How People Learn II: The Science and Practice of Learning

In 2000, the National Research Council published a synthesis of current knowledge about the science of learning (How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School) and described links between these findings from cognitive science and actual practice in the classroom. This book is widely used in college courses and identified new avenues for research. This project will update and extend the NRC report to include such rapidly growing fields as cognitive neuroscience and learning technologies. The project will focus on learning from birth through adulthood in formal and informal settings, and will target the research approaches with greatest potential to influence practice and policy. The final report will address individual learners' needs involving dimensions such as cultural concerns, learners with disabilities as well as other student populations at risk.

In order to complete this update, a committee of 16 experts was selected after a rigorous vetting process. The committee will conduct a series of 5 meetings, most with open sessions, to explore research related to critical issues and research on the science and practice of learning. Between meetings, the committee will work to synthesize relevant research literature and draft sections of the final report. The final consensus report will provide an interdisciplinary synthesis of research with recommendations about research and practice.