Brain-based learning

How We Learn: Transforming Curriculum and Classroom Practice

About the Course

This transformative course delves deep into the fascinating science of learning, uncovering the “how” behind “how we learn.” Drawing from the latest research and insights, it offers practical strategies to revolutionize your approach to curriculum design and classroom teaching. Whether you’re a senior leader or classroom teacher, this course provides the tools to boost impact, meet diverse learning needs, and align with current OFSTED thinking.

Based on John’s forthcoming book, this course bridges theory and practice, helping you translate cognitive science into actionable classroom strategies.

What You’ll Learn

• The Science of Learning

  • How the brain forms connections in long-term memory.
  • The role of working memory and its relationship to long-term memory.
  • The critical impact of retrieval practice, physical exercise, and sleep on learning.

• Factors That Affect Learning

  • Exploring environmental, emotional, and cognitive factors influencing student progress.
  • The importance of parental engagement in supporting learning at home.
  • The role of pastoral support in addressing barriers to learning.

• Cognitive Load Theory

  • Understanding cognitive overload and how to minimize it in the classroom.
  • Strategies for balancing active learning, scaffolding, and direct instruction.

• Knowledge vs. Skills

  • Exploring the difference between declarative and procedural memory systems.
  • How knowledge in long-term memory supports skill development and critical thinking.

• Advanced Learning Strategies

  • Spacing, spaced repetition, and interleaving for effective retention.
  • Building schemas to strengthen neural connections for specific topics or concepts.

• Behaviour, Habits, and Motivation

  • The role of dopamine in learning and creating a reward system.
  • How behaviour and habits support long-term success in learning.

• Effective Planning for Impact

  • Designing learning intentions, goals, competencies, and outcomes that resonate.
  • Aligning strategies with OFSTED’s focus on curriculum impact and implementation.

Key Features

• Interactive Learning: Explore concepts like cognitive load theory and retrieval practice through relatable classroom scenarios.
• Research-Based Insights: Access cutting-edge findings from neuroscience and cognitive science.
• Practical Strategies: Learn how to apply theory to curriculum planning, classroom instruction, and school improvement.
• Holistic Approach: Understand how external factors, parental engagement, and pastoral care contribute to successful learning outcomes.
• Relatable to OFSTED Inspections: Gain insight into how these principles align with current inspection criteria.

Why Attend?

This course is perfect for educators who want to:

• Deepen their understanding of how students learn.
• Strengthen curriculum design with evidence-based strategies.
• Boost classroom impact through neuroscience-informed teaching methods.
• Equip students with the tools to succeed by building a solid foundation of knowledge and skills.
• Address the broader factors that influence learning, ensuring every child can thrive.

Join us and reshape the way you think about teaching and learning!