AT A GLANCE

Headquarters
Lawrence, Kansas

Year Founded
1978

Website
http://kucrl.ku.edu/

Mission:

The University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning studies problems in education and builds tools for educators. They work to develop creative solutions that positively impact all learners. Their “Possible Selves” tool focuses on supporting student motivation for learning. Using this tool, students set goals, create plans, and work toward their self-described desired future.

Vision:

The University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning exists because of a belief in challenging the educational status quo in all of its work. It believes in thinking differently about solutions to educational challenges.

Approach:

The KUCRL is involved with many projects throughout the state and nation.  Its researchers and project teams collaborate with a variety of funding agencies. Their expertise reflects depth of knowledge and skills across many different content areas.

Since its inception, the KUCRL’s work has expanded to encompass multiple research teams:

• The Advanced Learning Technologies (ALTEC) designs, develops, and evaluates the effective use of educational technologies in K-12 instruction.
• The Division of Adult Studies works to improve services for adults with disabilities or disadvantages and cultivates improved policies, systems, and practices.
• The E-Learning Research Collaborative studies and develops new uses of technology to improve online learning environments and pedagogy.
• The Institute for Research in Adolescent Learning designs and validates instructional practices, strategies, and programs that significantly enhance the achievement of adolescents who struggle with learning.
• The Kansas Coaching Project conducts research on instructional coaching— on-site professional development intended to teach educators how to use proven instructional methods.
• The Professional Development Research Institute studies ways to design and deliver quality professional learning opportunities and support to teachers and other school personnel, with the ultimate goal of improving student achievement.
• Research Collaboration provides professional development and evaluation for diverse education projects.
• The Institute for Content Area Learning and Teaching provides research on and development of instructional practices that enhance student learning and higher order reasoning in content area classes.

The extensive expertise represented in these teams coupled with the KUCRL’s commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration position the Center to successfully conduct significant, large-scale research projects; advise educators and policy makers on best practices; and deliver new and better methods and technologies to address education and quality-of-life challenges.

Impact:

In a 6-year study on college student athletes, those who engaged in using the Possible Selves tool earned higher grade-point averages (2.65) compared to control group students (2.25). With regard to graduation, 75% of the Possible Selves group had graduated in 6 years, compared to 45% of the control group.