What Is the Science of Learning in Education?

Every day, educators make decisions that influence how students learn. They choose instructional strategies, evaluate curriculum materials, design interventions, and determine how to support learners with different strengths and needs. Yet many educational practices have historically been shaped by tradition, intuition, or popular trends rather than research about how learning actually works.

The science of learning seeks to change that. Drawing from cognitive science, neuroscience, psychology, and education, this growing field provides evidence-based insights into how people learn, retain information, and develop new skills. Initiatives such as the Learning Policy Institute's Science of Learning and Development have helped translate decades of research into practical guidance for educators and school leaders.

For teachers, literacy specialists, and education leaders, understanding the science of learning is becoming increasingly important. As schools work to improve student outcomes, many are looking to research-informed approaches that can translate evidence into meaningful classroom practice. For educators interested in leading this work, Gordon College's Doctor of Education in the Science of Learning offers an opportunity to connect research, instructional practice, and a commitment to helping all learners flourish.

What is the science of learning?

The science of learning is an interdisciplinary field that studies how people learn. Rather than relying on educational trends or long-held assumptions, it draws from research across multiple disciplines—including cognitive science, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and education—to better understand how knowledge is acquired, retained, and applied.

At its core, the science of learning asks a simple question: What does research tell us about effective teaching and learning?

Decades of research have helped educators better understand:

• How memory supports learning
• How attention affects student performance
• What motivates learners to persist
• How relationships influence academic growth
• Which instructional practices are supported by evidence

Together, these insights help educators make more informed decisions in classrooms, schools, and districts.

Why are more schools embracing evidence-based instruction?

One of the clearest signs of the science of learning's influence is the growing number of schools and districts adopting evidence-based instructional practices.

The science of reading

Perhaps the most visible example is the science of reading movement. Research on how children learn to read has led many states and districts to adopt structured literacy approaches that emphasize oral language development, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.

Organizations such as the International Dyslexia Association and The Reading League have helped advance evidence-based literacy practices and support educator preparation programs aligned with this research.

Rethinking learning styles

For years, many educators believed students learned best when instruction matched a preferred learning style, such as visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learning.

Research has challenged this assumption. Rather than tailoring instruction to a learning style, instructional methods should align with research supported practices, such as explicit and systematic instruction with intentional practice opportunities. In addition, the content being taught and the learning goals being pursued should be prioritized.

Retrieval practice and spaced learning

Research has shown that students retain information more effectively when they are required to retrieve knowledge over time rather than repeatedly reviewing the same material.

Strategies such as low-stakes quizzes, cumulative review, and spaced repetition can strengthen long-term retention and support deeper understanding.

Supporting the whole learner

Learning is influenced by more than academics alone. Research increasingly points to the importance of social, emotional, and developmental factors in student success.

This understanding has helped shape approaches that support the whole learner by recognizing the connections between academic achievement, well-being, relationships, and belonging.

Why does the science of learning matter for education leaders?

Teachers are not the only professionals who benefit from learning science. School leaders make decisions that affect instructional quality across entire classrooms, schools, and districts.

Education leaders regularly make decisions about:

• Curriculum adoption
• Professional development
• Intervention systems
• Assessment practices
• School improvement initiatives
• Resource allocation

The science of learning provides a framework for evaluating whether an initiative is likely to improve student outcomes. Instead of relying on trends, assumptions, or vendor claims, leaders can use research to make more informed decisions that support teaching and learning.

What does evidence-based leadership look like in practice?

Research-informed leadership is about more than adopting a single program or attending a workshop. It is about creating a culture where decisions are consistently guided by evidence.

Education leaders grounded in learning science often ask:

• What research supports this initiative?
• Has the evidence been replicated?
• How will success be measured?
• What implementation support is needed?
• Does this align with what we know about how students learn?

Sustainable improvement requires ongoing learning, thoughtful implementation, and a commitment to continuous evaluation. The goal is not simply to find the newest strategy. It is to create systems where professional growth and student success are informed by credible research.

How does the science of learning promote educational opportunity?

The science of learning helps educators create more equitable learning environments by aligning instruction with research about how students learn best. When teaching practices are based on evidence rather than assumptions, more students have access to support that helps them grow.

Research-informed instruction can help educators:

• Identify student needs earlier
• Choose evidence-based interventions
• Support language and literacy development
• Reduce gaps in access to strong reading instruction
• Evaluate whether systems are working for all learners

This is especially important in literacy. Students who do not receive effective reading instruction early often face barriers across subjects and grade levels. By aligning instructional strategies with credible research, schools can better support students in areas like language development, reading instruction, intervention, and literacy support.

How can a Doctor of Education in the Science of Learning help advance your impact?

As schools increasingly look to research-informed practices, there is growing demand for leaders who can translate evidence into meaningful change.

A Doctor of Education in the Science of Learning prepares educators to:

• Evaluate and apply educational research
• Lead instructional improvement initiatives
• Support literacy and learning outcomes
• Influence educational systems and policy
• Bridge the gap between research and practice

Gordon College's Herschend School of Education has built its programs around this evidence-based approach. The school holds an A+ rating in Reading Foundations from the National Council on Teacher Quality and Accreditation Plus from the International Dyslexia Association, reflecting its commitment to research-aligned literacy instruction and educator preparation.

Through the Doctor of Education in the Science of Learning, educators gain the tools to lead with both research credibility and practical impact.

Leading with evidence and purpose

The science of learning is ultimately about helping educators make better decisions on behalf of students. By understanding how people learn, leaders can evaluate practices more effectively, support teachers more intentionally, and create learning environments where students can thrive.

For educators who want to deepen their expertise and lead meaningful change, Gordon College's Herschend School of Education offers a pathway grounded in evidence, service, and purpose. Through the Doctor of Education in the Science of Learning, educators can develop the knowledge and leadership skills needed to turn research into action and improve outcomes for learners, schools, and communities.

In a profession centered on growth, learning, and transformation, understanding the science of learning can help educators make a lasting impact—not only on student achievement, but on the lives of the learners they serve.