Applied Learning Sciences Research In the Classroom

Much of my education takes place within the field of learning sciences. While undergoing my student teaching experience at Worcester Technical High School, I enrolled in a graduate-level course, Learning and Creativity, at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. In the course, we covered topics related to memory, sleep, analogies, problem-solving, divergent thinking, and insight moments. Additionally, we reviewed academic journal articles and other media forms to understand better the cognitive processes associated with learning and creativity within education. I developed a deeper understanding of these theories on learning and creativity, all while identifying various methods for utilizing these frameworks to improve the education and experience of students. While attending this course, I could also apply what I have learned in my ninth-grade biology classroom via lesson plans, lesson presentations, classroom policies, and various assessments. In the section below you will find a paper I co-authored with another experienced teacher on how we applied our knowledge in learning sciences into our classrooms.