Towards an Evidence-Based Pedagogic Literacy: The Core Principles of Learning

Abstract

This chapter provides a comprehensive synthesis of the extensive research relating to human learning and its practical implications for designing and facilitating learning events that have high predictive capability for enhancing students’ learning and well-being. It documents the key research areas that have led to a greater understanding of what teaching methods and strategies work best and why, as well as the underlying cognitive scientific principles that facilitate effective and efficient learning. Such understandings constitute an evidence-based pedagogic framework—the essential knowledge bases underpinning teaching expertise—what I refer to as Pedagogic Literacy. This forms the basis for a professional development approach that is grounded in what we know about human learning and, based on this, can be translated into high impact instructional strategies.