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New limits on physician training hours could prove costly for US teaching hospitals

The new duty-hour limits will require US teaching hospitals to spend up to $1.3 billion a year on implementing the changes, which aim to reduce medical errors caused by fatigue. The reforms also introduce changes in the training environment, including standardized hand-overs and education on fatigue and patient safety.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 8, 2011

Simulation an effective way to train health-care professionals

Mayo Clinic researchers analyzed over 600 studies on simulation-based training, finding it consistently better than no instruction for various learners and clinical topics. Simulation allows for practice without harming patients, repeated training to become more proficient, and structured learning for effective learning outcomes.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA·DateSep 6, 2011

Student complaints of lackluster learning? The key to quelling boredom is within, grasshopper

According to University of Alberta researcher Lia Daniels, students can overcome boredom by using internal strategies such as re-appraising, critiquing, or evading their classes. The re-appraisers are the most resourceful group, while criticsizers may bring about effective change with the right communication from teachers. Parents and ...

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalLearning and Individual Differences·DateSep 1, 2011

Sex hormones impact career choices

Research suggests that sex hormones play a significant role in shaping women's career interests. Females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia exhibit more interest in STEM careers due to increased androgen exposure, while those without the condition prefer people-oriented jobs.

SourcePenn State·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateSep 1, 2011

Obama: Our 22nd greatest president?

A statistical analysis by Curt Nichols predicts Obama will land at the 22nd spot on expert ranking lists if he serves only one term. He is likely to receive credits for his four years of service and wartime leadership, but may be penalized for failing to lift the nation out of crisis.

Teacher influence persists in early grades

A new study by Michigan State University found that teacher influence persists in early grades, affecting students' reading and math scores in later grades. The research highlights the importance of identifying and hiring effective teachers in elementary school to improve student achievement.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalTeachers College Record The Voice of Scholarship in Education·DateJul 27, 2011

Environmental factors predict underserved children's physical activity, Wayne State research finds

A study by Jeffrey Martin found that social and environmental factors like classmate support and confidence play a crucial role in determining physical activity levels among underserved children. The study also revealed that girls are less likely to engage in physical activity than boys, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalResearch Quarterly for Exercise and Sport·DateJul 14, 2011

Don't show, don't tell?

A study by MIT researchers found that explicit instruction makes children less likely to engage in spontaneous exploration, but acknowledging the unknown is crucial. Children taught one function played with the toy for less time and discovered fewer things than those in other conditions.

In motor learning, it's actions, not intentions, that count

Researchers at Harvard University's Neuromotor Control Lab found that motion-referenced learning, where the brain learns from actual movements rather than intended actions, can improve learning efficiency. This approach may lead to more effective neurological rehabilitation for individuals with stroke or other motor disorders.

SourceHarvard University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 23, 2011

Building a better math teacher

A math education professor argues that advanced courses in mathematics do little to contribute to effective teaching, and instead suggests that teachers focus on developing a deeper understanding of mathematics with their students. This approach can help prevent student frustration and prepare them for a knowledge-based economy.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalScience·DateJun 23, 2011

Validating preschool programs for children with autism

Researchers from the University of Miami developed assessment measures to evaluate the fidelity of teaching models for autistic preschool children. The findings suggest that these tools can accurately discriminate between diverse teaching approaches and provide an evaluation method for intervention programs.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·DateMay 19, 2011

Bringing new ideas to fruition

In 'The Art of Invention', Paley explores the essential aspects of creative thinking, from identifying a problem or need to finding an inspired solution. He offers detailed guidance for aspiring inventors and experienced designers alike on conceptualizing ideas and turning them into reality.

Poor behavior doesn't always lead to poor academics

Researchers followed 350 students in seven at-risk schools over a 5-year period, finding that well-behaved students were more likely to achieve academically. However, teachers' expectations and perceptions of student behavior played a significant role in determining academic outcomes.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Positive Behavior Interventions·DateMar 29, 2011

Around 25 percent of health messages in Spanish text books are not based on scientific evidence

A study by Baza Hospital found that 24.6% of health messages in primary and secondary school text books are not based on scientific evidence. The research analyzed 844 messages, with 61% classified as having an unknown level of evidence, and identified high levels of scientific proof in topics like oral health and pregnancy.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMar 24, 2011