Current Research Direction - Rogoff Research Group

Our research investigates the organization of teaching-and-learning processes in family settings and schools. We are especially interested in ways of organizing learning in communities with Indigenous-heritage and other communities of North and Central America and Mexican-heritage communities. (Other cultural communities are also of interest.)

We are examining the idea that in indigenous-heritage communities of Central America and North America, children are supported in learning through keenly observing ongoing community events in anticipation of growing participation, and collaborative group engagement. Our research suggests that experience in school as well as integration in community life play important roles in the forms of learning common in children's communities. With increasing participation in Western schooling, the learning approaches of both Mayan and US Mexican-heritage participants resemble those of middle-class US European-heritage participants.

We have organized a consortium on Learning Through Intent Community Participation, which meets annually (the UC Presidential Workshop). This was funded initially by the UC Presidential Chair, and now by the National Science Foundation.

Good overviews of our research:

Rogoff, B., Paradise, R., Mejía Arauz, R., Correa-Chávez, M., & Angelillo, C. (2003). Firsthand learning by intent participation. Annual Review of Psychology, 54. Available online.

Rogoff, B., Moore, L., Najafi, B., Dexter, A., Correa-Chávez, M., & Solís, J. (2007). Children’s development of cultural repertoires through participation in everyday routines and practices.  In J. E. Grusec & P. D. Hastings (Eds.), Handbook of socialization.  (pp. 490-515).  NY: Guilford.

Paradise, R., & B. Rogoff. (2009).  Side by side: Learning by observing and pitching in.  Ethos, 37(1): 102-138.

See also The Cultural Nature of Human Development

We have also been studying the processes of teaching and learning in an innovative elementary school that prioritizes learning as a community. This is a public school committed to collaborative relations between adults and children, as well as among children. It organizes the curriculum around the interests of the children, teachers, and parent volunteers. Learning together: Children and adults in a school community.