We’re unveiling the science of learning.
At the Johns Hopkins School of Education, we are dedicated to advancing our understanding of how we learn. For one, technology is reshaping education, transforming the way we teach and engage with students every day. In parallel, breakthroughs in neuroscience are providing fresh insights into our cognitive processes, empowering us to optimize pedagogical approaches. Moreover, the evolving demands of our diverse student populations are driving us to uncover innovative strategies that promote inclusive and transformative learning environments.
Our mission extends beyond research alone. We are committed to equipping educators with evidence-based strategies through impactful curriculum development and comprehensive teacher preparation programs. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships, we strive to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, and build learning environments where every student can thrive and succeed.
Advancing Pedagogical Practices
Our learning and instruction research spans content areas and grade levels, and has an impact not just on student achievement, but also on policy, practice, and professional development.
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Academic Programs
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Centers and Institutes
Academic Programs
Centers and Institutes
PEOPLE OF SOE
Jonathan Plucker, PhD
Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs
“Society puts a premium on producing novel, useful ideas, and universities are building that into the curriculum. What we’re really talking about is creativity — the engine behind innovation — and we are identifying new ways to measure it.”
Jonathan Plucker is an educational psychologist whose research examines education policy and talent development. His work defining and studying excellence gaps is part of a larger effort to reorient the thinking of policymakers and educators toward promoting achievement for all children. He has long studied creativity and innovation, especially how to help students develop lifelong creative skills.
Our Learning and Instruction Experts
The Johns Hopkins School of Education is home to some of the nation’s top experts, thought leaders, and mentors in the fields of learning and instruction.
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Marcia Davis, PhD
Associate Professor (Research)
Co-Director, Center for Social Organization of Schools
Director of Research, Baltimore Education Research ConsortiumAffiliation
Center for Social Organization of Schools, SOE Leadership
Expertise
Learning & Instruction, Research, Evaluation & Assessment
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James Diamond, PhD
Assistant Professor
Affiliation
Counseling & Educational Studies
Expertise
Educational Technology, Learning & Instruction
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Hunter Gehlbach, PhD
Professor
Faculty Lead, PhD ProgramAffiliation
Advanced Studies in Education
Expertise
Learning & Instruction, Measurement & Research Methodologies
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Keri M. Guilbault, EdD
Associate Professor
Interim Director, Doctor of Education Program
Faculty Lead, Gifted Education ProgramsAffiliation
Counseling & Educational Studies
Expertise
Gifted Education, Learning & Instruction
Marcia Davis, PhD
Associate Professor (Research)
Co-Director, Center for Social Organization of Schools
Director of Research, Baltimore Education Research Consortium
Affiliation
Center for Social Organization of Schools, SOE Leadership
Expertise
Learning & Instruction, Research, Evaluation & Assessment
James Diamond, PhD
Assistant Professor
Affiliation
Counseling & Educational Studies
Expertise
Educational Technology, Learning & Instruction
Hunter Gehlbach, PhD
Professor
Faculty Lead, PhD Program
Affiliation
Advanced Studies in Education
Expertise
Learning & Instruction, Measurement & Research Methodologies
Keri M. Guilbault, EdD
Associate Professor
Interim Director, Doctor of Education Program
Faculty Lead, Gifted Education Programs
Affiliation
Counseling & Educational Studies
Expertise
Gifted Education, Learning & Instruction
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Andrea Harkins-Brown, EdD
Assistant Research Scientist
Affiliation
Center for Technology in Education
Expertise
Learning & Instruction
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Ranjini Mahinda JohnBull, PhD
Associate Professor
Affiliation
Advanced Studies in Education
Expertise
Learning & Instruction, Mind, Brain, & Teaching
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Jonathan Plucker, PhD
Research Professor
Faculty Lead, Master of Science in Education PolicyAffiliation
Counseling & Educational Studies
Expertise
Education Policy & Politics, Gifted Education, Learning & Instruction
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Laura Flores Shaw, EdD
Assistant Professor
Faculty Lead, Doctor of EducationAffiliation
Advanced Studies in Education
Expertise
Learning & Instruction
Andrea Harkins-Brown, EdD
Assistant Research Scientist
Affiliation
Center for Technology in Education
Expertise
Learning & Instruction
Ranjini Mahinda JohnBull, PhD
Associate Professor
Affiliation
Advanced Studies in Education
Expertise
Learning & Instruction, Mind, Brain, & Teaching
Jonathan Plucker, PhD
Research Professor
Faculty Lead, Master of Science in Education Policy
Affiliation
Counseling & Educational Studies
Expertise
Education Policy & Politics, Gifted Education, Learning & Instruction
Laura Flores Shaw, EdD
Assistant Professor
Faculty Lead, Doctor of Education
Affiliation
Advanced Studies in Education
Expertise
Learning & Instruction
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Alexandra Shelton, PhD
Assistant Professor
Affiliation
Innovative Teaching & Leadership
Expertise
Learning & Instruction, Special Education
Alexandra Shelton, PhD
Assistant Professor
Affiliation
Innovative Teaching & Leadership
Expertise
Learning & Instruction, Special Education