We are learning A LOT about post-pandemic learning loss and its impact on students' cognitive development. Recently, I had an engaging conversation with Nancy Weinstein, founder of Mindprint Learning, on the Tests and the Rest podcast. She shared valuable insights drawn from learning assessments of over 35,000 students.
Here’s a quick recap and key takeaways just for you.
🧠 Post-Pandemic Learning Loss Is Real
Nancy’s research confirms what many of us have sensed, especially from observations of our test prep students:
- Verbal memory has significantly declined—students are struggling to retain information the way they used to.
- Younger students were hit the hardest. They are the students we are working with NOW in high school.
- Students now need about 12 repetitions (up from 5–7) to fully learn and retain new content.
🎯 Other Cognitive Trends to Know
- Attention skills slightly improved post-pandemic—a surprising but welcome development.
- Complex reasoning skills remained stable.
- Flexible thinking declined across the board—including among teachers, impacting adaptability and classroom dynamics.
📉 Why Did Memory Decline So Much?
- Less reading and verbal interaction during lockdowns
- Fewer traditional memory practices like spelling tests and closed-book exams
- Ongoing visual stimulation (e.g., social media) may have preserved visual memory, but not verbal
💬 What You Can Do
As a parent, your guidance is key to helping students close these gaps. Here’s how you can help:
✅ Adjust expectations—many students are rebuilding foundational memory skills
✅ Emphasize study skills—especially for middle schoolers who missed them during remote learning
✅ Promote retrieval practice and spaced repetition
✅ Support teachers and students in building flexible thinking and adapting to feedback
See the research here.
🎙️ Missed the Tests And The Rest Podcast episode? No worries—you can listen to the recording here:
👉 Post-Pandemic Learning Loss
📌 Looking Ahead
We’ll continue tracking cognitive trends and sharing tools to support your work with students and teachers. In the meantime:
- Build in more repetition in instruction
- Integrate study skills into test prep and advisory programs
- Provide support for teachers’ cognitive adaptability, too—everyone is adjusting
🧩 What Is Mindprint Learning?
Mindprint is an online tool that identifies students’ learning strengths and needs through a 1-hour assessment based on nine puzzle-like tasks.
It measures:
- Complex Reasoning
- Memory
- Executive Functions
- Work Efficiency
Mindprint is designed for students in Grades 2 through college and offers actionable insights for educators and families. If you have questions or want to complete a Mindprint assessment for your student, let us know at info@leaprogram.com!
Best,
Amy Seeley
President/Owner
Seeley Test Pros/LEAP