Research on teaching and the teaching profession. Covers teacher retention, AI in the classroom, science-education grants, and early education's long-term impact.
A new study by the University of Michigan explores how children perceive fairness in discipline practices. Preschool-age children tend to favor giving equal rewards or punishments, while older children and adults prefer a more merit-based approach.
Five major US school systems paid millions of dollars in finder's fees to Teach For America, despite budget cuts and teacher shortages; contracts favored TFA corps members over non-TFA teachers
Using stories to teach human values to artificial agents is a technique developed by Mark Riedl and Brent Harrison at the Georgia Institute of Technology. The method aligns an AI's goals with human values by training robots to read stories, learn acceptable sequences of events and understand successful ways to behave in human societies.
A nationwide survey found that over 1500 middle and high school science teachers were unaware of or misinformed about the scientific consensus on climate change. Many teachers also brought climate change denial into the classroom, allowing students to discuss controversy without guiding them to scientifically supported conclusions.
A study of US science teachers found that 30% emphasize natural causes for global warming, while 12% don't mention human causes. The authors propose addressing the root causes of resistance to science through science communication research.
Cadavers are being used to advance genetics education in medical schools, providing real-world scenarios and insights into genetic variants. This approach connects anatomy to genomics, bridging the gap between clinical application and future clinicians' training.
Researchers studying the Aka pygmies found that teaching is an innate aspect of human behavior, with adults giving infants sharp objects to learn a skill. The study's findings suggest that teaching occurs naturally in small-scale groups and may be essential for human learning.
Teachers had moderate to major concerns about test difficulty and low student performance prior to 2015 state testing, according to RAND Corporation studies. They also needed additional professional development in various subjects.
A major study reveals that colonial systems from Spain and France had detrimental effects on education in their former colonies, with reduced secondary school enrollment rates and lower years of schooling. This is particularly true for females in former Spanish colonies.
Research by University of Sydney researchers found that finger tracing enhances students' understanding and solving skills in geometry and algebra. Students who used finger tracing completed tasks more quickly and correctly than those without the technique.
Bill Wood has been awarded the Elizabeth W. Jones Award for Excellence in Education for his sustained impact on genetics education, including innovative pedagogical approaches and high-quality undergraduate science education. The award recognizes his leadership in developing evidence-based reflective teaching and active learning.
Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire, a renowned chemist, will receive the AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award for her dedication to promoting diversity in STEM fields and mentoring underrepresented students. She has mentored over 40 African-American doctoral students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
A recent study by Vetmeduni Vienna's Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer found that simulator-based training in large animal gynaecology is nearly as efficient as animal-based training. Students who trained four times on horses scored best with regard to a correct diagnosis, while those trained solely on the simulato...
A researcher from Iowa State University found that social justice education initiatives often overlook the experiences of privileged students. Katy Swalwell's study reveals that affluent students may not be disturbed by what they're learning about injustice, instead focusing on how to use their privilege to make a difference.
A study by ETH Zurich researchers found that teachers with less experience discriminate against female students in physics exams, leading to poorer grades. The findings highlight the importance of teacher training and objective grading criteria to combat biases and stereotypes.
Dr. John Michael Criley receives the 2016 Distinguished Teacher Award for his innovative and compassionate teaching, training over 2,200 cardiologists and medical professionals worldwide. He has made significant contributions to cardiovascular medicine through his research papers and textbooks.
Research suggests that men working in traditionally female occupations prioritize building relationships with colleagues and having flexible work arrangements over career advancement or salary. This study challenges the notion that male employees are solely motivated by promotional opportunities.
An evolutionary biologist analyzed 65 anti-evolution bills, finding they share traits with each other and evolution itself. Creationism has evolved stealthily, using tactics from human cloning and global warming debates to influence education policies.
A new study from NIMBioS sheds light on strategies used by creationists to influence evolution teaching in public schools. Antievolution bills show evidence of 'descent with modification,' copying recent legislation, and often tie back to creationism through statements or sponsors.
A new longitudinal study found that teaching soft skills to high-risk children significantly reduces criminal and delinquent problems later in life. The study, which followed 445 children over several years, found that training in self-control and social skills accounted for a significant portion of the program's long-term benefits.
