CONNECT modules are practice-focused instructional resources for faculty and other professional development providers. CONNECT modules are designed using a 5-Step Learning CycleTM, an approach for making evidence-based decisions about practice dilemmas, based on the integration of multiple sources of evidence. The modules are designed to build early childhood practitioners’ abilities to make evidence-based decisions. They emphasize a decision-making process, realistic problems to solve, the importance of integrating multiple perspectives and sources of evidence, the relevance and quality of content, and feedback. Information is presented in a variety of formats including audio and video clips, activities, and handouts and the modules are easily adaptable to the needs of multiple audiences and contexts. There are also many resources to support instructors in using the modules. All are available at no cost.
Collaboration is a driving force throughout the work of CONNECT. Module topics were determined by the needs of faculty and other professional development providers, administrators, and families. And modules are being developed with constant feedback, testing, and refining based on people’s experiences. The flow of knowledge must be two-way and ongoing – a notion that serves as a core value of our work.
CONNECT's efforts are led by researchers from 2 universities: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Pam Winton & Virginia Buysse) and University of Kentucky (Beth Rous).
Available modules include (English and Spanish):
- Embedded Interventions
- Transition
- Communication for Collaboration
- Family-Professional Partnerships
- Assistive Technology Interventions
- Dialogic Reading Practices
- Tiered Instruction (Social Emotional and Academic Learning)
