Keystone Today

Teacher Tapp has revealed that nearly 73% of educators reported altering their classroom practices in the past year after engaging with pedagogical ideas. This data was collected through a survey for a blog published on January 3, 2025.

According to the survey, cognitive load theory and working memory management emerged as the most influential concepts, cited by 55% of respondents. This indicates a growing emphasis on research-backed strategies aimed at reducing mental overload for students. Other significant influences included growth mindset (45%), retrieval practice or low-stakes testing (40%), and metacognition (38%). Techniques such as interleaving or spacing (32%) and dual coding (16%) were also noted, while only 3% reported making changes based on the VAK (visual-auditory-kinesthetic) learning styles model.

Structural Learning reports that Cognitive Load Theory explains that working memory is limited, so effective teaching should reduce extraneous load and enhance germane load to support learning. Techniques like chunking, dual coding, and step-by-step instruction help students process complex information without being overloaded. Tools such as graphic organizers and the Universal Thinking Framework apply these principles in practice, enabling clearer thinking, better retention, and stronger schema development in the classroom.

As per the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, there is a pressing need for thousands of new teachers, principals, and other critical school staff by August 2025 to support a growing and increasingly diverse student population. Educators are vital not only to student success but also to the state's economic strength and civic health.

According to Teacher Tapp's website, founded in 2017 by former teachers Becky Allen and Laura McInerney, Teacher Tapp is a daily survey app that captures insights from more than 10,000 educators. Elevating teachers' perspectives helps shape media coverage, inform government decisions, and guide education policy.