Green Learning Institute LogoThe Learning Institute is a research unit focused on exploring the many dimensions of learning sciences, with the goal of using our findings to inform curricular and pedagogical practices. The institute brings together faculty, staff and students from across disciplines to understand learning phenomenon, advance student success and drive university innovation.

Our work includes

  • Exploring human learning by engaging faculty, staff, and students with a variety of expertise, disciplinary perspectives and research interests
  • Funding and supporting scholarly opportunities with the intellectual power and resources of a research institute
  • Building on existing research and highlighting work already happening on campus for even bigger scholastic endeavors
  • Translating research into usable findings like teaching guides to foster partnerships between researchers and practitioners
  • Supporting the work of the Curriculum Connector and Teaching Hub to development new strategies, policies and practices for student success

The Learning Institute will engage faculty, staff, and students through a series of opportunities: informal gatherings, seminars featuring both external and internal experts, and the facilitation of research communities and projects.

Current Projects

The Learning Institute currently has over 65 members from over a dozen departments. Participation requires only an interest in research of learning and teaching.

We have a number of research topics we plan to pursue within small research communities, made up of institute members engaged in complimentary 
scholarship. Each community will have a lead faculty member and oppourtunity for graduate assistant and institutional support.

Research Community Topics

A lab worker looks into a microscope.
STEM Learning Environments
STEM Learning Environments
A silhouette stands in front of AI-generated artwork of eyes.
Generative AI in Education and the Workplace
Generative AI in Education and the Workplace
An education student participates in a VR training session, which includes a simulated classroom.
Research-Practice Partnerships
Research-Practice Partnerships
A service dog wears a lab coat, goggles and feet coverings during a lab session.
Accessible and Inclusive Learning Environments
Accessible and Inclusive Learning Environments
A man works on a drone at a desk.
Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments
Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments
Two people talk next to a posterboard.
Organizational Learning and Systems
Organizational Learning and Systems
Two people work at a virtual anatomage table.
Neuroscience and Learning
Neuroscience and Learning

Learning Institute Leadership

Dr. Carrie Allen
Co-Director
Department of Educational Psychology
Contact Information
Faculty Profile
Dr. Carrie Allen
Dr. Yunjo An
Co-Director
Department of Learning Technologies
Contact Information
Faculty Profile
Dr. Yunjo An

The Learning Institute co-directors are joined by a steering committee composed of faculty and staff with relevant expertise to provide a breadth of perspective and to ensure involvement of different campus units. The steering committee members will help shape the development, direction, goals and practices of the unit; prioritize projects and recruit participants; and oversee financial and human resources to ensure meaningful impact.

Partners

The Learning Institute is intended to be a unit that connects the broad learning science researchers at UNT. In particular, we anticipate working closely with the following groups.
A researcher stands next to a poster wall and talks to UNT mascot Scrappy the Eagle.
Division of Research and Innovation
Division of Research and Innovation
A graduate or doctoral student participates in commencement ceremonies, with a faculty member placing a hood on her.
Toulouse Graduate School
Toulouse Graduate School
A teacher sits at a table with three elementary-aged students doing crafts.
Community partners
Community partners
Independent school districts, community colleges and other partners in the larger regional learning ecosystem
College students sit in a classroom with their hands raised.
UNT learning scientists
UNT learning scientists
The many, many academic colleges and departments where learning scientists live

Connect with us!

Contact the Learning Institute via email at learning.institute@unt.edu