About the Laboratory for the Study of Pedagogy
The Laboratory for the Study of Pedagogy houses two research groups, which work in close collaboration: the Discourse, Practice, and Change in Education Group (led by Adam Lefstein) and the Learning in Informal Environments Group (led by Dana Vedder-Weiss). Laboratory researchers examine a variety of aspects of educational work inside and outside schools, as well as factors that shape learning and instructional processes among children and adults in different contexts. We collaborate with teachers and other educators to develop research knowledge that contributes to educational practice, to improving formal and informal educational systems, and to advancing a more just society. Laboratory researchers come from a variety of disciplines (linguistics, sociology, discourse analysis, anthropology, philosophy, and psychology), with backgrounds in the study of learning and instruction in a variety of domains (sciences, mathematics, language arts, art, civics, etc.). The researchers share an interest in issues that shape educational practice, including pedagogy and learning inside and outside schools; teacher professional discourse; professional development; educational policy enactment; and educational change.
Joint Research Studies:
Developing Pedagogical Leadership and Discourse
The study examines teacher discourse in teacher team meetings in schools and ways to improve that discourse. The study is conducted in collaboration with teachers, principals, coaches, and supervisors in two school districts, as part of a national teacher leadership initiative (hashkafa).
Meaningful Learning through Academically Productive Dialogue
An experimental study examining the interrelationship between classroom discourse, cognitive skills, learning motivation, and academic achievement. The study is funded by the Israel Science Foundation, as a Center for Excellence, in collaboration with researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv University.
