Shauna C. Larson Endowed Chair in the Learning Sciences at the University of Washington College
Nominated by: Ann Thompson
Dr. John D. Bransford holds the Shauna C. Larson Endowed Chair in the Learning Sciences at the University of Washington College of education, and is founding director of the LIFE Center (Learning in Informal and Formal Environments). Prior to coming to UW he held the position of Centennial Professor at Vanderbilt University and was founding director of its Learning Technology Center
Bransford’s work has focused on collaborative tools and ways of teaching, learning and working that bring together the varied kinds of expertise necessary to support systems – and community-wide approaches to learning . For example, almost any project requires experts in (a) particular content areas (b) theories of learning, engagement, assessment and transfer; (c) informal learning; (d) socio cultural strengths and opportunities of students and communities; (e) organizational learning, leadership and design; (f) procedures ongoing professional development; (f) outstanding knowledge and community centered teaching; (g) technology support whenever possible.
Bransford has had the honor of co-editing a series of seminal books with members of the National Academy of Science, the National Academy of Education, and members of a MacArthur Network, and this has led to opportunities to interact with (and learn from) educational theorists and leaders across the world. Bransford’s research is based on the idea of creating working partnerships, and technology tools to support them, which allow groups of people (including students) to work together in ways that are beneficial for all parties involved.
