Blog Post on Self-Reference Effect
Organization of Self-Knowledge
Author: Melanie Tannenbaum
Blog: PsySociety
Title: “Algebra is necessary, but what about how it’s taught?”
Link: http://psysociety.wordpress.com/2012/07/29/algebra-is-necessary/
Main Theory/Topic: Self-Reference Effect
Description:
 Response to an Op-Ed piece in the New York Times, in which Andrew Hacker
suggested that schools should alter the typical math curriculum because students
find subjects like algebra, calculus, and geometry to be too difficult.
 Uses research on the self-reference effect to suggest ways in which esoteric math
concepts could be taught in ways that are easier for students to grasp.
 Suggests that it might not be necessary to fundamentally alter the content of math
courses; rather, psychological research (like the self-reference effect) could be
used to make these concepts more relatable.
Talking Points:
 What do you think about the use of the “self-reference effect” to make difficult
concepts easier to grasp?
 The author suggests creating mnemonic devices using the names of friends and
family members as a way to use the self-reference effect to students’ advantages
when learning difficult subject matter. Can you think of any other ways to use the
self-reference effect in a classroom?
 Do you believe that this would help students learn material better? Why or why
not?
 Can you apply any of the other concepts that you have learned about in this
chapter to this situation? Are there any other effects (other than the ones discussed
by the blog author) that could be used to help instructors teach certain hard-tograsp concepts more effectively?