How People Learn: Bridging Research and Practice

This report asks how the insights from the research reviewed in the National Research Council's "How People Learn" (1999) can be incorporated into classroom practice. The report also suggests a research and development agenda that would inform and stimulate the required change. Following an introductory chapter that frames the agenda of the report, chapter 2 summarizes some of the key findings from "How People Learn" and outlines implications of those findings for teaching and for designing classroom environments. "How People Learn" is a large report; this document focuses on the findings and messages that are most relevant to classroom practice. Chapter 3 summarizes responses from educators and policymakers that were offered at a conference and workshop that discussed "How People Learn." More specific suggestions made by conference and workshop participants are incorporated into chapter 4, in which the workshop committee presents its recommendations for a research and development agenda. The agenda is organized around: (1) educational materials; (2) preservice and inservice education; (3) public policy; and (4) public opinion and the media. Appendixes list meeting participants with their biographical sketches. (Contains 58 references.) (SLD)