Informal learning is life-long; crossing place and time. How do we best conceptualize, support, and assess life-long learning? How do informal learning experiences contribute to early passion that can catalyze and sustain later learning? How do we build educational infrastructure to support meaningful learning pathways that cross formal and informal boundaries? What do learning pathways look like in science? In the arts?

P U B L I C A T I O N S

Hecht, M. & Crowley, K. (2020). Unpacking the learning ecosystem framework: Lessons from the adaptive management of biological systems. Journal of the Learning Sciences, 2(29), 264-284.

Bonnette, R. N., Crowley, K., & Schunn, C. D. (2019). Falling in love and staying in love with science: ongoing informal science experiences support fascination for all childrenInternational Journal of Science Education41(12), 1626-1643.

Hecht, M., Knutson, K. & Crowley, K. (2019) Becoming a naturalist: Interest development across the learning ecology. Science Education, 103(3), 691-713.

Russell, J. L., Kehoe, S. & Crowley, K. (2017). Linking in and out-of-school learning. In K. Peppler (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Out-of-School Learning. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Louw, M., Barbuto, N., & Crowley, K. (2017). Designing Learning Pathways in a Complex Learning Ecology: A Research Practice Partnership Focused on Parent Brokering. In B. DiSalvo, J. Yip, E. Bonsignore, & C. DiSalvo (Eds), Participatory Design for Learning: Perspectives from Research and Practice. New York, NY: Routledge. pp. 93-112.

Dorph, R., Schunn, C., & Crowley, K. (2017). Crumpled molecules and edible plastic: Science learning Activation in Out-of-School Time. Afterschool Matters, 25, pp. 18-28.

Crowley, K., Barron, B.J., Knutson, K., & Martin, C. (2015). Interest and the development of pathways to science. In Interest in Mathematics and Science Learning. In K. A. Renninger, M. Nieswandt, and S. Hidi (Eds.). Washington DC: AERA.

Russell, J., Knutson, K., & Crowley, K. (2013).  Informal learning organizations as part of an educational ecology: Lessons from collaboration across the formal/informal divide. Journal of Educational Change, 14(3): 259-281.

Knutson, K., Crowley, K., Russell, J., & Steiner, M.A. (2011). Approaching art education as an ecology: Exploring the role of museums. Studies in Art Education, 52 (4), 310-322.

Eberbach, C.E. & Crowley, K. (2009). From Everyday to Scientific Observation: How Children Learn to Observe the Biologist's World. Review of Educational Research, 79 (1), 39-69.

Knutson, K. (2004). What does a lifelong learning community look like? Pulling it all together. In M.Maher, (ed.) The 21st Century Learner: The continuum begins with early learning. (44-45). Washington, DC. Association of Children’s Museums.


Funding provided by: Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Grable Foundation, W.T. Grant Foundation, and Spencer Foundation.