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Researchers and Course Instructors

Researchers

An essential role of the Early Learning Center for Research and Practice (ELC) involves supporting and hosting interdisciplinary research projects. Faculty and students from all departments of the university are welcome to collaborate with the ELC to implement research activities. The history of research at the ELC spans back to the early decades of the program’s existence, informing child studies in published works that date back to the 1930s. Recently, the ELC has supported a wide range of research on topics such as nutrition, literacy, physical activity, and teacher practice. A list of recent publications and presentations involving the ELC can be found here.

Course Instructors 

Another crucial function of the laboratory school is academic support. The Early Learning Center for Research and Practice educators engage in teacher education through instruction and mentorship of early childhood special education students throughout each academic year (more detail in For Students). The ELC sometimes has the capacity to support other departments, courses, and faculty across the college and university in design and implementation of activities to support student learning.

To inquire about conducting research or designing course support activities with the ELC, please contact us at elc@utk.edu.

Recent Studies at the Early Learning Center for Research and Practice

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The University of Tennessee’s College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences publishes an annual review of happenings from around the college in the Accolades magazine. In fall 2015, a study completed by Britt MacArthur was featured. She used the Early Learning Center as a site to compare physical activity in children playing active video games and playing outdoors. To read the full story, follow this link.