phd and Luiza Marques Porto, MA. True meanin...

  What does meaningful learning mean? Meaningful learning  may be referred to in different ways, or mean something different for different circumstances, but in my reflection of the definition, meaningful learning is: Simply put: Meaningful learning is transformation ; and transformation requires memory . Meaningful learning is transformation , and this transformation can only occur when memory plays a crucial role in encoding, retaining, and applying knowledge in ways that reshape understanding and deepen cognitive growth. Memory is a crucial part of this process of transformation, where new knowledge reshapes our understanding, deepens our thinking, and enhances our ability to apply what we’ve learned in meaningful ways. For me as an educator, transformation occurs when learners can  actively connecting new information to prior knowledge in a way that promotes deep understanding, retention, and application . Unlike rote memorization, which focuses on surface-leve...

  Our brains are wired for social interaction, and when we don’t get it, we lose nerve connections and lose certain nerve connections in the brain. Before covid, this was more noticeable in older people who lived alone, cut off from families, or couldn’t drive. Researchers saw that social isolation quickened age related cognitive decline, and could be at risk for developing Alzheimer’s or dementia.  After Covid and the lockdown, we saw more evidence of these brain changes in younger people. For example, a foggy feeling like not being able to remember certain words or feeling tired even though you haven’t really done anything physically demanding.  Social isolation does this because our brains are made up of a network of nerves that connect to one another. The tighter the connection between the nerves, the better we are able to transmit signals. There are a number of reasons for loosening connections, like inflammation, disease, or social isolation. Social isolation affect...

  Don’t miss out on meaningful learning when using AI! By leveraging AI-driven scaffolding, educators can provide personalized and supportive learning experiences that maximize learning and support academic integrity. The Educator’s Dilemma: Educators face a challenging dilemma: we want our students to benefit from the full range of technology, including AI, but worry it might skew the accuracy of assessments or bypass genuine learning. It’s natural to be concerned that students might rely on AI in ways that undermine their authentic learning or diminish the value of their work. Our goal is to use technology to support learning, not bypass learning. What strategies can educators use with technology to deepen meaningful learning? By integrating technology into scaffolding, teachers can offer personalized support that maximizes student learning while maintaining academic integrity. Intentional lesson planning with these tools ensures that students benefit from advanced technology wit...

Learn Faster by Slowing Down! Improve Performance with Scaffolding When learning a new tactile skill, muscle memory requires time to learn, adapt, and store memory. Elite athletes like Simone Biles didn’t reach the Olympics overnight—it took years of disciplined training and incremental skill development, with every new gymnastic skill she practiced building on a previously mastered foundation. This progression highlights the significance of early scaffolding, where small, structured learning experiences accumulate into a broad mastery of complex skills. Without early-stage scaffolding, learners often struggle to develop the necessary foundation for long-term success. Learning tactile skills, for example, a musical instrument like the cello or violin, takes time to progress through the stages from beginner to proficiency. When learning a new tactile skill, like chess or soccer, muscle memory requires time to adapt and store information. The same principle applies to other skil...