Our focus is on ways in which learning environments and within-child factors shape cognitive, language, social, emotional and physical development from birth-to-twelve. We are interested in gathering descriptive, correlational and causal evidence. We apply state-of-the-art quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research. We disseminate best practice on methodology especially for longitudinal studies, case studies, and RCTs, and in designing, implementing and evaluating interventions.
CDL’s innovative and influential research is recognised worldwide as outstanding for its theoretical advances, methodological rigour and applications to early and primary education. Our research bridges the gap between theory and practice because it is focused on questions of wellbeing and achievement that matter to policymakers, teachers, families and children. Some of our work synthesises cross-linguistic and cross-cultural trends in the study of children’s learning and is redefining traditional conceptualisations about education and the developing child. Our research has had impact on educational policies in the UK and other high- and low-income countries.