‘Inside the Mind – How Learning Works’ Masterclass Report

On March 12, the HSE School of English hosted an insightful and highly engaging masterclass titled "Inside the Mind: How Learning Works," led by the esteemed educator Julie Stolyarchuk. Julie is a high-calibre professional whose mastery of pedagogical innovation and educational psychology is truly second to none, and her expertise provided a profound learning experience for all in attendance.

The workshop offered a unique opportunity for department members to identify and alleviate the complex challenges often encountered in the modern classroom. By harnessing the power of a diverse range of scientific perspectives—including behaviourist, cognitive, humanistic, sociocultural, and ecological approaches—Julie demonstrated how teachers can facilitate a more engaging and effective environment for their students.

Under her guidance, participants reviewed the fundamental principles of each of these learning theories. The session encouraged teachers to think of practical examples of how these principles are realised in their own classrooms. Furthermore, the group analysed the historical legacy of these theories, exploring how their influence remains visible in contemporary teaching practices.

The central thesis of the session was the significant link between teaching beliefs and teaching practices. Julie emphasized that our pedagogical decisions are deeply rooted in our internal beliefs about how students learn. Consequently, gaining a clear understanding of these beliefs is vital for educators who wish to make more informed and deliberate teaching decisions.

The masterclass concluded with a hands-on activity where teachers were invited to identify specific task types according to the various scientific perspectives discussed. These findings were then debated in a friendly and collaborative working atmosphere. For many, the event was a remarkable opportunity to rethink their classroom practices and discover new strategies to make their teaching even more effective.

The HSE School of English-Nizhny Novgorod would like to thank Julie Stolyarchuk for her invaluable contribution to our professional development.

More information about Julie Stolyarchuk can be found here.

The masterclass was organised by Anastasia Alikina.