The Science of Learning Revolution: Reflecting on Australian Classrooms

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Australian classrooms and education have been shaped by untested theories and ideological fashions for far too long. Thankfully, a growing body of robust evidence from cognitive science is challenging outdated approaches and reshaping how we understand effective teaching and learning. This ‘science of learning’ revolution is gaining ground in classrooms, initial teacher education, and policy circles — offering a path forward to lift student outcomes. As momentum builds for more explicit instruction, knowledge-rich curricula, and better teacher training, this discussion will explore what’s needed to embed the science of learning into the mainstream of Australian education.

In this breakfast discussion, we’ll be joined by Dr. Carl Hendrick, British educator and co-author of How Learning Happens, and Dr. Simon Breakspear, a leading Australian education researcher and policy advisor. Together, they’ll examine how schools and systems can translate research into practice, what obstacles remain, and why the science of learning is essential for building an education system that truly serves all students.

Dr. Carl Hendrick is Professor of Evidence-Informed Learning and Teaching at Academica University in Amsterdam and co-author of How Teaching Happens and How Learning Happens. A former English teacher, he writes widely on bridging research and classroom practice.

Dr. Simon Breakspear is an education researcher, advisor, and speaker on educational leadership, policy, and change. He is the founder of Strategic Schools and co-author of Teaching Sprints: How Overloaded Educators Can Keep Getting Better, a practical guide to evidence-informed professional learning.

Glenn Fahey is Director of Education at the Centre for Independent Studies. He is the author of several CIS publications, including: Starting off on the wrong foot: How to improve Initial Teacher Education in Australia and Failing to teach the teacher: An analysis of mathematics Initial Teacher Education.