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Why relationships -- not money -- are the key to improving schools

A study by Ohio State University found that strong relationships between teachers, parents, and students have a significant impact on improving student learning. Social capital, the network of relationships promoting academic achievement, had a three to five times larger effect than financial capital on reading and math scores.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Education for Students Placed at Risk (JESPAR)·DateOct 25, 2018

Family Medicine and Community Health Journal volume 6, issue number three publishes

This September 2018 issue addresses various topics in family medicine, including the development of a new scale to diagnose postpartum depression among mothers of preterm babies. Additionally, it discusses educational practices for teaching medical students about family medicine-relevant clinical skills and knowledge.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalFamily Medicine and Community Health·DateOct 18, 2018
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Grant to fund video game that will help children with ADHD

A $1.38 million grant from the US Department of Education will fund a three-year project to develop a video game designed to help kids with ADHD learn academic skills and better succeed in school. The project aims to provide a cost-effective means to educate students with ADHD, who require more counseling and disciplinary action.

SourceOhio University·DateOct 17, 2018

Pupil's brain recognizes the perfect teacher

Researchers discovered that young male zebra finches activate connections between their social brain and song cortex when near a singing tutor, indicating the ideal teacher. The study found that this connection is essential for juvenile birds to copy and learn songs from suitable tutors.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateOct 17, 2018

Substantial changes in air pollution across China during 2015 to 2017

A study by the University of Leeds reveals a 20% decrease in particulate pollution concentrations across China between 2015 and 2017. Concentrations of fine particulates fell by 7.2% per year, while those of sulphur dioxide decreased by 10.3%. However, ozone concentrations increased by 5% over the same period.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 17, 2018

Teachers' views on LGBQ students are changing

A new study published in Springer's journal Social Psychology of Education reveals that American teachers have become more acceptant of homosexuality in recent years. However, many still hold negative attitudes towards LGBQ students, with a significant portion of educators viewing them unfavorably.

SourceSpringer·JournalSocial Psychology of Education·DateOct 4, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Latin may help students bridge their native language with English

A study found that teaching Latin roots to English Learners improves word analysis skills and enhances academic vocabulary. By leveraging their native language, students can build a stronger connection between Latin and English, ultimately improving literacy and academic achievement.

SourcePenn State·JournalReading and Writing·DateOct 4, 2018

New study examines 'strategic retention' of teachers by effective principals

A new study by Vanderbilt University researchers found that highly rated principals use 'strategic retention' to keep high-performing teachers and remove low-performing ones. Effective principals focus on teacher observation scores to identify underperformers, using informal methods such as counseling out.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateSep 27, 2018

Educating the next generation of medical professionals with machine learning is essential

A new course at Boston University School of Medicine aims to educate students and trainees on machine learning concepts, preparing them for the growing data science revolution in healthcare. The authors emphasize the need for embedding ML curriculum into medical education to enhance clinical decision-making and management.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateSep 27, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Flood frequency of the world's largest river has increased fivefold

A recent study reveals a significant increase in the frequency and severity of floods on the Amazon River, with extreme floods occurring every four years. The research attributes this change to changes in the surrounding seas, particularly the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 19, 2018

Sugar in yogurt leaves a sour taste

A survey of 921 yogurts found that most had high sugar levels, with organic yogurts having the highest average content. Natural, Greek, and 'Greek-style' yogurts were exceptions, containing lower amounts of sugar and higher levels of protein.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBMJ Open·DateSep 18, 2018

New school of thought: In-class physical exercise won't disrupt learning, teaching

Researchers found that two-minute bursts of in-class exercise breaks increased daily physical activity for elementary children without affecting math performance. Teachers reported that the breaks were doable and didn't disrupt learning, with most students returning to class work quickly after breaks.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalTranslational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine·DateSep 17, 2018
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Experts reveal 'football vision' as important as ball skills

Young footballers would benefit from more time learning to read the field and less on ball skills. Research suggests scanning should be taught alongside technical and tactical skills to improve awareness, decision-making, and technical actions. Coaches with higher qualifications and experience tend to prioritize scanning.

SourceUniversity of Chichester·DateSep 12, 2018

Could AI robots develop prejudice on their own?

Computer simulations show that autonomous machines can form prejudicial groups by copying each other's behavior, indicating a non-human phenomenon of discrimination. The findings suggest that AI developments could inadvertently perpetuate prejudice, highlighting the need for awareness and responsible AI design.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 6, 2018

Knowledge of African-American language and culture benefits teachers in STEM fields

A recent study by Christine Mallinson and Anne H. Charity Hudley suggests that K-12 STEM educators who are aware of linguistic issues can better support African-American students. The authors recommend developing cultural and linguistic competencies through partnerships with local linguists and using linguistic insight to invite studen...