A new initiative aims to address high suicide rates in three rural Washington counties by providing training and resources for professionals and community members. The Forefront program will focus on creating coalitions, enhancing crisis plans, and offering one-on-one telephone support through the Forefront Cares program.
Scientists and teachers developed a simple spreadsheet-based method to teach aerodynamic drag to 14-15 year olds. Students measured speed and frontal area while biking, then calculated the drag coefficient using an Excel spreadsheet. The approach engaged students and showed that computers can simplify complex physics problems.
A new University of Illinois at Chicago study examines the impact of cutting teacher benefits on taxpayer savings. The researchers found that most of the cost of health insurance is passed onto teachers themselves through deductions from their salaries.
A new sand fly species, Psathyromyia baratai, has been discovered in Brazil. The species was originally misidentified and found to be an undescribed species through detailed analyses.
A Baylor University study found that changing labor laws could lessen political participation by teachers and other public employees, traditionally a key group in Democratic Party conventions. The shift could affect the distribution of political power across society, including in the 2016 elections.
A new study from the University of Exeter found that people can learn to make effective tools through reasoning and reverse engineering, not just through teaching. This discovery challenges established views on how human tools and technologies improve over time, pointing to humans' unique ability to adapt and innovate.
A new CHOP study finds that teaching problem-solving skills and leadership opportunities to elementary school-aged African-American girls can lower relational aggression. The Friend to Friend program improved social problem-solving knowledge and decreased relational aggression in urban minority girls, with positive effects lasting at l...
Researchers are developing methods to teach empathy to engineering students, exploring its impact on their learning and professional practice. The goal is to enhance engineers' approach to projects that affect various stakeholders and communities.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston's medical school has been renamed the John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School in honor of the largest gift in the university's history. The $75 million donation will provide full scholarships, support scientific discovery and innovation.
A randomized trial found that an evidence-based social-emotional learning curriculum improved basic proficiency in reading, writing, and math among at-risk students. The intervention group showed greater basic proficiency in grades 4-6 compared to the control group, with a dosage effect also observed.
Researchers from Wayne State University and Michigan State University will receive funding to develop a mindfulness-based intervention for parents and teachers of toddlers. The project aims to strengthen skills in responding to children's cues, promoting social-emotional development and school readiness.
A NYU study found that a classroom program improves teacher emotional support, student engagement, and classroom organization in kindergarten and first-grade classes. INSIGHTS, a social-emotional learning intervention, supports responsive teaching strategies and enhances children's ability to regulate classroom behaviors.
A new study found significant positive associations between breakfast consumption and educational attainment. Children who ate a better quality breakfast achieved higher academic outcomes, with the odds of achieving an above average performance up to twice as high for those who ate breakfast compared to those who did not.
Timothy Paine, a renowned entomology professor at UC Riverside, has been awarded the Excellence in College and University Teaching Awards for Food and Agricultural Sciences. His innovative teaching methods have improved student learning outcomes, and he is recognized for his dedication to inspiring young minds.
Dr. Scott Burns, a media personality and engineering geologist, was awarded the American Geosciences Institute's Outstanding Contribution to the Understanding of Geoscience award. He is recognized for enhancing the public's understanding of geoscience through outreach, teaching, and media support.
Researchers find that spear phishing is successful due to users' habitual responses, despite training on information processing. Experts argue that habits play a crucial role in phishing attacks, and current training methods are inadequate.
Wayne State University is preparing a new program to train elementary and middle school mathematics teachers in Detroit with a $1.4 million NSF grant. The project aims to improve student scores in mathematics by providing scholarships, stipends, and mentorship.
A 12-month study found that the COPE Healthy Lifestyles TEEN Program significantly reduced body mass index and alleviated severe depression in teens. The program, based on cognitive behavioral therapy, teaches adolescents skills to manage negative beliefs and engage in healthy behaviors.
Wayne State University has received a $3 million NSF grant to transform its STEM teaching approaches, incorporating evidence-based instructional practices. The goal is to enhance student engagement, retention, and graduation rates, particularly for underrepresented minorities.
Researchers at POSTECH developed a virtual K-pop dance teacher using precise 3D body joint tracking, allowing for accurate evaluation of dance movements. The system can track 15 human joints and monitor similarity to professional dancer movements, providing a score-based monitoring method.
