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Center for Innovation in Learning Design

Research with educators. Learning designs shaped by practice.

The Center for Innovation in Learning Design (CILD) brings researchers, educators, students and community partners together to study questions that matter in real learning settings. We work with partners to understand a challenge, design and test possible approaches, and share what we learn in forms educators can use.

Our work spans K–16 education and includes collaborative learning, STEM and engineering education, emerging technologies and opportunities for students to engage deeply with ideas. Across projects, we ask how learning experiences can help students explain their thinking, solve meaningful problems and learn with others.

Student Smiling at Steam Camp

Research and Practice Shape Each Other

A research–practice partnership begins with a question that matters to a school, district or community organization. Researchers and partners then decide together what they want to learn, what an approach could look like in context and what evidence would help them make decisions.

Partnerships may involve designing learning experiences, studying classroom practice, developing tools or professional learning, or examining an existing initiative. We begin with a conversation about the question, the people who should be involved and the time and resources available.

Our work in action

Each project story connects the challenge, the research and what partners can use or help shape next.

  • AI and collaborative learning

    How can AI support students as they reason together while keeping teachers and students in charge of learning?

  • Strengthening STEAM engagement and learning through school–university partnerships

    William & Mary brings together district educators, university researchers and undergraduate mentors to design engaging STEM experiences. Our research shows how mentors’ knowledge and experiences can contribute to instruction and offers practical guidance for preparing teams, adapting activities and using feedback to strengthen programs.