The Modules are based on research about teaching and learning.  For example, research finds that teachers teach best when they continue to learn about young children and about their own teaching practice.

Research also finds that learning is more likely to occur when the learner is engaged emotionally.

• Each Module, therefore, includes many activities that invite teachers to reflect on and deepen their understanding of their own learning.

Research finds that learning is more likely to occur when the learner is engaged socially and where there is genuine support for growth and change.

• Most of the activities in the Modules, therefore, are designed so that teachers work with learning partners and/or learning groups and eventually create a benefit from being part of communities of learners.

Research also finds that learning is more likely to occur when the learner is engaged intellectually.

• The Modules are, therefore, designed to introduce new information and perspectives that invite teachers to advance beyond what they already know.

Although many adults see social, emotional and intellectual learning as separate, they really aren't.  Instead, research shows that social, emotional and intellectual (SEI) learning are inextricably linked.

• The Modules, therefore, have been designed to help teachers "SEI" this in their own learning and in children's learning.

Finally, research finds that we learn best when we learn like scientists - that is, forming theories, testing out ideas, asking questions and inviting teachers to think like researchers - to follow their own questions, pursue answers and apply those answers to their lives and their teaching practice.