Science of Learning

Initiatives
FO R RE S E ARCH E RS , FO R T E ACH E RS , WE E KL Y DIG E S T S
Our regular readers will know that we are passionate about the science of
learning, and over the past couple of years our blog and social media presence
have become a bit of a hub for teachers and other educators interested in the
science of learning. However, we are just a small dot in the big network of
researchers and practitioners working towards the goal of understanding learning
from a scientific perspective, and implementing that understanding in educational
practice. We try to feature resources and efforts from other individual researchers
and organizations frequently on our blog (see also our Other Resources page). In
this digest, we are highlighting 5 of the multitude of science of learning projects
that are out there. If you are reading this and know of others, please feel free to
leave a comment!
1) I’m a Scientist, Get Me Out of Here: The Science of Learning Zone

Image from linked source.

This project is funded by the Wellcome Trust, who have also been funding
our Podcast and Facebook Lives. In this interactive forum, anyone can "ask
neuroscientists and psychologists about cutting-edge research, with new topics
every fortnight".
2) The Science of Learning: an online course

In another project funded by the Wellcome Trust, from April 2018 teachers will
be able to take a free online course about the science of learning! Here's the
course description:

What is learning? How does it work? On this course you try and answer these
questions, exploring how you can use the science of learning to inform your
teaching and support your students’ learning.
Drawing upon educational neuroscience and psychology (and combating
neuroscience myths), you will learn how to interpret research to be better
informed about how your students learn. Throughout the course, you will reflect
on your own practice as a teacher, learning how to justify and improve your
approach.
3) TILE: Teaching Innovation & Learning Enhancement

Started by our collaborator Dr. Carolina Kuepper-Tetzel, this new network at the
University of Dundee aims to "start a conversation between different groups
interested in improving teaching and sharing best practice in education". In the
first instance, the initiative is bringing in a diverse set of speakers (scientists,
teachers, and others interested in education), with more projects to come soon.

Image from linked source

4) The Johns Hopkins Science of Learning Institute

This organization has just celebrated its 5th year with a book you can
download here. The institute conducts researchers, trains future leaders, and
connects science to practice. Example projects include investigating to what
extent the learning process is rational, how technology can help people acquire
technical skills, and the neuroscience of distraction.

5) Science of Learning and Art of Communication

This is a brand new initiative that was recently made possible by a National
Science Foundation grant. This 5-year project will combine science of learning
research with science communication, training graduate students to "clearly and
effectively share ideas without assuming prior knowledge or relying on technical
jargon". The scientists who put together the proposal have made it publicly
available to read on their page, which gives a fascinating insight into the amount
of work that goes into a research proposal.

Every Sunday, we pick a theme and provide a curated list of links. If you have a
theme suggestion, please don’t hesitate to contact us! Occasionally we publish a
guest digest, and If you'd like to propose a guest digest click here. Our 5 most
recent digests can be found here:

Weekly Digest #93: Exercise and Learning 2.0

Weekly Digest #94: Resources for Language Learners

Weekly Digest #95: Megacognition

Weekly Digest #96: Why Teachers Blog

Weekly Digest #97: Benefits and Pitfalls of Mindfulness Interventions in Schools

Exercise and Learning 2.0

WE E KL Y DIGE S T S , FO R T E ACH E RS , FO R S T UDE NT S , FO R
PA RE NT S
For Weekly Digest #31, we pulled together 5 resources on exercise and learning.
But, there are TONS of resources out there about exercise and learning. Plus, in
January we know a lot of people are thinking about good habits for 2018, and
many may have to do with studying and student learning as well as exercising
and staying healthy. So, for this week's digest, 5 more resources on exercising
and learning.. These resources aren't necessarily any better than the previous
resources, just different to add to the collection! In particular, the first few
resources in this digest discuss ADHD, exercise, and learning, in part because we
know so many out there are interested in ADHD.
1) ADHD and Exercise by Rae Jacobson, @inkysheets at Child Mind
Institute, @ChildMindDotOrg
Image from linked source

Physical activity can have positive impacts on children with ADHD in a few
different ways! Rae Jacobson discusses the research.
2) Think Better: Exercise by Karen Postal, PhD, ABPP-CN, @KarenPostal

Image from linked source

In this article, Dr. Postal discusses the ways in which exercise helps our brains.
3) Build Your Muscles, Build your Brain by John Ratey, MD, @jratey

In this article, Dr. Ratey, MD, discusses how physical activity can keep your
body and brain healthy.
Image from linked source

4) Can Physical Exercise Improve Cognitive Abilities? by Viatcheslav Wlassoff,

PhD on Brain Blogger, @BrainBlogger

What are the lasting findings of physical activity and cognitive ability? Read this
article to find out!
Image from linked source

5) To Boost Memory: Study, Wait, Then Exercise by Gretchen

Reynolds @GretchenReynold

In this article, Gretchen Reynolds discusses a study about exercise, studying, and
learning.
Image from linked source, illustration by Renaud Vigourt

Every Sunday, we pick a theme and provide a curated list of links. If you have a
theme suggestion, please don’t hesitate to contact us! Occasionally we publish a
guest digest, and If you'd like to propose a guest digest click here. Our 5 most
recent digests can be found here:

Weekly Digest #88: Psychological Misconceptions in Movies and TV Shows

Weekly Digest #89: Cognitive Load

Weekly Digest #90: Ways To Keep Kids Engaged With Learning During Winter
Break

Weekly Digest #91: Making Teaching Changes

Weekly Digest #92: Returning to School and Work after Break