The science of learning
The science of learning is an interdisciplinary area of study that investigates the processes of human learning. It builds on a long history of research from developmental psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, and education, among other disciplines.
These fields have informed our accumulated knowledge of how the brain learns and the symbiotic relationship between brain development and the surrounding social, cultural and economic environment that shapes an individual’s potential for learning and life outcomes.
Advancements in this field provide valuable insights that can help transform education and improve learning outcomes by challenging traditional pedagogical approaches and experimenting with innovative teaching and learning methods.
Decades of established scientific knowledge about how people learn and develop has the potential to impact learning outcomes by improving the design of curricula, teaching methods, and learning environments, as well as shaping more effective education policies.
Bridging the gap between the science of learning and education
Curricula and pedagogies need to be grounded in the science of how children learn and develop to improve learning outcomes. By updating curricula to reflect scientific findings, education systems can better meet the unique needs of each learner. This fosters an environment where every child, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and at risk of learning difficulties, can develop a suite of foundational skills needed to succeed in school and life.
Contributions from leading thinkers showcasing how evidence-based strategies can be applied to enhance teaching, learning environments, and outcomes.
The Global Alliance on the Science of Learning for Education
To facilitate this translational work, the Global Alliance on the Science of Learning for Education acts as a dynamic international community of practice bridging the gap between scientists, policymakers and education practitioners. It aims to strengthen the feedback loop from scientific research production to evidence-based policy formulation, planning and implementation to enhance curriculum, pedagogy and teaching-learning processes.
What does the Global Alliance do?
- The Global Alliance speaks with a common and independent voice representing the scientific arm of UNESCO at high-level global political events.
- This platform aims to build a global knowledge ecosystem to accelerate the translation of scientific knowledge into applications for education policy and practice.
- As an international community of practice, the group shares knowledge, learns together, collaborates and builds skills, especially to support the development of professionals in Africa and other low- and middle-income countries.
- The Global Alliance is a laboratory of ideas exploring and raising awareness of future learning issues or crises that require the attention of policymakers and the international education community.
How to join the Global Alliance?
Membership is open to
- universities, research institutions, networks, think tanks, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, intergovernmental organizations, foundations, funders, associations, academic societies and publishers (Institutional Membership), and
- individual researchers, academics, and policymakers, who may be representatives of national governments (Individual Membership).
Members must meet the following criteria:
- Mandate of the institution is strongly linked to brokering, knowledge translation, or conducting scientific research on learning, pedagogy, teaching-learning processes, quality of education, or improving student learning outcomes.
- Individuals need to have a track record of relevant contributions to brokering, knowledge translation, or conducting scientific research on learning and other education-related activities linked to the scope of work of the Alliance.
