Cutting edge

The London Knowledge Lab

Directors: Professor Richard Noss (Institute of Education)
Professor Alex Poulovasillis (Birkbeck)

In LKL, social scientists from the Institute of Education and computer scientists from Birkbeck College work together to explore the ways in which digital technologies are reshaping learning and to bridge the gap between the users and designers of technology.

Science Learning Centre London

Director: Sally Johnson
Chief Executive: Professor Michael Reiss

The Institute, in partnership with the Science Museum, Birkbeck College and University College London, runs Science Learning Centre London, part of a national network of science learning centres funded by the DfES and the Wellcome Trust. The Institute-based centre offers teachers access to newly refurbished labs, advanced ICT equipment and innovative courses covering education strategies, cutting-edge scientific research, the wider ethical issues of science in society, and developments across business and industry. As well as helping teachers to update their subject knowledge, the centre aims to reinvigorate teaching skills, boosting science literacy and understanding of its impact on society among pupils.

Centre for Excellence in Work-based Learning for Education Professionals

Directors

Professor Karen Evans
Dr Norbert Pachler

The WLE Centre aims to enhance the learning experience through innovative approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. Targeted at public and private-sector employees who are learning while working, it will enhance work-based learning through digital technologies, allowing people to develop multimodal portfolios, such as video diaries and podcasts. Following its overall objectives to build on innovative practice through e-learning and digital video, it aims to incorporate the concepts of work experience and experiential learning as work-related (taking place away from work) and work-located (taking place at work). The £1.64m centre is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

Teaching and Learning Research Programme

Director: Professor Andrew Pollard
Deputy Director: Professor Mary James

TLRP, the UK’s largest programme of coordinated educational research, comprises over 50 projects ranging from play in pre-school education to improving university teaching and contributing to lifelong learning. Managed by the Economic and Social Research Council, TLRP research aims to improve learning outcomes with practical application in schools, colleges, universities and the workplace. Potential users of the research, including policymakers, are involved at all stages to ensure that the research projects remain relevant.