For his contributions in systematically applying the cognitive psychological approach to studying different aspects of the Philippine educational experience. He has applied cognitive psychological theoretical frameworks, constructs, methods and analysis to understanding specific psychological processes related to mathematical learning and problem solving, the role of language in learning, literacy development, student academic achievement, teacher development among others. In his well-defined long-term research programs, he has combined these tools of cognitive science with critical socio-cultural analysis, resulting in a body of work published in international and national journals and books that features highly theoretical cognitive models and also contextualized and practical analyses of various educational phenomena.
Birthdate: 25 March 1967
Educational Background:
- B.A. (magna cum laude) - University of the Philippines Diliman 1987
- M.S. Cognitive Psychology - Yale University 1990
- M.Phil Cognitive Psychology - Yale University 1991
- Ph D. Cognitive Psychology - Yale University 1992
Research Interest:
- Social and cultural dimensions of learning
- Achievement motivation
- Cognitions about learning
- Mathematical learning and problem solving
- Language and learning
- Learning and problem solving in billinguals
- Teacher cognitions and teacher development
- Educational reform and policy
Most important studies done
- Mechanisms of schema acquisition in mathematical problem solving through analogical transfer
- The effects of language in mathematical problem solving among billinguals
- Cognitive consequences and social cognitive dimensions of literacy and literacy development
- Cultural dimentsions of socio-cognitive constructs of academic achievement motivation
Honors and Awards Received:
- 1995 - Outstanding Young Scientist Award - National Academy of Science and Technology
- 1996 - International Award for Literacy Research - UNESCO Institute for Education
- 1996 - Spencer Fellowship in Education - National Academy of Education, USA
- 1996 - Third Prize, Philippine Talent Search for Young Scientist - National Academy of Science and Technology
- 2000 - Outstanding Monograph Award - National Academy of Science and Technology
- 2002 - Achievement Award for Research in Social Science - National Research Council of the Philippines
- 2003 - The Outstanding Young Men Award - Philippine Jaycees
- 2007 - Academician - National Academy of Sciecne and Technology
