The Science of Learning Research Centre (SLRC) is a special research initiative of the Australian Research Council. Established in 2013, the SLRC has brought together Australia’s leading researchers in education, neuroscience and cognitive psychology from across the country, including The University of Queensland, The University of Melbourne and the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER).
Internationally, the SLRC has made significant contributions to our understanding of student learning while also making important progress to the implementation of research findings to practice. Nationally, there is a growing imperative for educators to engage with evidence and adopt evidence-informed best practice. Working in partnership with the Departments of Education and with the Catholic and Independent School sectors, the SLRC aims to develop an evidence-based narrative around learning. Part of the Centre’s mandate is to develop tools and strategies that promote learning in formal and informal settings as well as resources for educating students and teachers about how learning occurs.
A unique feature of the SLRC is its purposeful engagement with policymakers, education departments, schools and teachers in the sharing, implementation, development and refinement of research findings in authentic learning contexts. Understanding how to effectively and meaningfully translate research findings into practice is a priority for the SLRC and its partners. Our flagship program to support this translation is our SLRC Partner Schools Program.
SLRC Partner Schools Program
The SLRC Partner Schools Program is a collaborative professional learning opportunity for teachers, school leaders and researchers to engage in an ongoing partnership and inquiry about evidence-informed approaches to learning and teaching using a science of learning lens. Working directly with researchers from the SLRC and The University of Queensland (UQ), participating schools engage with relevant contemporary research on the science of learning as part of a year-long process of inquiry into a school-identified phenomenon. Individually or in small clusters, school teams develop capabilities in the science of learning, research design, implementation, evaluation and research communication. For more information and to submit an Expression of Interest please follow this link or contact Dr Stephanie MacMahon on s.macmahon1@uq.edu.au.
Meet the SLRC Translation Team.
Learning Well…Together
Remote Learning Resources
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent move to remote learning for schools across Australia, the SLRC has been developing a range of evidence-based resources to support this new way of learning and working. These resources – named ‘Learning Well…Together’ - are aimed at promoting effective learning in students of all ages, with strategies for students, teachers, school leaders, and families. In consultation with various education partners, the SLRC Translation Team identified a number of key areas for support, including Designing Remote Learning Experiences, Self-Regulation, Online Collaboration, Wellbeing, and Learning Strategies and Principles.