Cognition

The February, 2012 edition of the  New Zealand Education Gazette featured an article about “a new approach to in-depth school change that has developed from researcher and author John Hattie’s work” that has been developed by Cognition Education. Deb Masters is leading the development of this professional learning and development model which is generating significant interest in New Zealand and around the world. For further information about Visible Learning Plus including finding out about upcoming courses and workshops go to: www.visiblelearningplus.com. Below is the title of the article from the Gazette. 

Cognition Education recently announced that it will be progressively introducing sustainability as a key driver for its future growth and development. Education is a key factor that has an influence on individual beliefs about sustainability and education is itself a critical area for sustainable development. Cognition has already embedded aspects of sustainable development across areas of its work both locally and internationally.  For instance, drawing from New Zealand expertise, Cognition’s work in less developed countries over the years has helped enhance the quality of education there, thus contributing to intra-generational equality, a key sustainable development objective.

However, we wish to continue to develop our internal processes and also help other educational organisations do the same and so a project team has been established that draws on a cross-functional expertise in sustainability, evaluation, and education programme delivery. Cognition has developed a self-evaluation framework so we can track our progress in demonstrating quality sustainability practices.  We anticipate that the application of this framework may have value to the wider education sector as it is developed. For more information about Cognition’s ‘Sustainability 2012 – Making a Difference Project’ please contact, project leader, Dr. Komathi Kolandai-Matchett at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Cognition's Chief Executive, Dr John Langley, was interviewed by New Zealand's 3 News about the rollout of broadband in New Zealand schools and the changing face of education. John is often asked to comment on education issues in New Zealand and in this interview describes how the rollout of any new approach should be carefully planned with clear outcomes, and the use of evidence and data to inform decision making. To view the video click here.

Cognition Education launches affiliate schools project

Cognition is pleased to announce that it will be establishing an affiliate schools project in 2012. The aim of the project will be to connect Cognition directly with schools to pilot and test new types of professional development that will cause impact on student achievement, teaching practices, school leadership, and community and parental engagement. General Manager Chris Sullivan says "Cognition wants to develop deeper and stronger links with schools, and the affiliate schools project will be a win-win in this regard. We will be working with schools to trial new approaches to teaching and learning, and then taking this new knowledge and applying it through the work we do with other schools". The schools will have access to Cognition's consultants and a range of programmes. Schools will also have the chance to develop their own ideas and models which can be shared through Cognition's national and international networks.

Initially this project will focus on a small number of schools in Auckland, New Zealand. However over time this initiative is expected to spread across New Zealand and then internationally. The full list of schools participating in the programme pilot will be announced at an event in February, but all have been identified as having a commitment to ongoing improvement, to raising levels of student achievement, and to strong leadership. One such school is Stonefields School which opened its doors to students in February 2011. It is a decile 9 School located in the new Stonefields development in Mt Wellington, Auckland. Together the staff have tackled the challenge of establishing a new School by questioning and critiquing 'how School's have always been'. The School has four vision principles that is all encompassing and provides a common language, direction and aspiration to guide it's core business of LEARNING.

* Building Learning Capacity
* Collaborating
* Making Meaning
* Breaking Through

The School has been established during optimal times - a recognised international paradigm shift in educational thinking, access to a world class curriculum and research about what has a positive impact on student outcomes. Cognition is currently working with Stonefields School to develop a range of Visible Learning Plus professional development programmes and tools. Visible Learning Plus is a whole school professional learning and development change programme based on the research of Professor John Hattie. The School is forward thinking in it's philosophy of learning, purposeful in selecting the right staff and creatively utilises open modern learning environments to ensure learning is social, open, engaging and real for every single learner. 'Think Big and Be Brave' is a mantre that continues to help staff remain courageous and true to the School's purpose of serving learners and causing learning. .
For more information please contact: Chris Sullivan, General Manager This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it