Publication
Insights from the science of learning for education: Leveraging scientific knowledge for innovations in teaching and learning
Bridging the gap between science and education can accelerate SDG 4 progress
Today’s education systems are no longer fit for purpose. Rapid changes, and the resulting expectations of learning are calling for education to transform. To truly transform education, we must rethink how education systems can better prepare students for both effective acquisition of foundational, transferrable skills, and lifelong learning.
Scientific insights into how humans learn hold immense potential to drive innovations in education – both to challenge conventional thinking and to test new ideas on the ground regarding teaching and learning practices. Applying this knowledge to improve education policies and learning outcomes, however, remains a challenge, requiring effective translation from research to action.
This curated collection of research-policy briefs shares insights and narratives on the science of learning, showcasing how this knowledge can be applied to improve learning. Through these perspectives, it emphasises that closer collaboration between scientists, researchers, policymakers and educators is required to leverage the potential of the science of learning to transform education and offers a way forward.
This publication captures the outcomes of a UNESCO-hosted expert meeting held in Paris in 2023 to address the global learning crisis. It highlights the untapped potential of the science of learning—a multidisciplinary field exploring how humans learn—to advance progress on Sustainable Development Goal 4.
Featuring invited contributions from leading thinkers, this publication showcases how evidence-based strategies can be applied to enhance teaching, learning environments, and outcomes. The collection of articles emphasizes the need for systemic collaboration among scientists, educators, and policymakers to overcome barriers in integrating scientific research into educational policies and practices. It also marks the launch of the Global Alliance on the Science of Learning for Education, a platform dedicated to fostering partnerships for transforming education worldwide.
