Activate

It is widely recognized that self-regulated learners are more effective learners. The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) identifies metacognition and self-regulation as among the most impactful and cost-effective approaches schools can adopt. Yet many teachers and school leaders remain uncertain about what these concepts mean in practice—or how to develop them in the classroom.

Activate is a practical, card-based professional learning resource that helps teachers, leaders, and pupils become active drivers of their own learning.

Developed to support busy educators, the resource includes six sets of activity cards, a clear and comprehensive facilitator guide, an extensive bibliography, and downloadable supporting materials. Together, they provide an accessible introduction to the theory and practice of self-regulated learning while offering practical strategies that can be implemented immediately.

At the heart of Activate is the idea of learning conversations—structured discussions that help educators connect their existing knowledge and experience with research evidence to improve practice. The resource enables teachers, leaders, and pupils to build confidence, become more proactive, and develop the habits of self-regulated learners.

The cards are organized into two main categories:
Research Cards, which introduce the key concepts and characteristics of self-regulated learning and provide evidence-informed techniques and strategies for classroom practice.Professional Learning and Leadership Learning Cards, accompanied by Scenario Cards, which encourage collaborative reflection and help teachers and leaders promote and model self-regulated learning throughout their schools.
Developed by specialists from the UCL Centre for Educational Leadership in partnership with colleagues from the global Cognita schools network, Activate equips educators with the tools they need to improve both teaching practice and student outcomes.

Praise for the resource

"Created by James Mannion, Louise Stoll, Karen Spence-Thomas and Greg Ross, Activate is a card-based professional learning resource that aims to improve pupils' experiences and outcomes by promoting self-regulated learning among leaders, teachers, and pupils."

"A modern education should cultivate learners who are able to learn independently—in school and throughout their lives. While its recommended practices are firmly grounded in research, Activate brings theory to life through a comprehensive set of practical strategy cards that support both teachers and learners. I recommend this resource to educators and parents seeking to develop self-directed learners."

— Jay McTighe

"Here's a resource that will help teachers rethink their classroom practice. Cleverly structured, it guides educators as they refine and transform their approach, solving long-standing challenges and improving outcomes for pupils through meaningful dialogue with colleagues. Brilliant professional learning in action!"

— Mick Waters

"This is a resource that imaginative and committed school and college leaders will embrace as a powerful way to improve teaching and learning across classrooms, departments, and whole schools. Metacognition and self-regulated learning represent the 'El Dorado' of education, and Activate provides an outstanding framework for making these aspirations a reality."