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What's Happening at the Center for Research on Learning
The past year has seen numerous changes at the Center for Research on Learning.
Not only have we published two new manuals (Following Instructions Together and Vocabulary LINCing Routine), with a third very close to completion, but we've also scrutinized our inner workings and begun the process of streamlining our organization.
From this process emerged four distinct institutes that conduct research under the CRL umbrella:
- Institute for Effective Instruction: The Institute for Effective Instruction studies the underlying factors related to academic under-achievement and intervention strategies that dramatically improve the performance of learners. Although Strategic Instruction Model research is conducted primarily in this institute, the work of other CRL institutes often contributes to the knowledge generated here.
- The Advanced Learning Technologies Division: The Advanced Learning Technologies division studies ways technology can be used to enhance instruction.
- e-Learning Design Lab: The newly formed e-Learning Design Lab studies and develops online instructional models that incorporate validated principles of pedagogy. The Center for Research on Learning has teamed with researchers from the Information Telecommunications and Technology Center. ITTC staff bring the very best of technology to the lab's products.
- Division of Adult Studies: The Division of Adult Studies addresses issues in transition, education, employment, and quality-of-life of adults with disabilities.
In addition to clarifying and naming the institutes, our self-examination also resulted in a revised charter--including vision, mission, goals, and values--for the Center.
Vision
The CRL is an internationally recognized R&D organization noted for creating solutions that dramatically improve quality of life, learning, and performance...especially for those who experience barriers to success.
Mission
Our work centers on solving the problems that limit individuals' quality of life and their ability to learn and perform in school, work, home, or the community
Goals
Research: To conduct research that dramatically improves the quality of life in the school, workplace, home, and community for all individuals, but especially for those who experience barriers to success.
Development: To develop resources, technologies and procedures that facilitate learning, teaching, and advocacy for individuals.
Professional Development: To prepare others to use new knowledge and validated practices that improve quality-of-life outcomes.
Organizational Change: To promote public policy and reform in schools, social service agencies, and other institutions that enhance optimal learning, social proficiency, personal success, and appreciation of human diversity.
Dissemination: To share knowledge generated through research and development in ways that reach the largest possible audiences.
Values
Respect: We will treat all individuals with dignity by seeking to understand their point of view an by being sensitive to their feelings.
Integrity: We will apply the highest standards to our work. We will honor our agreements, and we will be honest in our dealings with others.
Teamwork: We will value diverse backgrounds and perspectives as we seek solutions to difficult problems.
Trust: We will trust the intentions and work done by our colleagues.
Comprehensive solutions: We will value most those solutions that impact the performance of all individuals, especially those individuals who are most vulnerable to failure or who confront significant barriers.
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