Tools and Resources

The Science of Learning, Second Edition is here!

What do we know about how students learn, and what does that mean for how we teach?

That’s what The Science of Learning, seeks to answer.

The Science of Learning summarizes existing cognitive-science research on how students learn, and connects it to practical implications for teaching. The report is a resource for teacher-educators, new teachers, and anyone in the education profession who is interested in how learning takes place.

DFI believes all teacher candidates should know the cognitive-science principles explored in The Science of Learning. And all educators, including new teachers, should be able to connect those principles to their practical implications for the classroom.

Download The Science of Learning (PDF)

What's new in the second edition?

The second edition of this report released on May 19, 2026. This updated version includes:

• Most current research from the last decade
• Addition of potential pitfalls that teachers should be aware of
• New section on supporting students to self-regulate their learning

Supporters

We are grateful for the more than 100 individuals and organizations who officially support The Science of Learning, Second Edition.

View Supporters (PDF)

Explore more science of learning resources

We support teams of teacher-educators and K-12 partners to embed cognitive science-informed principles in their professional development for aspiring and novice teachers. Below are a few resources we've provided to help implement this work across content areas, including literacy and mathematics:

Looking for support?

We partner with educator-preparation programs, philanthropic organizations, and state education agencies to enact evidence-based instructional practice at scale. Reach out if you'd like to work with us:

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