I-LABS’ discoveries show peaks and valleys in learning. Young children are geniuses at learning multiple languages, while adults struggle. Studies will allow us to understand whether similar “windows of opportunity” exist for other content areas, such as social-emotional and cognitive development. Is there a critical time to learn compassion, impulse control, self-esteem or mindfulness of self and others? A first deliverable is a time-windows learning map, which will describe the time in development when windows of opportunity are open and when they begin to close for specific learning domains. A second deliverable is a learning-trigger guide, which will describe why specific triggers initiate, impede or enhance learning at various ages and the mechanisms regulating these triggers. Our work will identify the causes underlying and supporting infants’ exuberant learning, natural curiosity and “plasticity” for learning. When we know the triggers and the developmental windows, we will be in a powerful position to help design programs that maximize children’s early learning potential.
We will identify measures and tools to equip practitioners to gauge the progress of an individual child’s development, identify problem areas and, where appropriate, help design research-based interventions and assess their effectiveness. I-LABS research will allow us to provide diagnostic tools and intervention methods, thus bridging the gap from basic research to practice.
We will develop an understanding of the brain mechanisms that maximize learning in all children, regardless of the socio-economic and cultural circumstances of their birth. These include understanding how children’s initial capacities are affected by the richness of the learning opportunities in their individual environments, and how cultural stereotypes can raise or dampen expectations and aspirations of our young learners.
The science and practice of learning must be tightly coupled in order to maximize the benefit to society. Establishing ties to policymakers, innovators, educators, childcare providers, and parents and families is essential to ensure that the science is embraced and utilized. I-LABS will translate and help disseminate our scientific findings in actionable ways to help partner groups increase awareness about the importance of early learning and develop effective messages and programs. In turn, parents and educators will realize more successful outcomes for their children.
