SLC Catalyst: Culture, Learning, and Development

Northwestern University, Evanston IL

Investigators

Abstract

American society is becoming increasingly multi-ethnic. Traditionally, however, issues of cultural diversity have been peripheral in core fields concerned with understanding learning and development. A science of learning must place these issues at the center of the scientific investigation of learning and development. The goal of this SLC Catalyst activity is to develop the conceptual, methodological and empirical underpinnings for the creation of a Center for the Study of Culture, Learning and Development. The project will focus on three activities: (1) conceptualize and operationalize a research agenda for the systematic study of culture, learning and development within an ecological framework, focusing in particular on the diverse cultural pathways of development across human groups; (2) build the partnerships needed to accomplish such an agenda; and (3) create a blueprint for the kinds of work practices, leadership and management structures, evaluation and dissemination efforts needed to support an efficient, critically reflective, and productive Center. The research agenda will address fundamental, unanswered questions about diverse cultural pathways of development. It will address fundamental methodological issues in the empirical investigation of complex social ecologies within an inter-disciplinary framework. A Center for the Study of Culture, Learning and Development will contribute to deeper understanding of both persistent and emergent social and educational dilemmas in our society, and, importantly, to the design of models aimed at improving life chances for the many in this country who historically have been underserved by educational and public service efforts.