The Science of Learning with Dylan Wiliam

Unlock the science behind effective learning

Join internationally renowned education expert Professor Dylan Wiliam for an engaging and thought-provoking online seminar exploring what every teacher and school leader needs to understand about how learning happens.

Drawing upon research from cognitive science, Professor Wiliam will examine how pupils learn, remember and apply knowledge ,and translate these insights into practical approaches that can strengthen classroom practice, improve retention and accelerate progress.

Programme details

Date: Wednesday 4 November 2026
Time: 12:00–13:30 UK time
Location: Live online via Zoom
Cost: £150 per participant
Suitable for: Teachers and school leaders

Turning research into effective classroom practice

For many years, educational psychology formed an important part of teacher education. However, the theory could often feel disconnected from the realities of the classroom, leaving teachers with ideas that were difficult to translate into improved pupil outcomes.

Advances in cognitive science have transformed our understanding of how pupils acquire, retain and retrieve knowledge. This research now provides educators with practical, evidence-informed strategies that can be applied directly to teaching, curriculum design and professional development.

During this seminar, Professor Dylan Wiliam will make the science of learning accessible, relevant and immediately useful—helping participants distinguish between activities that create the appearance of learning and approaches that support genuine, lasting understanding.

What will the seminar explore?

Participants will explore:

  • How memory works and why it matters for learning

  • Why pupils frequently rely on ineffective study strategies

  • The difference between engagement and genuine learning

  • Why forgetting is a natural and essential part of the learning process

  • How retrieval practice strengthens memory and understanding

  • Practical techniques for improving retention and accelerating progress

  • Evidence-informed approaches that can be implemented immediately in the classroom

What will you take away?

Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how learning actually happens and a practical toolkit of research-informed approaches to help them:

  • Improve pupils’ retention and recall

  • Design more effective learning experiences

  • Challenge common misconceptions about learning

  • Make better-informed decisions about classroom practice

  • Support stronger teaching across their school

  • Maximise progress for every learner

Whether you are working directly in the classroom or leading teaching and learning across a school, this seminar will provide valuable insights that can be applied immediately.

About Professor Dylan Wiliam

Professor Dylan Wiliam is an internationally respected education expert whose work has influenced teaching, assessment and professional learning around the world.

Renowned for making educational research both accessible and practical, he helps teachers and school leaders understand how evidence can be used to strengthen classroom practice and improve outcomes for pupils.

Who should attend?

This seminar is ideal for:

  • Classroom teachers

  • Middle and senior leaders

  • Heads of department and subject leaders

  • Teaching and learning leads

  • Curriculum leaders

  • School principals and headteachers

  • Professional development leaders

Schools may register individual colleagues or use the seminar as part of a wider professional learning programme for their staff.

Bring world-class professional learning to your school

Discover how a stronger understanding of memory, retrieval and cognitive science can help teachers design more effective learning and secure lasting progress for pupils.

Book your place

£150 per participant.

To register yourself or members of your staff, email mark@espeducation.co.uk.