The Science of Learning

at Work in Practice
David W. Andrews, Ph.D.
Learning Objective
Students will be able to:
Demonstrate the ability to incorporate
the science of learning into their
emerging instructional practices in
higher education.
Teacher as Scientific Learner
Structure Inquiry

To discover individual
differences

To determine evidence-based
strategies

To test innovation

To match instruction with
learning profiles
Learner Profiles
Observe

Question

Document

Share and Reflect with Student
Effective Practice
Find evidence-based approaches
Trust
Implement with Fidelity
Verify

Innovate
Assess frequently
Modify quickly
Be prepared to abandon

Matching Profiles to Practice
Offer choices

Track outcomes by profile and
practice

Reflect with students on outcomes
related to profile and choice

Example
Profile
Group writing
work (cooperative
learning) is
supported by the
literature, but
some students
appear to perform
better individually.
Choice
Instructor decides
writing
assignments can
be completed
alone or in small
groups. Students
must have at least
one independent
writing project.
Tracking
Instructor tracks,
compares, and
documents,
performance on
group and
individual
assignments.
Feedback Loop
Instructor analyses
work and provides
individual and
group feedback.
Drops required
individual
assignment.