How might The Science of Learning transform educator preparation? Education Writers Association 69 th National Seminar May

2 Deans for Impact is a national nonprofit organization representing leaders in educator preparation who are committed to transforming educator preparation and elevating the teaching profession. The mission of Deans for Impact

3 Guiding principles in action Distill and organize research within a domain Pilot approaches to increase application of this research within a subnetwork of Deans for Impact Measure impact Communicate findings and develop resources Data-Informed Transparent and Accountable Empirically Tested Outcomes Focused

4 Why start with cognitive science? All educators, including new teachers, should know basic principles of cognitive science – the science of learning. Evidence suggests cognitive science is not well integrated into the programs that prepare educators. We think higher education is uniquely positioned to connect this scientific theory to its practical implications for teachers.

5 Deans for Impact is a national nonprofit organization representing leaders in educator preparation who are committed to transforming educator preparation and elevating the teaching profession. How well do you know cognitive science? Cognitive science indicates that frequent quizzing (“retrieval practice”) is an effective strategy to improve learning. Let’s test that hypothesis. Using the browser on your smartphone or computer, please go to and enter code

6 Six key questions in The Science of Learning How do students understand new ideas? How do students learn and retain new information? How do students solve problems? How does learning transfer to new situations in or outside of the classroom? What motivates students to learn? What are common misconceptions about how students thinks and learn? 3

7 Design principles Research organized around key questions

8 Design principles Based on the best scientific consensus

9 Design principles Useful for teachers and teacher- educators …and reporters?

10 Design principles Provides practical implications for teaching

11 Design principles Links to academic research

12 Over 60 individuals and organizational supporters Accessed more than 17,000 times Featured in EdWeek, Education Next, US News & World Report, Huffington Post, Edutopia Response to The Science of Learning Organizational Supporters

13 Design, implement, and iterate on interventions Measure impact of interventions Develop shared resources Build knowledge and document what it takes to drive change Our effort to implement The Science of Learning

14 Member deans and their faculty are experimenting with new program designs These efforts are institution- specific, but aimed toward common goal Deans for Impact catalyzes action across the network In-person meetings three times per year Emerging development of common assessments Participants

15 ECE Math and Science Methods sections selected for cognitive-science infusion Methods sections receive five mini-lessons reviewing cognitive-science content Goal Improve the understanding and application of cognitive science by teacher-candidates who will teach math and science Description Measures Knowledge pre/post-test and pre/post- attitude survey Lesson plans, reflections, and lesson observations

16 Our next step: Developing common assessments Declarative- knowledge assessment Level 1: Identify and understand principles Level 2: Analyze and evaluate in others’ practice Level 3: Apply in own practice Video case study analysis Lesson reflection protocol

17 Thank you Benjamin Riley, Executive Charis Anderson, Communications