The Cognitive Science of Leadership and Teams

Evidence-informed practice has helped teachers across the globe improve how they plan and teach lessons so that all students can learn effectively, but what can we learn from cognitive science that might impact our leadership? This book explores how insights from cognitive science can transform the way we lead, collaborate, and make decisions in schools.Grounded in evidence from cognitive science, psychology, and neuroscience, the book shows how the principles that enhance learning in the classroom can also create more effective leadership and professional development in offices, staffrooms, and teams. Including practical examples, scenarios and key takeaways, the chapters cover:Managing the cognitive load of staff so they can focus on what really matters.Encouraging staff to engage in effortful thinking about clear, deliberate strategies and tasks.Using memory, spacing, and retrieval to ensure a coherent approach to learning and professional developmentBuilding powerful shared mental models and transactive memory systems so that processes and knowledge are genuinely pooled into a collectiveCreating cohesive, focused teams that work together to grow and improve.Part of the Teacher CPD Academy series from InnerDrive, this is essential reading for senior and middle school leaders across all phases of education wanting to create a purposeful environment where staff and students thrive.