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What characteristics do school shooters share?

A study by Kathryn Farr found that school shooters often experience social shunning, bullying, and rejection due to their perceived masculine struggles. Schools can help prevent rampage shootings by addressing adolescent masculinity issues through in-school services, discussion-based forums, and curriculum changes.

SourceSpringer·JournalGender Issues·DateOct 19, 2017

What the Balkans can teach other states in conflict

The research highlights the importance of peaceful transition to inclusive democracy and power-sharing in facilitating voluntary returns. Notably, older people with positive memories of before wartime were more likely to return, while women were less likely to want to go back. The study also emphasizes the crucial role of lawyers and n...

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalInternational Migration·DateOct 19, 2017

Field trips of the future?

UCSB biologist Douglas McCauley explores the pros and cons of using virtual and augmented reality in environmental science education. He argues that while VR and AR have potential upsides, such as enhanced experiences and simulations, they may also detract from core values like face-to-face interaction and direct observation of nature.

Study finds new program reduces absenteeism in primary schools

A pilot program in five North Carolina schools reduced absenteeism among first- and second-grade students by an average of 10%. The Early Truancy Prevention Program, which involved teachers visiting homes to establish a positive connection with parents and students, showed strong evidence of effectiveness.

SourceDuke University·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateOct 2, 2017

Fantastic beasts and why to conserve them

A new study finds that acknowledging and understanding the role of mythical creatures in local cultures can have a positive impact on conservation. In Madagascar, for example, spiritual beliefs surrounding magical animals are linked to local taboos that protect endangered species like the radiated tortoise.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalOryx·DateAug 24, 2017

Belief in neuromyths is extremely common

A recent study found that belief in neuromyths, such as seeing letters backwards being a sign of dyslexia, is prevalent among educators, the public, and those with neuroscience training. Training in education and neuroscience helps reduce these false beliefs.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateAug 10, 2017

Teaching without training

A recent study found that 40% of new secondary science teachers teach mostly or entirely out of field, with 64% having at least one out-of-field course in their first five years. This can lead to constrained teaching and rote memorization rather than in-depth learning

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Research in Science Teaching·DateJul 19, 2017

Is teacher burnout contagious?

A new study by Michigan State University education scholars found that burnout among early-career teachers is contagious, with a stronger link to school-wide culture than close colleagues' burnout. The researchers analyzed survey data from over 400 teachers and found that schools can play a significant role in reducing teacher burnout.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalTeaching and Teacher Education·DateJul 10, 2017

How to educate future therapists more effectively

A Concordia study identifies conflicting demands of education and therapy in the classroom, causing emotional stress among students. The study recommends increased transparency between teachers and students, clearer policies on affective material, and discussions on ethical practices to enhance the student experience.

SourceConcordia University·JournalThe Arts in Psychotherapy·DateJun 15, 2017

Transgender actors effective in teaching new doctors to provide respectful care

A study published in the Journal of Graduate Medical Education found that transgender actors can effectively teach new doctors to provide sensitive care. The researchers used standardized patients, including a transgender actress, to assess residents' communication skills and patient satisfaction. The results showed that the training a...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Graduate Medical Education·DateJun 15, 2017

Laptops and tablets in the classroom: How to integrate electronic devices in the university

A study by the University of Seville found that laptop users tend to be older students with experience in pre-university education, while tablet users are typically younger females. The researchers warn of a potential 'Trojan horse' effect of devices on academic engagement, and emphasize the need for universities to invest in mobile le...

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMay 26, 2017

The 'ideal' teacher? It's all in your mind

A Concordia study found that 'best' and 'worst' teachers are often praised for contrasting qualities, highlighting the importance of individual educational values. The research also discovered gender biases in teaching perceptions, suggesting a need for further investigation.

SourceConcordia University·JournalTeaching and Teacher Education·DateMay 25, 2017

Mortality rates lower at major teaching hospitals

A recent study analyzing over 21 million Medicare discharges found that admission to a major teaching hospital was linked to a lower overall 30-day risk of death compared to nonteaching hospitals. The study, published in JAMA, also revealed differences in mortality rates among smaller and larger teaching hospitals.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 23, 2017

Improve evolution education by teaching genetics first

A large controlled trial found that teaching genetics first significantly improved students' test scores on evolution, especially for foundation classes. The study suggests that priming students with genetics information before teaching evolution can lead to better understanding of this complex concept.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 23, 2017

Mindfulness takes practice

A new study from Aarhus University found that mindfulness practice at home is related to reduced stress, pain, and better well-being. Although the 45-minute daily home practice may seem short, it still has a statistically significant positive impact on participants.

SourceAarhus University·JournalBehaviour Research and Therapy·DateMay 22, 2017

Are we educating educators about academic integrity?

A study found that academic integrity is not a core concept taught to academics in UK Higher Education, despite its central importance. Researchers recommend including academic integrity as a core concept in learning and teaching to prevent it from being seen as a standalone disciplinary concept.

SourceSwansea University·JournalAssessment & Evaluation in Higher Education·DateMay 17, 2017

Men sing about dating and sex more often than women

Research analyzing popular song lyrics across five decades reveals men singing about romantic love and sex more frequently, while female artists focus on love. The study highlights gender-based differences in sexuality and stereotyping, with women's bodies being objectified more often than men's.

SourceSpringer·JournalSexuality & Culture·DateMay 17, 2017

Learning styles -- A once hot debate redshifts

A recent study of 114 academics in the UK found that while 58% believe Learning Styles is beneficial, only 33% use it. The study also revealed that most faculty consider the approach fundamentally flawed and prefer evidence-based techniques instead. Promoting these effective methods could be a more productive focus for education research.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 11, 2017

Do red Smarties make you happier? 'Live the trial' class debunks the myth

A mock randomized control trial across three countries found that eating red Smarties had no effect on participants' levels of happiness. This study debunks the common assumption that red is associated with feelings of happiness and demonstrates how complex scientific concepts can be made engaging through hands-on learning.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAsia Pacific Journal of Public Health·DateMay 10, 2017

Lessons in inhumanity

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that Nazi-era physicians were required to study medical ethics in German medical schools, with a focus on the 'people's body' over individual health. This challenges the notion of medical ethics as a universal construct.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 4, 2017