Check out the most recent blog posts from LIAS on the Science of Learning and Development (2 parts) and HOMAGO!

The Science of Learning and Development
The Learning in Afterschool & Summer (LIAS) recently released the two-part series blog “The Science of Learning and Development.” In this two-part blog, Dr. Deborah Moroney, the Managing Director at the American Institutes for Research (AIR), is interviewed about her work with the Science of Learning and Development (SoLD) Alliance. She recently authored a briefing paper entitled, “The Science of Learning and Development in Afterschool Systems and Settings.” 

In Part 1, she discusses mainly her work with SoLD Alliance and how this work will contribute to afterschool settings and systems.  
In Part 2, this discussion is continued with an emphasis on her brief and how this work will also contribute to afterschool.

Along with this interview, she was a featured speaker at the How Kid’s Learn Speaker’s Forum along with CAN’s own Jeff Davis, AIR’s Dr. Femi Vance, and participants from All Stars Project of the San Francisco Bay Area. Check out the two-part interview with Dr. Moroney! 

What is HOMAGO?
HOMAGO is an acronym for Hang Out, Mess Around, Geek Out, a self-directed structure that can support informal, peer-led learning structures for youth. Bryan Belknap along with his colleagues at the Free Library of Philadelphia have been using this term to describe the three core protective factors developed by using a Positive Youth Development framework: positive relationships (hang out), clear, fair and high expectations (mess around, understanding how to use the materials and tools) and opportunities to connect, navigate and to be productive (geek out). HOMAGO is backed by research, which demonstrates high retention of learning, development of problem-solving skills, and critical thinking skills.