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…