Peter Verkoeijen

Peter Verkoeijen holds dual academic appointments as an Endowed Professor in Methods & Skills at Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (Erasmus University Rotterdam) and Professor of Applied Sciences ('Lector') at the Brain and Learning Research Group, part of the Future-Proof Education Expertise Center at Avans University of Applied Sciences. His career began with a focus on cognitive psychology at Maastricht University, specializing in applied cognitive/educational psychology.

Verkoeijen's research centers on translating cognitive psychology principles (e.g., spacing effect, testing effect) into evidence-based educational practices. His work spans:

• Instructional design optimization for higher education
• Promotion of effective learning strategies (retrieval practice, spaced repetition)
• Self-regulated learning frameworks and formative assessment
• Open science and replication studies

His publication trends emphasize educational interventions, metacognitive strategies, and learning motivation in higher education, with recent work exploring pandemic-related social behavior and flexible learning environments.

Award highlights include:

• Psychology Education Prize (2013)
• Best PhD Supervisor Award (2020)
• EUR Education Prize nomination (2012)

He has supervised six PhD students (e.g., Nicole Goossens, Milou van Harsel) and secured grants including NRO Comenius Teaching Fellow and Senior Fellow grants. At Avans, he leads the Brain and Learning Research Group, developing tools for evidence-informed teaching.