The way we engage with learning shapes
teaching practices
I am James Anderson – a speaker, author, educator and I’m here to elevate the status of learning from an act to an art.
Our role as educators is to ensure kids succeed in school and thrive in life.
Every day, groundbreaking technologies emerge, industries transform, and the skills needed for success evolve. Our current educational practices are struggling to keep up with the pace and nature of change. In a world where change is the only constant, and uncertainty is the only certainty, those unable to adapt risk being left behind.
Meeting this challenge requires us to transform education from a system that imparts information to one that cultivates adaptability, critical thinking, and agile learners. This shift is not just about updating curricula; it’s about reimagining how we prepare young minds for an unpredictable future. Educators must lead the way in future-proofing students, empowering them with the abilities to constantly grow, setting them up for a future where they thrive, have agency and are capable of becoming the person they want to be in the world.
We’ve spent decades understanding the skill of teaching. Now it’s time to understand the skill of learning.
Hi, I’m James Anderson
My thought leadership provides a shift in education that balances quality teaching with quality learning, empowering students to grow and therefore succeed at school and thrive in life.
My journey as an educator led me to develop the Mindset Continuum, expanding on Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset research, and the concept of Learnership, which elevates learning from a passive act to an active art. These frameworks offer educators practical tools to reflect on their own mindsets and create genuine shifts in students’ approaches to learning. Over two decades of partnering with schools, I’ve seen the tangible impact of these strategies, including an award-nominated program at Asquith Girls High School.
As an Australian-based author and Certified Professional Speaker, I share my insights with audiences worldwide through my books, keynotes and school partnerships. My work, featured in major publications and podcasts, is dedicated to reshaping education, creating environments where students become adaptable, self-assured learners ready for future challenges.
My latest book
Learnership
Raising the status of learning from an act to an art in your school
The culmination of three decades in education and my fifth book, Learnership recognises that we don’t have a teaching problem in our schools; we have a learning problem. This book introduces the concept of Learnership, transforming learning from an act to an art. With practical tools to evaluate and enhance Learnership in schools, foster a growth mindset, and develop more skilful, proactive learners, Learnership is an essential guide for educators aiming to cultivate a culture of growth and prepare students for lifelong success.
‘I have looked long and hard for a great book on how to include the teaching of learning strategies in the classroom – and finally found it. Anderson uses the latest research coupled with a deep classroom understanding of merging thinking and learning WITH the curriculum to empower teachers and students with the optimal strategies for success.’
John Hattie
Melbourne Laureate Professor Emeritus
How I can help nurture skilful learners in your school
A suite of tools, training and ongoing support to help schools create environments where students become active, self-regulated learners.
School Partnerships
A partnership that supports your school in creating an environment that prepares students to become self-directed, lifelong learners.
Keynote Speaking
20+ years of real-world teaching experience transformed into insights and strategies for audiences to revolutionise learning in their own educational environments.
Workshops
Designed to support educators and parents looking for a deeper understanding of how to empower students to achieve their highest potential.
Professional Learning
Want to get your staff thinking differently about learning while also enhancing their practice? Choose a custom professional learning and development experience.
Some of the success stories
Collective mindset evolution
“Inspirational. This is the most exciting thing in my 30 years of teaching. It’s the single thing in my 14 years of being a principal where every single staff member is on the journey and changing the way they think – in order to bring change with our students. It’s the one thing I think could really make a difference with teenagers in our current culture. And that’s saying something!
Principal
lnglewood School
Tangible and measurable growth mindset shift observed among students, teachers and parents.
“One of the most notable outcomes of working with James is the tangible and measurable growth mindset shift observed among our students, teachers, and parents. This transformation has been a game-changer in nurturing a positive learning environment where students are eager to take risks and learn from their mistakes. James’s creativity and adaptability have made the learning experience engaging and impactful, keeping our teachers and students inspired throughout the process. His extensive knowledge, dedication, and unique approach to fostering a growth mindset have significantly impacted our school, transforming the way our teachers teach, our students learn, and our parents support their children’s educational journeys.”
Principal
Asquith Girls High School
Classrooms transformed into dynamic learning environments
“His approach to education goes beyond traditional teaching methods, emphasising a profound focus on learning and the process required for learning. James has a remarkable ability to connect content with our staff in a way that is truly exciting, relevant, and engaging. Through his innovative strategies, we are successfully transforming our classrooms into dynamic learning environments where students actively participate and flourish. His passion for education is contagious, and he has empowered our teachers to think creatively and foster a love for learning among our students. James Anderson’s contributions have undoubtedly enriched our school community and ignited a passion for lifelong learning.
Principal
Glenview Primary School
Catalyst for personal, cultural and organisational growth
“A highlight of our collaboration lies in James’ ability to engage and motivate our staff, cultivating a team of dedicated individuals who eagerly embraced their new learning opportunities. What sets James apart is his exceptional willingness to co-design learning experiences tailored to our staff’s needs, while effectively contextualizing them for the entire school. The most unexpected aspect of working with James is the profound personal growth experienced as a result. James empowers us to become better leaders by igniting our passion, deepening our understanding of effective leadership practices, and guiding us towards impactful actions. The impact of James’ work is evident in the positive transformations observed in our teachers, students, and overall school culture. Teachers have embraced new approaches and strategies, resulting in increased student engagement and improved academic outcomes.”
Principal
Ipswich Central State School
3 Ways You Can Get Started
1
Downloadable resources for schools and parents
2
On-demand Learner Agency masterclass
3
My latest thinking on learnership, growth mindsets and future-ready capabilities