Abstract Despite decades of educational research, evidence-based practices remain marginalised in teacher training, curriculum design, & classroom implementation. Instead, unproven fads continue to dominate. This article argues that education’s failure to mature into a profession grounded in empirical research (unlike medicine, accounting, or engineering) is the root cause. We examine ideological resistance, weak research standards,… Continue reading Why education experts resist evidence-based practices & embrace fads: A call for professional maturity
Category: Science of Learning
Declarative vs. procedural memory in language learning: What every learner & teacher should know
Introduction Why do so many people spend years studying a language; memorising verb tables, drilling grammar rules, passing exams; yet still struggle to speak fluently? The answer lies in how the human brain learns. Language learning isn’t just about knowledge, it’s about memory & not just any memory, but the right kind. Most traditional language… Continue reading Declarative vs. procedural memory in language learning: What every learner & teacher should know
Position paper: Issues & principles for AI in learning research
This article is a summary of a scientific position paper (Bauer et al., 2025) that highlights weaknesses in recent studies & outlines principles for conducting research that focuses on real learning outcomes. While enthusiasm around these technologies is understandable, much of the current discourse is shaped by hype rather than science. It aims to help… Continue reading Position paper: Issues & principles for AI in learning research
We need to talk about vocabulary instruction
“You shall know a word by the company it keeps.” – J.R. Firth (1957) Introduction J.R. Firth emphasised the importance of context in understanding vocabulary & that words are best learned in meaningful contexts rather than in isolation. Words tend to appear in predictable phrases with other words, e.g. “strong coffee” rather than “powerful coffee,”… Continue reading We need to talk about vocabulary instruction
Transfer appropriate processing in language learning: A fundamental principle
Introduction Effective language learning means engaging in meaningful tasks that develop the knowledge, skills, & attitudes that are necessary for real-world communication. Transfer appropriate processing (TAP) is a fundamental principle in instructional design that ensures learning activities develop the competencies students need to participate in their target discourse communities. By aligning educational experiences with real-life… Continue reading Transfer appropriate processing in language learning: A fundamental principle
How multitasking inhibits learning
In today’s tech, social media, & smartphone dominated world, multitasking is often believed to make us more productive. However, research suggests that this modern-day “skill” may be more harmful than helpful, particularly when it comes to learning. From impaired focus to decreased memory retention, the effects of multitasking can undermine our ability to process &… Continue reading How multitasking inhibits learning