David Whitebread

David Whitebread is a developmental cognitive psychologist and early years specialist. Before joining the Faculty he taught in Primary schools, mainly in Leicestershire, for 12 years. His research interests are concerned with children's cognitive development and implications for early years and primary education.

A particular focus has been the development of metacognitive awareness and strategic control in relation to a number of areas of learning. These have included children's problem solving and reasoning, mathematical strategies and road safety skills. Other interests include children learning through play, evolutionary psychology and the the application of cognitive neuroscience to education. His current research focus is concerned with the early development of metacognition and self-regulation in young children, and with the role of play and language in supporting this development.