Harnessing curiosity to enhance learning and memory in higher education

Curiosity refers to our intrinsic desire to acquire new information and eliminate gaps in our understanding. Despite the importance of curiosity in learning and memory, as well as its putative role in scientific discovery and innovation, there has been very little focus on how we can use curiosity in university settings to improve educational outcomes and enhance long-term retention of information. In this review, we will provide an overview of curiosity research within psychology and cognitive neuroscience, focusing particularly on its key role in enhancing learning and memory. Incorporating these findings, and taking lessons from approaches applied in schools, we will provide some concrete suggestions for how educators may adapt teaching approaches to harness – and enhance – the curiosity of students at university.