About the Lab
The PEERS Lab studies social and emotional development and academic learning during childhood and adolescence.
Our research primarily focuses on the development and learning of socially and economically marginalized children and adolescents and factors that enhance or undermine their resiliency.
Developmental Science
Using theoretical perspectives from Developmental Science and Developmental Psychopathology, the PEERS Lab investigates the developmental course of social, emotional and academic competencies and problems during childhood and adolescence. Our research primarily focuses on children growing up in the context of low-income and examines sources of resiliency among marginalized and racialized children and adolescents. We are particularly interested in how relationships with peers and teachers and setting-level processes (e.g., classroom quality, instructional practices) affect the developmental competencies of marginalized and racialized children and adolescents.
Applied Developmental Science
The PEERS lab integrates the conceptual frameworks of Applied Developmental Science, Developmental Psychopathology and Prevention Science to examine evidence-informed practices in classroom and school settings. We are primarily interested in how evidence-informed practices promote positive peer relationships and social, emotional and academic competencies for marginalized and racialized children and adolescents. This work is most often conducted in collaboration with schools, community agencies and non-governmental organizations.
Current Projects
Early Learning Project
The Early Learning Project is a 3-year investigation of how interactions among children and teachers in the classroom relate to children’s self-regulation, engagement in learning and early academic skills from kindergarten through grade 2. This project is a collaboration with Edmonton Catholic School District (ECSD) and is generously funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Insight Grant program.
Early Literacy Supports
The Early Literacy Supports Project is a 2-year investigation of how classroom instructional practices and individualized literacy supports combine to foster children’s executive functions, early literacy skills, and long-term reading development. This project is generously funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Insight Development Grant program.
Inclusive Classrooms
The Inclusive Classrooms Project is a 1-year investigation of how children’s dyadic interactions with peers and teachers in the classroom relate to their intergroup social cognitions and inclusive play behaviours. This project is generously funded by the Killam Cornerstone Research Program.