University of Pittsburgh's commitment to educational innovation led to the establishment of several innovative centers in addition to dB-SERC:
Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC)
- In 1963, University of Pittsburgh established the Learning Research and Development Center with a mission to improve the science of learning by bringing in leading researchers in cognitive, social and educational science.
- The center has become a world leader in learning research where renowned researchers such as Robert Glaser, Michelene Chi, J. Steele Gow, Alan Lesgold, Charles Perfetti, James Greeno and many others did and are doing influential work.
- Recently, LRDC has celebrated its 50th anniversary (1963-2013), and there were many talks celebrating the impact the center has had in cognitive, social and educational science.
University Center for Teaching and Learning
- Pitt has established the University Center for Teaching and Learning (an affiliated center to dB-SERC) in an effort to improve the quality of undergraduate education. The center offers many services to faculty members and graduate students including, but not limited to:
- Providing expert consultation in instructional design
- Facilitating effective use of technology in the classroom
- Running workshops on issues related to teaching and learning
- Running professional development workshops for TAs
Engineering Education Research Center (EERC)
- In 2011, the EERC was established at Pitt with a central mission to enhance the teaching and learning withing the Swanson School of Engineering and to expand expand engineering education efforts. Since its establishment, the EERC has supported efforts to "flip" teaching in introductory engineering courses and has conducted educational research on the effectiveness of this initiative.
- The EERC faculty with expertise in teaching and learning provide consultation in instructional design and assessment as well as organize outreach programs for K-12 education.
- In addition, the EERC also provides instruction, maintenance and support for Distance-Enabled courses via one-on-one or group mentoring for faculty members, and also provides support with educational grant writing.