The Contribution of Cognitive Science

How do we learn?

At Jeannine Manuel School, our approach to teaching is informed by the latest research in cognitive science. Our team of pedagogical experts draws on key findings from leading researchers. One key source of inspiration is the work of Stanislas Dehaene, professor at the Collège de France, whose work identifies four fundamental pillars of learning:

1. Concentration: the driving force of learning.
2. Active participation: this is the key to concentration. Students are concentrated when they are actively participating - teachers must find a way to make sure they do this.
3. Feedback: the brain learns from its mistakes. Making mistakes and learning from them stimulates learning. Regular tests allow students to realise their mistakes and to learn from them through regular feedback.
4. Knowledge consolidation : moving from slowly and consciously processing information to doing so quickly and automatically, with little concentration required. Sleep habits play an important part in this shift.

These pillars guide our teaching strategies, helping every student become a more confident, effective, and self-aware learner.