In our latest ’Voices from the Classroom’ video, Nikki Sullivan, Deputy Headteacher at Beckfoot School, explains how they implement cognitive science practices like retrieval practice in their school.
She describes the importance of exploring evidence thoroughly and how they utilise teaching and learning teams to help build solid understanding, then clarify core components and practices ahead of planning wider professional development.
“So, by building up the layers of detail, from reading and research to principles and their purposes, to classroom practises shaped through that subject lens, we are more likely to ensure that the approaches we take have the impact we desire.”
Nikki also outlines the ways that they have planned opportunities for sharing best practice among their staff, allowing colleagues to explore how practices can be adapted intelligently to suit the requirements of different subjects while supporting students to build and consolidate their knowledge.
We hope this latest video supports colleagues to reflect their own professional development systems and the important role that understanding core principles plays in the implementation of cognitive science practices.
If you want to explore these ideas further, you can read this previous blog: EEF blog: Putting cognitive science principles into practice | EEF (educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk)
- For more information about retrieval practice, see pages 21 – 23 of the EEF’s Cognitive Science Evidence Review
- For more information about professional development, see our Effective Professional Development Guidance Report