“Where the science of learning meets the global learning challenge” in “Insights from the science of learning for education: leveraging scientific knowledge for innovations in teaching and learning” – UNESCO DOC

Can the science of learning offer new and exciting pathways to optimize education for all? You bet! Check out Kathy’s chapter in Unesco’s new volume HERE…

“Putting Digital Media in Balance: The Importance of Human-to-Human Interaction for Young Children” in “Handbook of Children and Screens”

“Research suggests that parents and caregivers are concerned about their children’s increasing screen media use. While the focus to date has primarily been on the number of hours of screen media use and the educational content screens offer, the latest research suggests a more nuanced approach is needed that focuses on the impact of screen media use on human-to-human interaction. Here, we explore the latest science demonstrating that human-to-human, socially contingent, and responsive interactions underlie healthy physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development. We ask how children’s use of screens—especially without parents, caregivers, and peers—may impact the human-to-human interaction that our social brain requires. The impacts of caregivers’ use of digital technologies are also discussed. Finally, we suggest that co-viewing and joint media engagement may offer a path forward for families that is grounded in the reality of screen use but is also supported by the science of supportive, caring, and contingent relationships.” READ MORE...

“How Technology Can Give Our Talk Life” – Psychology Today, November 25, 2024

“In a world saturated with technology, with connection a click away, we may well wonder: Why are so many adults and kids feeling anxious, withdrawn, or depressed? As Jonathan Haidt argues in his controversial 2024 book The Anxious Generation, children’s attention has shifted drastically to the virtual world. The effects are profound, and profoundly negative, especially for teenage girls. As Haidt puts it, many kids are experiencing a “tidal wave” of suffering…..

This is where the work of researchers including Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek comes in. Hirsh-Pasek and colleagues have shown the profound impact of environmental prompts on sparking meaningful conversations. Their research, involving simple prompts in grocery stores (like “Where does milk come from?”) and playful learning landscapes like “Parkopolis” and “Fraction Ball,” has shown how subtle changes to play spaces can ignite richer interactions and learning opportunities….” READ MORE…

“An SOS to the incoming administration for America’s children and families” – Brookings Institute, November 8, 2024

“Children do not vote, so it is easy to deprioritize their needs. But adults in their families do, and many of them hope Donald Trump and the Republican party can reduce financial burdens so that they can comfortably raise children. President-elect Trump will now have a chance to push legislation through Congress that can lower prices for all Americans and especially working families. As he said during the debate, ‘people can’t go out and buy cereal or bacon or eggs or anything else.’” READ MORE…