Spending two days last week at conferences emphasizing Lifelong Learning and Leadership (see related article) reminded me of the valuable leadership role that laboratory schools play in the lifelong learning processes of diverse individuals.  Let’s consider the impact we are having during this one semester relative to our mission statement.

Research occurring in the laboratories of our developmental psychology faculty improves the scientific foundations of our field, and much of it can be directly applied to our work at the Children’s School.  In fact, Dr. Carver is currently using a textbook written by Dr. Robert Siegler.  Many of the studies reported in the text was conducted at the Children’s School and some of our children were filmed, with parent permission, for the accompanying video CD.  The 88 undergraduates in this Principles of Child Development class are observing developmental milestones at our school and learning to relate their observations to course themes and theories.  Twenty-four undergraduates taking Research Methods courses are learning the practical aspects of conducting individual research sessions with young children and of designing experiments that are both theoretically interesting and manageable to conduct and analyze.  Four practicum students are exploring the applications of developmental theory as they assist in classrooms and then discuss their experiences.  Research Trainee Haley Vlach is conducting her first independent research project, and graduate student Erin Hahn is beginning the next study in her doctoral research program (see Current Research section).
Our children’s programs are designed to provide broad foundations for lifelong learning.  The wide variety of intriguing activities prompted many of our adult Open House visitors last month to comment that they would like to go to preschool here.  We do offer many opportunities for parents to engage in learning with us, such as newsletters, brown bags, and parent-teacher conferences.  We also welcome parents to share their areas of interest and expertise with us, particularly as they relate to our themes of study. 

Professionals from a wide range of centers observe at the Children’s School and take formal professional development seminars from our staff.  This month, we will host educators from nearby Point Park College and a delegation of early childhood professionals from China.  Last month, we had 19 students from Duquesne University’s “Educated Citizenry” class spending a week with us, and we have a student teacher from the University of Pittsburgh.  We hope that all of these individuals will use what they have learned here to inspire lifelong learning in their future students.

Thanks for helping to make these enriching learning experiences possible by choosing to participate in Carnegie Mellon’s laboratory school.  Please feel free to suggest additional ways that we could facilitate your lifelong learning process.