Education and Learning

Our research explores how from fetal onward to neonatal stage, children and young people acquire knowledge and skills across development, from fetal stage to the preschool years into early adulthood. This includes how they react to taste as well as social and non-social sound and light stimulation .  A central focus of our work is understanding individual differences in learning and academic achievement. We examine the social, environmental, cognitive, and neural factors that contribute to these differences. We also explore how education can shape other aspects of development, from creativity and innovation to the structure and function of the brain.

Researchers in the Developmental Science group explore education and learning across multiple levels. At the fetal level we explore how fetal reactions to stimulation are affected by maternal stress, depression, anxiety as well as exposure to nicotine and tastes (bitter and non-bitter).  At the classroom level, Professor Mary Hanley and Professor Debbie Riby investigate how the classroom environment (such as visual distractions) affects attention and learning, as well as factors that contribute to school distress and attendance. At the pedagogical level, Dr. Jacky Chan examines student engagement and curriculum design in statistics education, alongside his work on word learning and language development. At the cognitive and neural level, Dr. Anna Matejko studies the skills and brain processes that support math and reading development. Finally, at the cultural level, Dr. Bruce Rawlings explores how cultural differences in educational experiences can influence creativity and innovation. Together, our work links educational, cognitive, environmental, and cultural perspectives to better understand how learning unfolds and how we can best support learning across development.

Much of our research is conducted in close collaboration with educators, policy-makers, and practitioners. We work with local schools, Durham County Council and the Advanced Learning Partnership,  to ensure our work is shaped by local needs while also generating insights that can improve educational practice and policy. 

Staff

Here are some of our members who work on health and well-being

Media Enquires

To be updated shortly.