About Structural Learning
We help learners make their thinking visible
Structural Learning turns research on how learners think into things a teacher can use tomorrow: a lesson planner, a shared language for thinking, and hands-on ways to talk, map and build ideas.
Based in Cambridge. Working with schools in the UK and around the world.
How it works
One approach, four ways in
It starts with a shared set of words for the thinking a task asks for. Three classroom tools then give learners something to say, something to see and something to hold.
Thinking Framework
33 command words in five families, so every teacher and every learner names the same thinking.
Explore the frameworkSay It
Talk routines that get every learner explaining, not just the confident few.
See Say ItMap It
Graphic organisers that make the links between ideas visible on the page.
See Map ItBuild It, with Writer's Block
Learners build the shape of an answer with their hands before they write a word of it.
See Writer's BlockThe platform
All of it, in one lesson
The platform is where the approach comes together. It does the planning, so the time you save goes into the teaching.
Free to start. Two lessons a month, no card needed.
- Type a topic. Any subject, any phase.
- Get a planned lesson. Each step uses the right tool for the thinking.
- Print what you need. Resources, prompts and organisers, ready for the room.
Who we are
Founded by Paul Main
Paul has spent twenty years alongside teachers, with one foot in research and the other in the classroom, chasing one question: how do we all think and learn? Structural Learning is what came out of that work, tested in schools from Cambridge to Cape Town.
From schools
What teachers say
"We were pleased to welcome Paul to school who led us in some excellent training on metacognition and the Universal Thinking Framework. The session was engaging, practical and has given our staff valuable tools to use in their classrooms."
"Paul is a professional and experienced educational expert. His training sessions are always well-prepared, insightful, and directly applicable to classroom practice. Highly recommended for any school looking to improve teaching and learning."
"Thanks Paul for all your help with our inset day. The staff found the training really useful and have already started implementing the strategies in their classrooms. A brilliant CPD provider."
"Paul delivered a highly engaging session on how children learn. The content was research-based but presented in an accessible way. Our staff left feeling inspired and equipped with practical strategies."
"I find Structural Learning a great platform to learn new things about teaching and education. The resources are high-quality and the blog articles are always informative and evidence-based."
Next step
Talk to us about your school
Tell us what you are working on. Replies usually come in less than 24 hours.