Macmillan Learning Forms an Advisory Council of Leading Learning Researchers

Macmillan Learning is pleased to announce the formation of a Learning Research Advisory Council (LRAC). The LRAC will work with Macmillan's Learning Research and Design team to provide expert input and critique into how to best apply research findings in the learning sciences to product design and implementation.

As part of a drive to improve student success, instructors and institutions in higher education are increasingly seeking products that leverage the best in learning and cognitive science and demonstrably improve learning and student success. Yet, assessing and synthesizing research in the learning sciences, distilling it into practical design principles, and applying these to the design and implementation of varied learning experiences presents some unique challenges.

"Our mission is to help learners to succeed, so applying the best theoretical and empirical findings from the learning sciences is fundamental to everything we design," said Jeff Bergin, Ph.D., Vice President of Learning Research and Design, "from the end-to-end user experience down to every interaction. Blending human-centered design, learning research, insights from data analytics, and impact research to create digital learning experiences that are empathetic, highly engaging, and materially effective, is a humbling and exciting responsibility."

The Learning Research Advisory Council comprises leading experts in cognitive and learning science who will advise and critique the design principles and processes being used to develop next-generation learning experiences.

The Council has five members including Dr. Robert Atkinson (Arizona State University), Dr. Christopher Dede (Harvard University), Dr. Erin Dolan (University of Georgia), Dr. Mark McDaniel (Washington University in St. Louis), and Dr. Liz Thomas (Edge Hill University). Learn more about the Council members by visiting our website: https://www.macmillanlearning.com/catalog/page/learningscience/research.

"A number of recent innovations are helping support the rapid evolution of the learning sciences," said Dr. Atkinson. "We are able to study learning in unprecedented ways with new digital technologies such as biometric sensors as well as support personalized learning through recent developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning. It's exciting to see Macmillan making strides in this area, and I'm glad to be able to help them design research methods as well as research tools, such as their new Austin Learning Lab."

Dr. Thomas stated, "Higher education institutions bear significant responsibility to facilitate their students to be successful within their programs of study. I am very pleased and excited to be working with Macmillan as they further develop understanding of these issues, and strategic approaches to using educational technology to improve student engagement in learning and the wider student experience. Improving the outcomes for all students and graduates ensures a world-class higher education system."

For more details on the transformational approach Macmillan Learning is taking to learning science and analytics, please visit our website: http://www.macmillanlearning.com/learningscience


About Macmillan Learning:

Macmillan Learning improves lives through learning. Our legacy of excellence in education informs our approach to using user-centered design, learning science, and impact research to develop world-class content and pioneering products that are empathetic, highly effective, and drive improved outcomes. Through deep partnership with the world's best researchers, educators, administrators, and developers, we facilitate teaching and learning opportunities that spark student engagement and lift course results. We provide educators with tailored solutions designed to inspire curiosity and measure progress. Our commitment to teaching and discovery upholds our mission to improve lives through learning. To learn more, please visit http://www.macmillanlearning.com or see us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN or join our Macmillan Community.