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Biodiversity loss: Many students of environment-related subjects are partly unaware of the causes

A worldwide survey by Goethe University Frankfurt found that students in environmental studies are unaware of the main causes of biodiversity loss. The study identified eight response types with varying levels of understanding, with climate change being underestimated in many countries. The researchers suggest that this lack of knowled...

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·Journalnpj Biodiversity·TypeSurvey·DateAug 30, 2024

Universal free school meals and school and student outcomes

A systematic review found that universal free school meals were associated with increased meal participation and no significant improvements in attendance. The study also noted a decrease in obesity prevalence and suspension rates, although the evidence for these findings was moderate to low certainty.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 9, 2024

USGS: Local dragonflies expose mercury pollution patterns

A new study reveals surprising findings about mercury pollution patterns in ecosystems, where it comes from and how it moves vary significantly. Dragonfly larvae are found to be a cost-effective indicator of mercury contamination in nearly every aquatic habitat, providing valuable insights for resource management decisions.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 16, 2024

Self-critical perfectionism gnaws on students’ well-being already in lower secondary school

A new study among Finnish ninth-graders identified four perfectionistic profiles associated with varying levels of psychological well-being. The study found that perfectionistic profiles, particularly those characterized by high concerns, are linked to poorer well-being, including burnout and anxiety symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalLearning and Individual Differences·DateMay 6, 2024

Study shows how higher education supports Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students through culturally relevant courses, programs, and research

A new study by NYU reveals that minority-serving institutions on the East and West Coasts build students' capacities through AA&NHPI focused coursework, teaching and mentoring, advanced research development, and professional community experience. These programs provide critical resources to uplift underrepresented students.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Review of Higher Education·TypeCase study·DateApr 30, 2024

MSU offers first study on teacher effectiveness for students with and without disabilities

A study by MSU researchers suggests that evaluating teacher effectiveness for students with and without disabilities requires separate value-added measures. The research team found that top-performing teachers for one group may not be effective for the other, highlighting the need for targeted training and support.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateMar 22, 2024

Study tracks shifts in student mental health during college

A four-year study by Dartmouth researchers tracks changes in student mental health during college, identifying key populations and stressors. The study found that first-year and female students are at risk for high anxiety and low self-esteem, while sophomores experience increased social activity but higher stress levels.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies·TypeObservational study·DateMar 13, 2024

Re-calibrating the sail plan for Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders in ocean sciences

A team of authors from the University of Hawaii at Manoa identifies gaps in programs aimed at increasing participation of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in ocean sciences. They highlight successful programs like the SOEST Maile Mentoring Bridge and The MEGA Lab, which prioritize culturally centered spaces and community involvem...

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalOceanography·TypeCase study·DateJan 2, 2024

Disadvantaged children’s struggles at school have “little to do” with character, attitude or a lack of ‘growth mindset’

A global study of 240,000 students challenges the widespread policy conviction that bridging the academic gap hinges on improving socio-emotional skills. Despite high levels of socio-emotional skills among disadvantaged children, their relative underperformance at school remains largely unchanged.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalSociology of Education·DateDec 18, 2023

Riding the whims of the wind

Researchers develop a mathematical model that analyzes the future survival of plants in a changing climate by studying how far wind can carry seeds. The model provides fast and reliable predictions of seed movement, considering factors like seed type, plant height, and wind speed.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEcological Modelling·DateNov 30, 2023

Roe v. Wade repeal impacts where young women choose to go to college, PSU researcher finds

Research from Portland State University finds that female students are more likely to choose universities in states with upheld abortion rights, potentially affecting future workforces and economies. The study suggests a significant impact on the labor market as young people often live and work in the state they attend college.

SourcePortland State University·JournalEconomics Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 30, 2023

UTSA researchers receive $3.6 million National Science Foundation grant to break down language barriers in engineering education

Researchers Joel Mejia and M. Sidury Christiansen are developing a handbook of recommended pedagogical approaches to address exclusionary language in engineering classes. They aim to improve the sense of belonging among multilingual students pursuing STEM careers by guiding faculty on strategies for changing biased language practices.

Pusan National University researcher investigates instruction-giving in video-mediated second language learning

A study by Pusan National University researcher Eunseok Ro examines the shift in instruction-giving practices for a book club conducted via video conference. As the facilitator adapts to the new virtual environment, she gradually changes her approach, adopting more recipient-designed and diversified instruction delivery.

SourcePusan National University·JournalComputer Assisted Language Learning·TypeObservational study·DateJul 6, 2023

Students use machine learning in lesson designed to reveal issues, promise of A.I.

In a new study, NC State University researchers had high school students develop their own machine-learning AI models to analyze data. The project aimed to prepare students for the future workforce and help them understand the potential and challenges of AI. Students created text classification models using StoryQ technology, which all...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalLearning Media and Technology·DateApr 4, 2023

Associations between teacher and student mathematics, science, and literacy anxiety in fourth grade

Research found associations between teachers' and students' anxiety in math, science, and literacy. The study highlights the importance of considering affective elements of teaching and learning, particularly in STEM content areas, which can impact students from underserved socioeconomic backgrounds.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 15, 2023

Children have less perceived access to important tools than reported by their parents

A study found that children think they have less access to common measurement tools and toys than their parents. This disparity can hinder STEM interest and success, as prior experience with tools is crucial for self-efficacy. The authors argue that this issue persists due to unnoticed gaps between parental and child perspectives.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalResearch in Science Education·DateNov 29, 2022