Many schools set students in ability-based classes, despite a lack of evidence that these groupings cause an academic improvement. Students are taking smart drugs despite the risks and limited improvement on attention or memory. The Learning Zone is here to help you explore the science of learning and the evidence that backs up different strategies.
There are many factors that make learners different to each other, including intelligence, genetics, and developmental disorders. So how do we use the available evidence to ensure we are supporting each student in the best way we can? Read more in the Topic Summary and join the conversation this fortnight with other teachers and the following researchers:
- Chat with Lorna about typical and atypical development of language and literacy.
- Ask Camilla about cognitive skills and how individuals process numbers.
- Talk with Cortenay about how language ability affects other skills like emotion processing and social skills.
- Speak to Emma about the role genes play in behaviour and academic performance.
- Chat with Jacob about how basic brain processes might cause differences in decision making, particularly in numeracy and mathematics.
- Ask Kathryn about the effects of genetic and environmental influences on academic achievement, well-being, interests and future plans.
When are live chats?
Join the live chats about individual differences:
- Thursday 22nd March, 8:30-9:30pm
- Tuesday 27th March, 8:30-9:30pm.
Get the dates in your planner now, we’ll remind you before each chat.
Ask Questions any time
Use ASK to post questions to specific scientists at any time over the next fortnight. Feel free to ask about whatever you like, whenever you like. There are over 50 scientists available to answer your questions, see the list here.
In the News
‘I take ‘smart drugs’… despite risks’ (2 min video) – BBC News, 15th March
Get more from the Learning Zone
Researchers and other teachers will be interested in who is asking questions. Your profile page is how they find out. The more you put in, the more you’ll be able to get out of the Learning Zone. Edit your profile.
Your profile allows you to show your areas of interest so relevant researchers and other teachers can connect with you. You can include your Twitter handle if you wish to network this way. Your profile also includes a record of questions you’ve asked – great evidence for your professional development.
There are a few questions for our evaluation (these remain hidden from your profile) – your support filling these in helps improve the project.