The Learning and Mind Sciences emphasis area engages in
innovative and interdisciplinary research and training on the
foundations of human learning across three strands: Cognition,
Design, and Social Context; Assessment, Measurement, and
Psychometrics; and Neurodevelopment and Educational Research. Our
faculty and graduate students not only conduct research that has
implications for educational environments, but also work directly
within and in partnership with educational institutions and
learning contexts. This emphasis area also shares unique research
and graduate education connections with the UC Davis MIND
Institute.
Cynthia Carter Ching, an expert on technology and education,
represented the K-12 perspective at “Computers & Writing
2009: Ubiquitous and Sustainable Computing,” a conference hosted
at UC Davis during the summer 2009.
Peter Mundy, professor and director of educational research at
the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute, holds a multi-year grant
that has been designated a priority by the National Institutes of
Health (NIH). This project is designed to develop virtual reality
educational methods that can help very bright children with
autism improve social and emotional regulation skills that will
help them learn and adapt in school and vocational settings. In
fall 2009, Mundy launched the development phase of a virtual
reality lab, housed at the UC Davis Center for the Mind and
Brain.
Jamal Abedi was invited to the United Kingdom this fall to
present his findings on linguistic factors in the assessment
of English learners. He met with faculty and students at the
University of Bristol, and presented at an International
Conference on Education and Development at Oxford
University.
Tobin White, associate professor of mathematics education, is
investigating how collaborative problem-solving among students
using handheld computers can increase learning in algebra.
There are eight million exceptional children with special needs
in our American school system, such as children with learning
disabilities or neuro-developmental disorders like autism. They
have the right to appropriate and comparable educational
opportunities. Truly meeting the needs of these children
requires a commitment to integrating advances in educational
science, neuroscience, and social policy.
Jamal Abedi, professor of education, is an expert in the “how
to” of K-12 educational testing. He studies ways to make
assessments more accessible to all students including English
language learners and students with disabilities by examining
variables that interfere with students’ ability to properly
show what they know and are able to do..
