Translating the learning sciences into practice: A primer for clinical and translational educators

Area of Science:

• Learning sciences
• Educational psychology
• Translational science education

Background:

• Despite extensive research in learning sciences, a significant gap exists between academic findings and educational practice.
• This translational challenge requires educators with evidence-based experience to facilitate the application of learning research.
• Clinical and Translational Science Institutes and similar organizations training translational researchers are uniquely positioned to address this gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a foundational understanding of the learning sciences for educators involved in translational research training.
• To highlight the unique educational context of translational science programs and the need for evidence-based teaching strategies.
• To translate core principles of learning sciences into practical applications for teaching translational researchers.

Main Methods:

• Describing the specific teaching and learning environment within translational science training.
• Defining the scope and key concepts of the learning sciences.
• Distilling complex learning science research into core, actionable principles.
• Integrating recent advancements in learning sciences with established principles.
• Outlining practical methods for applying learning science principles to teaching.

Main Results:

• The learning sciences provide a robust framework for understanding how people learn.
• Core principles of learning sciences can be distilled for practical application in educational settings.
• Translational science education environments necessitate tailored approaches informed by learning research.
• Recent developments in learning sciences align with and extend foundational principles.

Conclusions:

• Educators in translational science can leverage learning sciences to enhance their teaching effectiveness.
• Applying core learning science principles can improve the translation of research into practice.
• A primer on learning sciences is essential for Clinical and Translational Science Institutes to optimize researcher training.