Earl Woodruff
Associate Professor
Applied Psychology and Human Development
University of Toronto
Canada
Biography
Dr. Woodruff was appointed new Chair of the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development for a five-year term beginning July 1, 2015. His scholarship and teaching focus on computer supported learning environments and flexible modes of education; technology, play and gaming. His recent research interests have incorporated investigations into emotion and cognitive engagement. In this work, computerized real-time measurement of facial expressions is used to improve academic performance with higher levels of engagement through the real-time monitoring of student emotions-emotions directly linked to academic learning, classroom instruction, and achievement. He anticipates that this research will lead to greater understanding of engagement in learning, and provide a means to help students regulate their own learning, manage learning anxiety, and experience knowledge building as fun--factors likely to encourage them to stay in school, and lead to other results of significant value to education. In applied practice, Dr. Woodruff is interested in initial education and the development of the teacher as a practitioner/researcher. Dr. Woodruff was appointed new Chair of the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development for a five-year term beginning July 1, 2015. His scholarship and teaching focus on computer supported learning environments and flexible modes of education; technology, play and gaming. His recent research interests have incorporated investigations into emotion and cognitive engagement. In this work, computerized real-time measurement of facial expressions is used to improve academic performance with higher levels of engagement through the real-time monitoring of student emotions-emotions directly linked to academic learning, classroom instruction, and achievement. He anticipates that this research will lead to greater understanding of engagement in learning, and provide a means to help students regulate their own learning, manage learning anxiety, and experience knowledge building as fun--factors likely to encourage them to stay in school, and lead to other results of significant value to education. In applied practice, Dr. Woodruff is interested in initial education and the development of the teacher as a practitioner/researcher.
Research Interest
Applied Psychology and Human Development Curriculum, Teaching and Learning
