Cognitive science | Australian Education Research Organisation

Resource collections (3)

An early childhood educator sits on a mat with two young children stacking blocks to make a tower

Resource collection

Early childhood learning trajectories

AERO's Early Childhood Learning Trajectories are a practical resource providing guidance to support children's learning across 5 key interconnected domains of early learning and development.

Early childhood teacher writing at table in centre room.

Resource collection

Assessment for children’s learning

This collection of practice resources is designed to support ECEC teachers and educators with improving their assessment for children’s learning.

Young child playing with craft materials at table.

Resource collection

Play-based learning and intentionality

This collection of practice resources is designed to support ECEC teachers and educators with improving their intentionality in play‑based learning.

Guides & resources (10+)

Teacher in a woodworking class in front of students, explaining text on a whiteboard.

Introduction to AERO's model of learning and teaching

This 20-minute introductory course is designed to help teachers explore AERO’s model and how they can use it to develop their teaching practice.

Explain learning objectives: Primary and secondary

This video demonstrates how teachers explain learning objectives in a range of primary and secondary classrooms.

Teach explicitly: Primary and secondary

This video demonstrates how teachers teach explicitly in a range of primary and secondary classrooms. 

Research (4)

Teacher standing at the front of the classroom reading from a page

Research report

A knowledge-rich approach to curriculum design: Commissioned report

This commissioned report provides an overview of the evidence underpinning a knowledge-rich curriculum and outlines the key design features and enablers to effectively enact a knowledge-rich curriculum in schools.

Teacher helping students with artwork

Research report

How students learn best: An overview of the evidence

This paper highlights the impact aligning teaching practices with how students learn has on educational outcomes. It underscores the importance of evidence-based practices that enhance learning for all students.

Teacher standing at the front of the class

How students learn

Our work on how students learn best (also known as the science of learning) connects cognitive science, neuroscience and education psychology research on the learning process with practical teaching implications.

Summaries & explainers (9)

Retention and recall

Retention and recall are fundamental to successful learning outcomes. Knowledge needs to be retained so that it can be used. Retention is the ability to store information in memory over time, while recall is the ability to retrieve and use stored information when needed. When students effectively retain and recall information, they can easily access and apply it to build on existing knowledge and develop deeper understanding.

Attention and focus

Attention and focus are essential for students to process and retain new information effectively. Attention refers to the selective focus of conscious thought on specific information, allowing students to engage meaningfully with learning tasks. Engagement encompasses how students behave, feel and think as they actively participate in learning activities.

Mastery and application

Mastery of learning is the accumulation and retention of knowledge, conceptual understanding and skills, and knowing when and how to use them. Application of learning includes transferring information to both familiar and new contexts, which leads to deeper understanding and more sophisticated use of knowledge. Mastery is fundamental to students’ achievement in school and their lives beyond formal education.

Other (2)

Primary school student standing in front of desk writing with pencil. Teacher sitting at desk helping student with writing.

Six things about how students learn

Knowing how students learn helps you apply teaching practices well, by understanding why some practices are more effective than others. This article focuses on techniques and strategies that improve outcomes for students.

Young pupil watching another pupil paint on an easel

The science behind fostering children’s early learning and development

AERO’s ‘science of learning and development’ project will support teachers and educators to incorporate knowledge about how brains and bodies develop into their practice, beginning with early childhood education and care (ECEC) services.