Skills for Learning Success
Develop the Skills Students Rely on for Learning & Align Teaching for Mastery
The Need...
Misconceptions about teaching and learning based on intuition have led to an epidemic of disengagement in schools (Evans, 2023), higher education (Chronicle of Higher Ed, 2022; NY Times, 2022), and the workplace (Society for HR Management, 2023).
What makes a Self-Directed Learner?
Prof. Robert Bjork’s framework for a “sophisticated learner” strongly supports this assertion that it is the ability to assess and make effective learning decisions that distinguishes effective learners from ineffective ones. It is upon a foundation of cognitive ability, or as one develops their cognitive abilities, that students should learn to develop strong metacognitive skills. A student’s ability to evolve from being a successful learner, by learning what they are taught, to a sophisticated learner, is the ultimate challenge of how we define success delivering a 21st century education.
What prevents a learner from learning optimally?
Teaching is rarely aligned to how students learn and assessments promote performance (which is not learning)
The current approach to teaching is often disconnected from how students learn (Hynes, 2014). A global crisis is emerging of learners of all ages being unprepared for future employment and prosperity (UNICEF, 2022), increasing achievement and opportunity gaps (UNESCO, 2023) with “uneducated, uninspired, and unskilled” learners (UNICEF, 2022).
Students are rarely taught how to learn optimally
Learning is a scientific process, and for students to learn optimally they must be taught (Dunlosky 2021). This is true regardless of cognitive abilities and disposition towards learning. Students often use ineffective techniques such as highlighting and re-reading, with limited success. Such strategies are rooted in the misconception about learning (Bjork et.al, 2018).
Inadequate learning support to address cognitive differences
Our individualized programs leverage the principle of neuroplasticity, which refers to our brain’s ability to adapt through forming new neural connections throughout life. The brain’s ability to change both its physical structure and its functional organization in response to training (skill-building), demonstrate how the brain can adapt and fundamentally enhance it’s capacity to learn more efficiently when cognition is properly targeted.
COGx has been devoted to translating scientific research and evidence-based practice into accessible programs. They are rigorous in their approach and committed to applying research findings and evidence with fidelity. As a result, they are making great strides in changing the status quo in education to one that embraces scientific research on learning.
COGx Empowers Educators to Teach for Mastery & Develop 21st Century Skills for their Students
Professional Development for Educators: Developing Sophisticated Learners™
Educators are far more effective at teaching what they know if they master how students learn. Yet, this formation is rarely included in per-service training or in-service training. Ignoring this does not set up educators or students to succeed. COGx closes this gap with a robust, flexible and proven program offering that can be customized to meet each organization’s needs. Through modules, expert coaching and guidance as well as application guides, educators learn how to design and deliver curriculum so students actually learn.
COGx Empowers Students to Master Learning
Program for Students: Becoming a Sophisticated Learner™
This program provides students with the foundational skills necessary to develop 21st century skills. Students master evidence-based techniques and strategies to process information effectively and for building reliable prior knowledge, which is a prerequisite for critical thinking, creative thinking and effective communication. Furthermore, students learn how to monitor, organize, self-regulate and adjust their learning (metacognition, executive function). Students are equipped to apply what they learn to their classes and studies and are as such prepared to succeed in school and beyond.
COGx Supports Students with Cognitive Differences - Individualized programs enhance cognition and ensure transfer
Teach: the science of learning
COGx programs include a curriculum that teaches students the scientific principles that underpin learning success. This allows students to master evidence-based techniques and strategies specific to learning and memory, in addition to raising their metacognition to become more sophisticated and independent learners.
Train: develop skill and ability
Training involves drill and practice of cognitive exercises that adapt and evolve as skills improve, which is essential to improving one’s underlying skills. Improved ability is a prerequisite to better learning but insufficient in isolation.
Transfer: generalization to real-life
The transfer component of individualized programs ensures the generalization of cognitive gains to real-life in a way that ensures information is processed and learned more efficiently, effectively and independently, leading to a self-directed learner.
