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Poor professional development may explain failure of push to promote physical health in schools

A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that ineffective teacher training is the likely cause of failures in promoting children's physical health in schools. The review of 51 randomised control trials suggests that key ingredients like clear goals, regular feedback, and resources are often missing from teacher training.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateOct 23, 2022

Teachers want support to embrace nature play in primary education

A new Australian study reveals that despite growing interest in nature-based learning, teachers need professional development to effectively integrate it into their teaching practices. The research found that seven out of ten teachers felt limited by their knowledge and confidence in using nature play areas to support curriculum goals.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Adventure Education & Outdoor Learning·TypeSurvey·DateAug 24, 2022

European University Alliance FORTHEM granted EUR 14.4 million by the European Commission for additional four years

The FORTHEM alliance, a nine-university network in Europe, will receive nearly EUR 14.4 million in funding from the European Commission for the next four years. This funding will support the expansion of mobility offerings for students and staff, as well as the development of common infrastructure to foster a transnational European Uni...

Students without disabilities achieve the same academic results with or without classmates with disabilities in Poland, with implications for the future development of inclusive education

A Polish study found that students without disabilities achieve the same academic results when attending classes with students who have disabilities, with implications for inclusive education. The research suggests that the type of inclusion does not affect academic achievement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 6, 2022

At home, do-it-yourself fluid mechanics

Students in a University of Illinois course used household items like buttercream frosting, toothpaste, and yogurt to measure fluid properties. They developed creative methods for carrying out rheometric measurements, including compression squeeze flow analysis and gravity-driven filament stretching.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 10, 2022

Student debt can impair your cardiovascular health into middle age

Adults with student loan debt face a higher risk of cardiovascular illness and may experience undermined health benefits from post-secondary education. Researchers analyzed data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health and found that those who took on new debt or consistently had debt had higher CVD risk scores.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 3, 2022

Developing student learning in the ever-changing landscape of higher education

The special issue of the ECNU Review of Education examines how digital shift, international student mobility, and assessment methods impact student learning in higher education. Research reveals that offline interaction generates more desirable academic outcomes, while online education fosters student autonomy and thesis completion.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 30, 2022

U of M Medical School research highlights the broad range of terms Minnesota youth use to describe their sexual orientation and gender identity

The study found that 43% of transgender and gender diverse students identified as nonbinary, with similar numbers identifying as pansexual (1.7%) as gay or lesbian (1.6%). Many LGBTQ+ youth reported depressive symptoms and experiences of identity-based bullying.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeSurvey·DateMar 21, 2022

How name change can impact a female researcher’s career

A recent commentary by Dartmouth College's Bala Chaudhary highlights the challenges faced by women researchers who choose to get married and change their last names. The lack of a consistent way to update publication records can lead to biases in grant and tenure applications, potentially affecting career advancement.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 15, 2022

Reading builds resilience among at-risk kids

A study from University of South Australia found that reading aloud to children can triple a child's resilience at school, particularly for those who have suffered abuse or neglect. The study identified reading as a key factor in supporting children's emotional, social and physical development before they start school.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2022

Learning in the lab can continue at a distance

A study by University of Georgia researchers found that remote learning programs in labs continued to be effective during the pandemic, with students praising quality mentorship and skills development. However, they also reported missing informal interactions and structure.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalCBE—Life Sciences Education·DateFeb 17, 2022

Prevention of mental health problems among schoolchildren could avoid grade repetition and dropout

A study found that preventing mental health problems among schoolchildren, particularly externalizing disorders, could have prevented grade repetition and dropout. The study involved 2,511 families with children aged 6-14 and showed that girls with externalizing disorders were more likely to be held back a grade.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEpidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences·DateJan 20, 2022

Nationwide study finds no significant link between in-person schooling and COVID infection rates

A nationwide study by Binghamton University found that COVID-19 incidence rates were not statistically different in counties with in-person learning versus remote school modes in most regions of the US. The research analyzed data from over 895 districts and 459 counties, controlling for case rate trends and community activity levels.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 4, 2022

Stereotypes in STEM fields start by age six

A new study by the University of Houston researcher found that gender stereotypes in computer science and engineering begin at age six, leading to a lack of representation of girls and women in these fields. The study suggests that introducing high-quality STEM activities in elementary school can help close the gender gap.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

How political partisanship governed in-person schooling during pandemic

A study from Michigan State University found that partisan politics played a significant role in local decisions about in-person schooling during the pandemic. In heavily Democratic counties, schools were nearly three times more likely to open fully remote, while Republican counties were nearly 1.8 times more likely to offer in-person ...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEducational Researcher·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2021

Smoggier skies, lower scores? A Brazilian study examines the effects of air pollution on students’ cognitive performance

A Brazilian study examines the causal relationship between outdoor air pollution and students' cognitive performance in Brazil. The findings suggest that an increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of PM10 decreases students' scores by 6.1 points, with poorer students more susceptible to air pollution's effects.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2021

Sexual minority identity impacts career trajectory among medical students

A study analyzing data from the Association of American Medical Colleges Graduate Questionnaire found that sexual minorities, particularly female, are underrepresented in undergraduate medical training and certain specialties. The researchers concluded that standardized data collection and consideration of diversity in recruitment are ...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2021

The European University Alliance FORTHEM welcomes new partners and strengthens its network with the university cities' administrations and chambers of commerce

FORTHEM, a European University Alliance, has welcomed two new members: the University of Agder in Norway and Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu in Romania. This expansion aims to increase student mobility, create a virtual campus, and merge research programs across member universities.