Dr. Carol O’Donnell
(202) 208-3749
Carol.ODonnell@ed.gov

The purpose of the Cognition and Student Learning (Cognition) research program is to improve student learning by applying recent advances in cognitive science to education practice. The objectives of the Cognition research program are to: (1) explore underlying processes involved in reading, writing, mathematics, or science that are associated with student achievement in the relevant domain, for the purpose of identifying potential targets of intervention; (2) develop innovative interventions—instructional approaches, practices, and curricula—for improving student learning; (3) establish the efficacy of fully developed interventions and approaches for improving student learning with efficacy or replication trials; and (4) develop and/or validate measurement tools that can be used to improve student learning and achievement.

The long-term outcome of this program will be an array of tools and strategies (e.g., instructional approaches, computer tutors) that are based on principles of learning and information processing gained from cognitive science and that have been documented to be efficacious for improving learning in education delivery settings from prekindergarten through high school and for vocational or adult basic education or developmental (remedial)/bride programs for under-prepared college students.