Masaaki Suzuki, a leading authority on Johann Sebastian Bach, received the 2015 Gutenberg Teaching Award for his contributions to academic teaching in instrumental music, conducting, and vocal arts. The award recognizes his interdisciplinary approach to teaching, which crosses subject and cultural borders.
A recent study by City College of New York researchers found that burnout and depression are closely linked among public school teachers. The survey of 1,386 teachers revealed that 86% of those experiencing burnout also met criteria for depression.
Professor Yang-Hann Kim has been awarded the Rossing Prize for his contributions to acoustics education, including teaching and textbook writing. He is recognized for his work on sound visualization and manipulation, which enables the creation of private sound zones.
A new study found that surgical trainees who continue to practice beyond achieving initial proficiency retain information longer and master surgical skills better. The study, presented at the American College of Surgeons Annual Clinical Congress, showed that overlearning can decrease the learning curve and improve overall scores.
A new method has been developed to reclaim lost instructional time in elementary schools by making transitions fun and engaging. The system, called Keep Busy and Carry On, resulted in an average of 39 extra minutes a week of instruction, equivalent to 2.6 extra hours per month.
Florida Atlantic University has received a $1.2 million grant to develop a graduate program preparing teachers to work with students with autism spectrum disorder. The program will provide tuition support and state endorsement for teachers earning a master's degree in ASD.
A RAND Corporation study found that more than 80 percent of school principals expressed satisfaction with Teach For America teachers, particularly those with experience. Principals rated corps members' abilities to improve student performance and develop positive relationships with colleagues and administrators. However, alumni were mo...
A study by Iowa State University found that digital textbook analytics can accurately predict student outcomes, offering a more individualized measure than traditional GPA-based assessments. By tracking students' reading time and engagement, instructors can tailor their instruction to better support struggling learners.
A national school-based mental health program reduced mental health symptoms and improved school attendance among participating students. The program, established in Chile, teaches key mental health skills to children, parents, and teachers.
Teachers certified through alternative pathways exhibit stronger SAT scores and greater success on certification exams compared to traditional university-based programs. These findings suggest that adding course requirements may actually deter the most qualified individuals from pursuing teaching careers.
A new school-evaluation method called value-added has been found not to affect housing prices, according to research by economists at Michigan State University and Cornell University. The public release of such data did not influence property values in Los Angeles, contradicting previous research that linked test scores to housing pric...
QUT's YuMi Deadly Maths program is expanding to reach more Indigenous students, aiming to improve their understanding of mathematics and increase representation in STEM careers. The program, developed by CSIRO and the BHP Billiton Foundation, uses a unique kinaesthetic approach to learning.
A new study found that black students and white students with minority teachers have more positive attitudes towards school discipline. Increasing diversity in teachers can enhance perceptions of fairness, supporting a recommendation for schools to hire teachers that match their enrollment demographic.
Meera Chandrasekhar and her team developed a hands-on physics course for ninth graders designed to prepare them for higher-level STEM courses. The curriculum, called Exploring Physics, uses interactive tools such as animations, simulations, and data entry to engage students.
Researchers discovered apes can perform voluntary behaviors that require control over vocalization and breathing, such as blowing raspberries or mimicking phone conversations. This finding suggests the evolutionary groundwork for human speech was present in our last common ancestor with gorillas around 10 million years ago.
Experts discuss the use of value-added models (VAMs) to evaluate teacher performance, with some arguing they are not effective and others defending their usefulness. The panel discussion highlighted the importance of accurate data systems and long-term approaches to estimating educational effects.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are developing a new approach called machine teaching, which uses sophisticated mathematics to model human learners and devise the best possible lessons. This method has immense potential to impact education by providing optimal, personalized lessons for students in various fields.
A new survey by Johns Hopkins reveals that hospitals can improve patient satisfaction with simple, low-tech practices. The study found that hospitals with a commitment to consistency, personal interactions, and cultural involvement among caregivers tend to have high patient ratings.
Researchers have developed a clear-cut definition for self-regulation, a crucial psychological concept. By mapping its various meanings and interrelated ideas, the study provides an easy-to-navigate framework for parents, teachers, and educators to better understand and support children's development.
A study found that hospitals penalized in the HAC Reduction Program often offered advanced services, were major teaching institutions, and had better performance on other measures. However, hospitals with higher quality scores were penalized more frequently, suggesting measurement issues with the program.