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·DateSep 4, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

When sulfur disappears without trace

Researchers have developed a new synthetic route to 1,4-dicarbonyls, a class of molecules found in natural products, drug targets, and pharmaceuticals. By using sulfoxides, a type of oxidized sulfur compound, they can create multiple isomers selectively.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Educational tracking creates artificial inequalities among students

Researchers found that evaluators consider lower tracks more suitable for low-SES pupils and higher tracks for high-SES pupils, even when achievement is identical. This suggests that tracking systems can perpetuate academic differences among students as a function of their socio-economic status.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateAug 16, 2018

Robots will never replace teachers but can boost children's education

A new study suggests robots can play an important role in teaching certain narrow subjects like vocabulary and prime numbers, but their social interaction limitations will keep them as teaching assistants for now. Robots have the potential to support and challenge students, freeing up time for human teachers.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience Robotics·DateAug 15, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

A year in words

A recent study by University of Miami psychologists found that vulnerable children benefit from interactions with their peers and teachers to develop literacy skills and social-emotional growth. The research reveals the significance of back-and-forth conversations between teachers and children in language development.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 23, 2018

Experts address ways to support latest science education standards

A new article in Journal of Research Science Teaching addresses ways to enact Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in diverse educational systems, particularly those with resource constraints. The Carbon TIME project is presented as a design-based implementation research approach that supports enactment of NGSS.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Research in Science Teaching·DateJul 18, 2018

Doing school differently

The not-school movement is an alternative approach to education that recognizes individual learning needs and talents, providing options for students who struggle in traditional school environments. This movement emphasizes the importance of creativity, innovation, and real-world experience in education.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateJul 18, 2018
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Celebrating positives improves classroom behavior and mental health

A training programme called Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management Programme improves child behaviour, concentration, and mental health by focusing on positive conduct and ignoring minor disruptions. Teachers who underwent the training reported improved teaching practices and increased student compliance.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJul 17, 2018

Can doctors identify older patients at risk of medication harm?

A new study found that doctors' predictions of medication-related harm (MRH) in older adults are not reliable. Despite clinical experience and confidence influencing accuracy, predictions were no more accurate than chance. New approaches to identify high-risk individuals are needed to mitigate serious consequences.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateJul 2, 2018

Prospective teachers more likely to view black faces than white faces as angry

A preliminary study by North Carolina State University researchers found that prospective teachers are more likely to perceive Black faces as angry and judge the behavior of Black children as more hostile. This cultural disconnect may contribute to the disproportionate number of Black students facing disciplinary actions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalContemporary Educational Psychology·DateJul 2, 2018

Tallinn University researchers helped develop three serious games

Researchers at Tallinn University developed three serious games to teach engineering students about agile methodologies, programming, and the 5S methodology. The games aim to develop teamwork, problem-solving skills, and perseverance in players, with a focus on real-time feedback and control mechanisms.

SourceEstonian Research Council·DateJun 29, 2018
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Strategic classroom intervention can make big difference for autism students

Research from Florida State University and Emory University found that teachers receiving SCERTS training significantly improved student outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder. The study showed that trained teachers led to increased student participation, back-and-forth conversations, and better emotional regulation.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateJun 28, 2018

Nature creates its own plaster to protect wounds from infection

Researchers identified a protein film that forms over wounds, providing protection against bacterial infection for at least 12 hours. The biofilm has 'breathability' properties, allowing air to reach the wound while keeping bacteria out.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 25, 2018

'Exam Roulette' could quell essay-induced anxiety

A new assessment called Exam Roulette uses a game of chance to increase student preparation and motivation for essay tests. Students can preview potential questions, ask clarifying questions, but not receive specific content information, reducing anxiety and stress.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateJun 21, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Forgetting may help improve memory and learning

Research suggests that forgetting can increase long-term retention and information retrieval, ultimately enhancing learning. By changing context, forgetting can also enrich how information is encoded and retrieved.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateJun 20, 2018

Workplace health clinics can lower health care spending

A study by the RAND Corporation found that opening onsite health clinics in schools can lower healthcare costs by 15% and decrease teacher absenteeism. The clinics provided comprehensive primary care to teachers and their families, resulting in lower hospital admission rates and prescription costs.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 20, 2018
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Does good attendance equal good grades?

