Welcome to the Science of Learning!
It’s wonderful to have you with us!
This purpose of this newsletter is to share and discuss some of the latest research into the science of learning and its implications for instructional practice. Our aim is to provide a platform where teachers, teacher candidates, graduate students, and researchers can come together to exchange ideas, share experiences, and deepen their understanding of the science behind effective teaching and learning. We'll provide you with periodic updates on the latest breakthroughs in the learning sciences, including findings from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and educational research. We'll also offer practical tips and strategies for applying these insights to your own teaching.
This newsletter is an experiment for the two of us (Nidhi Sachdeva and Jim Hewitt). We’re hoping it will help people (including us!) stay up-to-date with educational research. We’ve been teaching together for the past couple of years in courses related to the science of learning, and we thought it would be fun to create a Substack that shares some of the latest studies with our former students, teacher candidates, in-service teachers and anyone else who is interested in learning about effective, evidence-based instructional practices.
Our posts to the Science of Learning will take a variety of forms. Sometimes we will list three or four studies, each accompanied by a paragraph that briefly summarizes the findings. On other occasions, we will discuss a single study in more depth.
Subscribing to the Science of Learning is free. Subscribers can expect to receive an email/post from us once or twice a month.
We hope you enjoy this newsletter and we look forward to your comments.
About us
Dr. Nidhi Sachdeva: Dr. Sachdeva is an educator interested in designing and integrating evidence-informed instructional practices. Recently, she has been researching this through the notion of microlearning and cognitive science. She developed a range of microlearning content using the science of learning as guidelines. You can find some of her work in the video series on How Learning Happens. She also developed the microlearning video series for peerScholar. She was recently featured on the Progressively Incorrect Podcast (S2 E24: Nidhi Sachdeva on Microlearning with Cognitive Science Principles). You can watch her keynote titled “Take the Load Off” delivered Spring 2023.
Dr. Jim Hewitt: Dr. Hewitt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto. His research focuses on the educational applications of computer-based technologies, with a particular emphasis on discursive processes in collaborative learning environments. Dr. Hewitt's publications include studies of thread development in asynchronous distance education courses, sociocultural supports for knowledge building in elementary science classrooms, and uses of multimedia and online technologies for teacher development.