The Learning Lab brings together a group of multi-disciplinary researchers and inter-professional partners aimed at transforming education and learning across schooling and beyond, through partnered innovations and research translation initiatives.
We aim to innovate research and translation in the Science of Learning (SoL) and its applications in different contexts and modes across the lifespan. Using a Science of Learning lens, the Learning Lab programs of research investigates with our partners how people learn, the factors that affect learning, and the implications of the research for learning design, teaching, and technologies.
In addition to the research arm of the Learning Lab, we work actively in understanding how to best support the effective, sustainable and scalable mobilisation of research into practice, be that through the development of evidence informed resources and strategies, the development of capabilities in leaders of learning and training, the co-development of technologies and frameworks, or the provision of professional learning, graduate and post-graduate programs in the science of learning. Nationally, there is a growing imperative for educators to engage with evidence and adopt evidence-informed practice. Furthermore, understanding and engaging with effective, context-relevant and continuing professional learning is essential for supporting individuals and organisations to adapt and grow with evolving workplaces.
A unique feature of the Learning Lab is its purposeful engagement with stakeholders – be that in education or wider industry contexts - in the mobilization of research findings into authentic learning and training contexts. Understanding how to translate research findings effectively and meaningfully into practice is a priority for the Learning Lab and its partners. Working in partnership with education and industry, the Learning Lab aims to re-write the narrative around learning, and work collaboratively to build a nation that values learning and how it can transform lives and livelihoods.
Flagship Themes
The Learning Lab programs are based around 3 flagship themes:
The Stages flagship is interested in the stages of cognitive, social, and emotional development.
The Contexts flagship is interested in better understanding learning in different modes in school and post-school environments.
The Transitions flagship is interested in better understanding how
learning can be supported when transitioning between different learning, working or social environments/contexts.
Bridging the research-practice gap
The Learning Lab uses effective research translation at its core to understand the barriers that contribute to the gap between applying science of learning research to real-world settings. By understanding these barriers, we have been able to design approaches that can successfully bridge this gap.
See how the Learning Lab is working to understand the barriers and enablers of the research practice gap in various educational contexts.
Revolutionising training in high-risk industries
Learn about the importance of effective training in high-risk industries, and how the Learning Lab is working with industries to design evidence-based solutions to industry-identified challenges.
Learning Lab's History
The Learning Lab was established at The University of Queensland in 2021 with support from a UQ Research Support Package, building on the legacy of the Australian Research Council Science of Learning Research Centre (SLRC).
The Learning Lab's foundations can be traced back to 2013, when UQ led the establishment of the Science of Learning Research Centre through an Australian Research Council Special Research Initiative. The Centre brought together researchers from education, neuroscience and cognitive psychology to better understand how people learn and to translate this knowledge into real-world teaching and learning practice.
Building on this foundation, the Learning Lab continues this work through a multidisciplinary team of researchers working alongside educators and industry professionals. Its partnerships span schools, health, resources and mining, sport and other sectors, helping organisations address important learning, professional development and training priorities.
A key part of this work is the Partner Schools Program, which continues the collaborative research-practice approach developed through the SLRC. The program brings educators and researchers together to investigate school-identified priorities and support educators to apply contemporary science of learning research within their own school contexts.
Today, the Learning Lab continues to connect research with practice, supporting evidence-informed approaches to learning across education, industry and the wider community.