I-LABS has released an exciting new update to the online library of training modules: Spanish, Vietnamese, and Somali versions are now available for some languages. A ‘Languages’ drop-down menu on the module site now allows users to choose the language of module they would like to access. This addition to the module library – made possible through support of The … Read More
New Research: Infant-directed speech in English and Spanish
Recent I-LABS research explores the unique characteristics bilingual caregiver speech. Consonant length was measured in infant-directed versus adult-directed speech in monolingual and bilingual caregivers. Both groups exaggerated consonants when speaking to their infants, though different patterns were noted across consonant type and language context. Also, consonant length in bilingual caregiver speech varied by language proficiency. The findings of this study study … Read More
New Outreach Module: Learning to Make Things Happen: How Children Learn Cause-and-Effect
A new module on children’s causal learning was developed by former I-LABS postdoctoral research associate, Anna Waismeyer. In “Learning to Make Things Happen: How Children Learn Cause-and-Effect,” Dr. Waismeyer discusses how learning to use cause-and-effect is a critical part of a child’s cognitive development. The module also includes information on how to support children as they learn about cause-and-effect relations in … Read More
Beyond flattery: Why imitation could be humanity’s most distinctive feature
The Christian Science Monitor featured I-LABS Co-Director Andrew Meltzoff’s thoughts on his “like-me” theory of children’s imitation. Imitation is “a chief channel for learning to be a human,” Meltzoff says. “[Children] become little members of their culture by imitating those around them.” Read the article here.
Creating Bilingual Brains
A new I-LABS study shows that babies start developing bilingual skills with one hour of play per day. Being able to speak two languages has become one of the most desired skills of the 21st century. One common question asked by parents, teachers, and policymakers is: What does it take for babies to start developing bilingual skills? To find out, I-LABS … Read More
ParentMap Article Highlights I-LABS Research
A recent article on play highlights I-LABS studies. Outreach and education specialist Amelia Bachleda, Ph.D., was interviewed for ParentMap’s feature on the importance of play. From birth, she says, children are “scientists exploring the world, building their understanding of the world through play.” Read the article here. Parentmap is a trusted resource for Puget Sound-area parents. Their articles and partnerships emphasize community connections, … Read More
The National Science Foundation (NSF) features I-LABS work on Girls and STEM
Allison Master’s study on girls and STEM was featured on the NSF’s showScience 360. The NSF Science360 Video Library features videos of I-LABS Allison Master’s recently published research on getting young girls interested in STEM. Watch the video here. NSF Science360 Videos immerse visitors in the latest wonders of science, engineering, technology and math and promote cutting-edge discoveries and big science stories of … Read More
Toddlers learn how to make things happen by watching other people
A new I-LABS study shows that even children as young as two can learn valuable causal lessons from watching what others do. 24-month-old toddlers were able to learn new cause-and-effect relationships simply by “eavesdropping” on other people’s interactions with both people and objects. Toddlers were even able to learn when faced with imperfect causal evidence, when causes worked some, but … Read More
New Outreach Modules: “The Foundation of Literacy” and “The Development of Literacy.”
I-LABS is pleased to announce the launch of two modules on children’s literacy development. The modules were developed by I-LABS researcher Jason Yeatman, who worked closely with the I-LABS Outreach team as aHearst Fellow. Patrick Donnelly, Yeatman’s graduate student, also contributed to both modules. The Hearst Fellowship Program brings the scientific expertise of I-LABS researchers together with the translation and dissemination skills of the outreach team. … Read More
Can early experiences with computers, robots increase STEM interest among young girls?
Girls start believing they aren’t good at math, science and even computers at a young age — but providing fun STEM activities at school and home may spark interest and inspire confidence.A new I-LABS finds that, when exposed to a computer-programming activity, 6-year-old girls expressed greater interest in technology and more positive attitudes about their own skills and abilities than girls … Read More