Foundations of Cognitive Learning Lab
What We Do
The FOCAL Lab studies the cognitive processes that underpin learning throughout the school years. The cognitive foundations that are central to our studies include motivation, executive function and self-regulation, sensorimotor and visuospatial processing, phonological skills, and general knowledge of the world.
What We Study
Using multiple methods such as secondary analysis of large-scale databases, intervention and measurement development, and randomized control trials (RCTs), we study the cognitive processes that underpin learning throughout the school years.
What We Hope
These processes are fundamental to adaptive school performance and achievement in the traditional areas of mathematics and literacy achievement, and as such, are situated within students’ social contexts.
Lab News
Q&A: Is General Knowledge the Key to Improving Student Learning?
New evidence from UVA researchers suggests that focusing on building students’ general knowledge about the world could significantly boost reading scores and narrow achievement gaps.
FOCAL Lab Research
Faculty Associated
Department or Center Associated
Associated Faculty
Julia Blodgett
- Associate Professor
- Clinical Psychologist
- Director of Assessment Services
Jamie DeCoster
- Research Associate Professor
Nancy L. Deutsch
- Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs
- Linda K. Bunker Professor of Education
- Director, Youth-Nex
David W. Grissmer
- Research Professor
Chris S. Hulleman
- Research Professor of Education and Public Policy