Join the School of Education’s Spring Forum as educators, teacher candidates and counselors explore why “Learning Is a Superpower,” presented by cognitive psychologist Dr. Althea Kaminske.
In the age of generative AI, when computer programs can be used to generate papers, create images, and even produce podcasts, our assumptions about how learning works are being tested. Learning the old-fashioned way can seem cumbersome and out of date. Why take notes when the computer can do it for you? Why invest the time to learn a new skill if the computer can do it for you? Why take a chance at being wrong if you're sure the computer is right?
In this talk,
Althea N. Kaminske, Ph.D., an award-winning educator, author, and science communicator, will explore some of the basic principles of learning and memory, such as retrieval practice, spaced repetition, and metacognitive awareness. She will discuss how these processes matter more than their end results. Dr. Kaminske will illustrate that it is through these processes, through our superpower of learning, that we are transformed from who we are to who we want to be.
Join in virtually or on campus. We hope to see you either day!
Please register by April 8, 2026.
On campus
4:30 - 6 p.m. Thursday, April 16
Swan 209
Online via Zoom
4:30 - 6 p.m. Friday, April 17
Dr. Kaminske's Bio:
Althea N. Kaminske, Ph.D., (she/her) is the Senior Director of Student Academic Support and Achievement at IU School of Medicine. As senior director of student academic support and achievement, Dr. Kaminske develops and oversees effective evidence-based practices in student support programs. Dr. Kaminske is a cognitive psychologist interested in the application of human memory research to educational settings. She completed her PhD and MS from Purdue University, West Lafayette and she completed her BA and BS at Indiana University, Bloomington.
Dr. Kaminske is an award-winning educator, author, and science communicator. She is passionate about making the science of learning accessible for students, educators, parents, and life-long learners. Outside of IU School of Medicine, Dr. Kaminske helps run The Learning Scientists, an international group of cognitive psychologists who engage in science communication about the science of learning. They provide free resources for students, teachers, and parents on empirically-based learning strategies.
Before joining IU School of Medicine, Dr. Kaminske was the Chair of the Psychology Department, Director of the Behavioral Neuroscience Program, and Co-director for the Center for Attention, Learning, and Memory at St. Bonaventure University.