Putting cognitive science into practice

 Event 

'Cognitive load' in primary science: a critical look at putting science into practice

About this webinar

In recent years ‘cognitive science’ has dominated education policy in England, shaping the early career framework, much professional development, and Ofsted inspections.

How can we make use of new insights from scientific views of learning while valuing teacher professional knowledge and other educational research?

Taking ‘cognitive load theory’ as an example, this webinar explores critical perspectives on cognitive science and considers what it means for practice, using the context of primary science classrooms to bring it to life. 

Webinar aims

• Space to reflect on how we use cognitive science in classroom practice.
• Explore what ‘cognitive load theory is’ and what it isn’t.
• Give examples of how cognitive science can be interpreted in practice.

Key takeaways

• Understanding of different perspectives on the value of cognitive science for classroom practice.
• Practical examples of managing ‘cognitive load’ in the classroom.

About the speaker

Kendra McMahon was a primary teacher and deputy head teacher before moving to Bath Spa University to become a lecturer and researcher.

Her particular area of expertise is science in the primary school, with a focus on classroom talk and formative assessment.

Most recently, she has been considering how we should respond to the international growth of educational neuroscience and English policy interpretations of cognitive science. 

About this series

BSUEd Insights is a monthly CPD series for education practitioners on a range of topics.