Cognitive Neuroscience in the Classroom with Dr Louise Allen Walker

We're starting to hear more and more about cognitive science when discussing research-informed approaches to teaching. It can seem an intimidating field, and can also come across as quite 'black and white' - especially when co-opted as an argument-winner in some of the less friendly contributions to edu-Twitter!

So we thought it was high time to sit down for a discussion with someone who can throw some light on cognitive neuroscience - and just a few doors down the corridor we have Dr Louise Allen-Walker, Programme Director for the MSc Psychology in Education programme! Of course, we haven't seen Louise in person for quite some time, so we posted her some kit to allow us to hook up remotely, and got down to a deep discussion.

Along the way, we define cognitive neuroscience, get some honest answers about what it can and can't tell us, as well as showing which of the current big themes of teaching and learning have their roots in Louise's field of specialism. There are plenty of useful, practical strategies for us to follow as teachers based around growth mindset and how and what to praise.

Of course, we couldn't talk about cognitive neuroscience without inviting Louise to bust a few persistent neuromyths, and hopefully we can play a small part in putting some of these highly resilient, and occasionally quite damaging, tall tales to bed once and for all. And towards the end we even get a cameo appearance from Lousie's local Neuromyth Van, which apparently drives the streets around her house inviting residents to dispose of any old neuromyths so they can be crushed into cubes and buried deep below ground.

If you're interested in studying on any of the programmes Louise runs, do drop her an email: LAllen-Walker@cardiffmet.ac.uk

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Recorded remotely on 27th January 2021