The Science of Learning: How Students Learn and Why It Matters Virtual Institute

This virtual institute offers an in‑depth exploration of the science of learning and how its principles can be intentionally translated into powerful classroom practices. Join John and Kierstan as we examine the cognitive, motivational, and developmental foundations that shape how students take in information, make meaning, store knowledge, and transfer learning to new contexts.

Across the institute, you will engage with research on attention, working memory, long‑term retention, cognitive load, metacognition, and the conditions that support durable learning. Each principle will be paired with concrete instructional moves, classroom routines, and design principles that help us bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Through modeling, collaborative analysis, and guided application, we will practice redesigning lessons, tasks, and assessments to better align with how our students learn. We will also explore implementation strategies that support sustained change—such as habit formation, low‑lift experimentation, and evidence‑gathering from student work. By the end of the institute, we will leave with a practical, research‑aligned toolkit they can immediately apply to strengthen student learning.

Learning Intention

Today we are learning about the key principles from the science of learning so that we can apply those principles to design, deliver, and classroom practices that improve student learning.

Success Criteria

By the end of the institute:

1. I can explain and apply core principles of the science of learning.

2. I can translate research into actionable instructional strategies.

3. I can evaluate and refine classroom practices using evidence of student learning.