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New study shows Transcendental Meditation reduces teacher burnout and improves resilience

A new study published in Frontiers in Education found that Transcendental Meditation significantly improves emotional exhaustion, resilience, perceived stress, fatigue, and depression in teachers. This meditation-based teacher development program demonstrates the benefits of meditation for strengthening mental and physical health.

SourceCenter for Wellness and Achievement in Education·JournalFrontiers in Education·DateMar 4, 2021

Focus on the positive to improve classroom behavior

A University of Missouri five-year study found that focusing on positive encouragement in the classroom reduces disruptive behavior and improves students' academic and social outcomes. The study implemented a classroom behavior management training intervention, resulting in decreased disruptions and increased student engagement.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateFeb 22, 2021

Study suggests teacher-student bonds may be especially important for homeless kids

A recent study of homeless preschoolers found that strong teacher-child relationships are crucial in predicting healthy behaviors and emotional well-being. The study discovered that 70% of children were well-adjusted and exhibited positive behaviors, while the remaining 30% struggled with behavioral challenges.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Education for Students Placed at Risk (JESPAR)·DateFeb 22, 2021

Learning by observation reduces cognitive bias, research suggests

New research suggests that observing others' decision-making can teach people to make better decisions themselves. The study, co-authored by Professor Irene Scopelliti, tested the effectiveness of a new debiasing training strategy and reports first evidence that watching others make decisions can improve our own decision making.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateFeb 11, 2021

Special interests can be assets for youth with autism

A new survey from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that leveraging children's special interests can help reduce anxiety and improve mental health in youth with autism. The study suggests using these interests as a positive reinforcer or educational opportunity, such as using a favorite TV show as a reward for completing tasks.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateJan 15, 2021

How to talk about death and dying

A new study by palliative care specialists found that participants in an online course could use more pleasant words to express their feelings about death. The course aimed to change perspectives on death and dying, enabling better planning for end-of-life care.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 6, 2021

Young adults say porn is their most helpful source of information about how to have sex

A new study found that a quarter of young adults in the US rely on porn for information on how to have sex. Heterosexual men were more likely to use porn than female respondents, who preferred their partners as sources of guidance. The study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive sex education and communication skills.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateJan 6, 2021

Using play to "school" children's emotions

A study by Université de Genève found that pretend play-based curriculum improved children's ability to recognize emotions and regulate their behavior. The program, introduced in classes aged five and six, enhances emotional vocabulary and promotes prosocial behavior.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateDec 14, 2020

Study: Teacher performance measures may penalize black educators

A study by George Mason University and UNC-Chapel Hill found that Black teachers in Chicago Public Schools were unfairly penalized for teaching in low-income neighborhoods with disadvantaged students. Once controlling for school and classroom factors, the racial gap in scores disappeared, highlighting the need to adjust teacher perform...

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateDec 10, 2020

Study: teacher performance measures may penalize Black educators

A recent study by Matthew P. Steinberg and Lauren Sartain found that classroom observation scores for Black teachers in Chicago Public Schools are driven by school and classroom factors, such as student poverty and academic achievement, rather than teacher effectiveness. The study suggests that these scores may lead to disproportionate...

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateDec 10, 2020

Brexit opens the door to tougher anti-smoking measures

A new study suggests that a no-deal Brexit could raise cigarette and tobacco prices in the UK, making it easier to implement effective tobacco control measures. The research also highlights the potential benefits of Brexit for tackling smoking, including reduced smuggling and increased revenue for the government.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateDec 2, 2020

Social, behavioral modifications can be positive trigger to mitigating gun violence

Researchers found that active shooter drills can cause emotional distress and uncertainty among students, highlighting the need for evidence-based strategies. Social-emotional learning programs and a safe, supportive environment are key to reducing gun violence in schools, according to West Virginia University Professor Keith Zullig.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateDec 2, 2020

AI teachers must be effective and communicate well to be accepted, new study finds

Researchers at the University of Central Florida found that students are more likely to accept an AI teaching assistant if it is effective and easy to communicate with. The study suggests that designing AI teachers to facilitate positive learning experiences requires understanding how students relate to these systems.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Interaction·DateOct 30, 2020

Distracted learning a big problem, golden opportunity for educators, students

Research shows that distracted learning significantly impairs students' attention, working memory, and learning outcomes. Educators can empower students to manage distractions by fostering an internal locus of control and promoting active learning. Strategies include removing extraneous devices, using work-reward systems, and incorpora...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Food Science Education·DateOct 14, 2020

Halving the risk of infection following surgery

Researchers found that using CHG halves the risk of infection in certain types of surgery compared to povidone-iodine (PVI), with significant implications for global healthcare. The study, published in Annals of Surgery, suggests a simple switch could reduce infections and improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateSep 11, 2020