Hmelo-Silver named Jacobs Chair

Dr. Cindy Hmelo-Silver, professor of Learning Sciences and Director of the Center for Research on Learning and Technology (CRLT), has been named Jacobs Chair.

Monday, August 31, 2015

Dr. Cindy Hmelo-Silver, professor of Learning Sciences and Director of the Center for Research on Learning and Technology (CRLT), has been named Jacobs Chair.

The Jacobs Educator Award, supported by the Barbara B. Jacobs Chair in Education and Technology, recognizes Pre-K-12 teachers across the United States who are using technology to support innovative inquiry-based teaching and learning activities in their classrooms.

Inquiry-based learning involves learners in solving meaningful problems or answering authentic questions. Several models for approaching inquiry exist in education. Some approaches focus on “ill-structured” problems that demand being considering by varying perspectives. Others emphasize active involvement and collaboration. In all forms of inquiry, though, teachers have to provide leaners with the kinds of supports and multi-media sources they need to solve problems successfully. 

Hmelo-Silver’s vision for the chair is to advance both researchers’ and teachers’ understanding of how learning is advanced through technology in guided, “learner centered” and personalized environments. Her research embeds learning in meaningful problems and tasks. 

Hmelo-Silver on receiving the award:

“I am honored to have been awarded the Barbara B. Jacobs Chair in Education and Technology. The Jacobs chair will help bring cutting-edge research to local and national stakeholders and K-12 teachers via outreach and research collaborations. My vision is to advance research in innovative technology to support learning and ambitious learner outcomes.”

Said Dean Terrence Mason, “The Jacobs Chair is fortunate to have Cindy at the helm. Her directorship of the CRLT is an ideal fit that will ultimately benefit K-12 teachers and students tremendously.”