Dan Willingham

Dan Willingham is Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia, where he has taught since 1992. His career demonstrates a significant research evolution from basic cognitive neuroscience to applied educational psychology.

Dr. Willingham's primary research interests include:

• Cognitive Psychology foundations
• K-16 Education applications
• Learning and Memory mechanisms
• Brain basis of educational processes
• Evidence-based teaching practices
• Translation of laboratory research to classroom settings

Initially focusing on the brain basis of learning and memory until approximately 2000, his research shifted entirely to applying cognitive psychology principles to educational contexts. He excels at making complex cognitive science accessible to educators and parents, bridging the gap between laboratory research and classroom practice. His work challenges educational fads with evidence-based approaches, emphasizing how students actually learn and retain information.

Dr. Willingham has authored several influential publications including Why Don't Students Like School?, When Can You Trust the Experts?, and Raising Kids Who Read. He writes the 'Ask the Cognitive Scientist' column for American Educator magazine, with his educational writings translated into thirteen languages worldwide.

His notable contributions include:

• Explaining effective teaching methods through cognitive principles
• Helping educators evaluate educational claims scientifically
• Translating cognitive research into practical classroom strategies
• Addressing the challenges of applying basic science to educational settings