Researchers from the University of Central Florida found that high-performing medical students are more likely to skip non-mandatory in-class sessions without affecting their performance on final exams. This challenges traditional views that attendance is a key indicator of academic success.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateJun 19, 2018

Teachers view immigrant, minority parents as less involved in their children's education

Research from the University of Pennsylvania and New York University found that teachers perceive immigrant and minority parents as less involved in their children's education. This perception affects students' grades and academic honors. The study analyzed data from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002, revealing a disparity betwe...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalSocial Science Research·DateJun 19, 2018

Research finds fair classroom practices disarm threat of evaluation retaliation

Fair classroom practices involving transparent grading rubrics, student feedback, bias awareness, and clear correction policies can eliminate the threat of evaluation retaliation. Researchers found that students perceive fairness in these processes rather than just grades, leading to improved teacher evaluations.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJun 13, 2018

Video conferencing helps PCPs improve liver disease care, survival rates

A new study finds that video consultations between primary care physicians and specialists improve liver disease care and increase patient survival rates. Patients who participated in these consultations had a 54% higher survival rate compared to those without access to virtual consultations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHepatology·DateJun 12, 2018
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Beyond the 'Reading Wars': How the science of reading can improve literacy

A new report synthesizes findings from over 300 research studies to emphasize the importance of teaching phonics in establishing fundamental reading skills in early childhood. The review provides concrete recommendations for drawing on this evidence base in the classroom to support more children becoming confident, skilled readers.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateJun 12, 2018

Throw like a girl? No, he or she just hasn't been taught

Researchers found that a new movement curriculum increased physical activity and motor skills competence in preschoolers by two minutes per day, compared to traditional programs. The study suggests that teaching basic skills like throwing, running, and jumping can improve girls' physical activity levels and close the gender gap.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalResearch Quarterly for Exercise and Sport·DateJun 5, 2018

Providing chocolate cookies earns a better result!

A study found that providing chocolate cookies to students improved their evaluation of teachers and teaching materials. This simple intervention had a significant effect on course evaluation results, suggesting that standardized tools like end-of-course evaluation surveys may not accurately measure the quality of education.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·DateJun 4, 2018

Hard yet profitable

A survey of Russian teachers found that those using performance-based contracts are more satisfied with their finances and have greater trust in the system. However, excessive assessment procedures can reduce teaching time.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalRussian Education & Society·DateJun 4, 2018
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Teaching chores to an AI

Researchers at MIT's CSAIL have developed a system called VirtualHome that can simulate detailed household tasks and train artificial agents to execute them. The system uses natural language descriptions of activities, such as making coffee or setting the table, to instruct robots on how to complete tasks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateMay 30, 2018

Volcano 'libraries' could help plan for future volcanic crises

Researchers have developed a new method to recognize pre-eruption signals at volcanoes by analyzing crystals from past eruptions. By studying the chemistry of these crystals, they can reconstruct the volcano's history in time and location, potentially improving forecast accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMay 24, 2018

UTIA plant geneticist named Fulbright scholar

Hadziabdic Guerry is a plant geneticist working on the frafra potato project, which aims to transform the species into an alternative food source. The research focuses on assessing the genetic diversity and spatial structure of existing populations to improve production and nutritional value.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateMay 24, 2018

SF State receives $3.3 million award to support STEM educators

San Francisco State University has received a $3.3 million National Science Foundation grant to develop teacher leadership skills and support the professional development of over 1,000 Robert Noyce scholars from 14 western states. The grant aims to promote greater equity and social justice in math and science education.

SourceSan Francisco State University·DateMay 23, 2018

Students taught by highly qualified teachers more likely to obtain bachelor's degree

A study by Se Woong Lee found that students taught by successive teachers with expertise in the subject they're learning are more likely to succeed both short-term and long-term. This suggests that schools can increase student success by prioritizing teacher qualifications and collaboration among educators.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateMay 22, 2018
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

UTIA researcher named Fulbright scholar

Seong-Hoon Cho, a UTIA researcher, will spend six months in South Korea designing the country's framework for forest carbon sequestration payments. The project aims to optimize risk/reward trade-offs and encourage forest carbon sequestration through innovative economics and finance modeling.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateMay 14, 2018

Hostile teachers can lose students 5 percent on test scores

A new study found that hostile teachers can lower students' test scores by up to 5% due to antagonistic behavior. Students who faced teacher hostility were also less motivated to learn and more likely to disengage from future courses.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCommunication Education·DateMay 10, 2018