Dynamic Learning: Metacognition

Over 30 years of educational research has shown that metacognition – an awareness of how we think – helps students take more control over their learning, improve their grades and become more independent and confident learners. Yet the majority of students still spend the majority of their study time thinking about what – rather than […]

Active Listening

As students we spend a lot of time listening. But because we don’t always fully engage with what we’re hearing we frequently miss a lot of important information. And if we’re not taking something in, we can’t recall it when we really need it. But it’s not difficult to become a more active listener and […]

Dynamic Learning: Dual Coding

Dual coding involves using verbal and visual cues to help develop your learning and recall. So if you like two-for-one offers, this one’s for you. Research shows it improves understanding and creates stronger memories, so that’s a bargain. And if you want even better value for your hard work, combine it with retrieval practice to […]

Dynamic Learning: Retrieval Practice

This short film shows you how to use retrieval practice to improve your understanding, develop your recall to identify gaps in your knowledge. While most study time is spent trying to get knowledge into your brain, then out again when exams roll around, retrieval practice helps to get it in and out at the same […]

Dynamic Learning: Active Learning and Cornell Notes

Most students write simple linear notes. But there is a way to improve the quality of note-taking that makes it more active, inquiring and revision-friendly, without radically changing how they take notes. It’s called the Cornell Method and it’s been helping to improve academic performance for over 50 years. This short film takes students through […]

Dynamic Learning: Sleep and Memory

Recent scientific research has shown us the benefits of sleep. And we’re increasingly aware that good sleep is crucial to memory and learning. Of course, just getting lots of sleep isn’t going to get you good grades. You need to understand how to use a knowledge of sleep to your advantage and this short film […]

Dynamic Learning: The Power of Habits

The first film in our new Dynamic Learning series of Metacognition films shows students how to develop positive study habits.

Mass Killings: The Role of the Media

Our latest short film looks at the relationship between fame-seeking mass killers and the media.

Mass Killers: Mythologies

Mass killings, described by the FBI as four or more unlawful killings in a single event, devastate communities and create fear across countries. But if we’re going to begin to understand what makes someone randomly kill large numbers of people, it’s important to distinguish between the evidence and the mythology. This film, featuring the work […]

Lost in the Mall: The Memory Wars

In this film, Profess or Elizabeth Loftus explains how her ‘lost in the mall’ technique demonstrated the creation of false memories. The ‘memory war’ that followed not only threatened her professional reputation but also her life.