Students often aim for “perfection” in their work; and while this sounds like it should be celebrated, this may come at a heavy cost with approximately 77% of students suffering with fear of failure. This isn’t a surprising result, as aiming for something that is largely unattainable is bound to come with a lot of pressure and little reward. So, what is the mechanism linking perfectionism and fear of failure, and how can we help students get out of this cycle? Read on to find out more about: The link between perfectionism and fear of failure What research suggests 4 tips to help students to ..read more

In an era where digital tools and technologies are increasingly integrated into every facet of our lives, Generative AI seems to be on everyone’s mind in education. Proponents claim that this technology has the potential to radically transform how students learn, offering both unprecedented opportunities and new challenges. But we’re also seeing increasing concerns surrounding cheating, plagiarism, and lessened learning outcomes. So, which is true? Is generative AI helping or harming students? New research would suggest the latter… Let’s discuss: The state of AI in education How AI has affec ..read more

Many students fall into the trap of procrastination, significantly increasing the likelihood of last-minute cramming and panic. While it’s better to start revision as early as possible, it's crucial to understand that it's never too late. With well-thought-out planning and effective techniques, students can maximise the efficiency of their remaining study time. In this blog, we will delve deep into strategies that students can employ when they find themselves having left revision to the last minute. To make it more effective and actionable, we have organised our advice into three main section ..read more

  One of the most common questions we get asked when discussing Cold-Calling is: “Should you Cold-Call students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?” Cold-Calling can be an effective way to improve class participation and act as a good vehicle for Retrieval Practice. Furthermore, evidence suggests it can be particularly beneficial for shy or nervous students. However, when done badly, it can increase students’ stress – if you’re curious about this aspect and how to avoid it, a rather brilliant research paper discusses some of the nuances when it comes to Cold-Calling ..read more

What is the best way to get students to do Retrieval Practice? Is it through Cold-Calling, mini whiteboards or Think, Pair, Share? We explored the pros and cons of each of these in a previous blog, but really wanted to dig into the research on this. Here is what we found ..read more

Your high-achieving students' successes are definitely cause for celebration, but what can easily go unseen is the intricate web of challenges and pressures that come with those achievements. This blog aims to peel back the curtain, using research to explore the specific obstacles high achievers face, and the stress management techniques that can hopefully help relieve some of that pressure. Read on to learn more about: The stress of being a high-achiever What the research says How high achievers deal with stress How to support high-achieving students ..read more

Assessment of students’ learning is an integral part of school life, but did you know about assessment for learning? It has emerged as a pivotal strategy that allows to not only monitor student progress but also significantly contribute to the learning process itself. But what exactly is assessment for learning, and why does it matter so much in education today? Read on to learn more about: What assessment for learning is The benefits assessment for learning The challenges of assessment for learning ..read more

Wouldn’t it be good if a recently released study was able to capture exactly what students focus on when they look at your PowerPoint presentations? That way, we would be able to see what they pay attention to and get an indication of their levels of cognitive overload. Good news: This study exists. Not all PowerPoint presentations are created equal, and their effectiveness can significantly vary depending on how they're designed and used. Recent research suggests that some slide designs can be so overwhelming for students that they barely absorb any information from them at all. So, read on ..read more

Ever wondered how young children develop their sense of self? How they learn to understand what they read, and express their ideas in writing? How they develop abstract knowledge of mathematical concepts? Deans For Impact explored these questions and more in their latest publication, The Science of Early Learning, which investigates how young children acquire vital skills such as self-awareness, literacy and numeracy. So, let’s unpack the key findings of this report and the insights it gives into how children develop control over their own behaviour, learn to read and write proficiently ..read more

As students prepare for exams, it is no surprise that test anxiety creeps in. The pressure to perform well and the fear of failure can turn the whole experience into a daunting challenge. In response to this challenge, teachers are constantly seeking effective strategies to support students in their exam preparation. One such strategy that has been gaining attention: practice testing. Keep reading to uncover the true power of Practice Testing (not only as an effective learning strategy but also as a means to address exam-related stress) and learn more about: What is practice testing? What is ..read more