Learning in Informal and Formal Environments (LIFE) Center an NSF Science of Learning Center

Kuhl, P. K. (December, 2007). Language as a human specialization. NSF Workshop, Neuroscience and Education, Washington, DC.

Researcher: Andrew N. Meltzoff, Patricia Kuhl

Drs. Meltzoff and Kuhl gave a workshop on the science of learning to the Economic Opportunities Institute (EOI). EOI is a think-tank consisting of industry leaders who are interested in building long-term economic security for working families in Washington State. It is focused on issues of diversity and equity in early childhood education and steps that can be taken to close the “preparation gap” that exists in families of low socioeconomic status as they prepare their children for formal schooling.

Researcher: Patricia Kuhl

To encourage interaction among scientists interested in the neuroscience and education, the NSF Science of Learning Center Program sponsored an NSF Workshop entitled,

“Educational Neuroscience” which was held on December 6-7, 2007 at NSF. The broad goal of the workshop was to envision the future of educational neuroscience and to make recommendations for how to stimulate and nurture good research and practice in this emerging field. Invitees included those in the fields of brain science, human biology (especially genetics), and cognitive science, and covered learning and development in all contexts. Dr. Patricia Kuhl shared information on scientific advances on early language learning, and the implications of these findings for education.