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Teaching the teachers

Researchers propose a new model to improve existing standards by capturing the multi-dimensional experience of new teachers, highlighting the importance of emotional and relational aspects in their development. The study found that support from colleagues and availability of teaching materials are key factors in job satisfaction.

Supportive teachers, peers can ease negative effects of frequent moves in elementary school

A longitudinal study found that frequent moves during 2nd to 5th grade can lead to declines in academic performance and classroom participation. However, having a supportive teacher who encourages peer acceptance can help children make a smooth transition. The study suggests that teachers play a critical role in mitigating the negative...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 14, 2008

US executive branch drives foreign policy

A new study finds that the US executive branch is the primary force driving foreign policy towards Israel, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. The policies engaged by the US tend to be reciprocal, rewarding favorable behaviors and punishing unfavorable ones.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Studies Perspectives·DateNov 6, 2008

Researchers teach computers to search for photos based on their contents

A team of Penn State researchers has developed a new approach called Automatic Linguistic Indexing of Pictures in Real-Time (ALIPR) that enables computers to recognize the contents of photographs. The system uses statistical models to assign keywords to images based on pixel information, improving accuracy rates up to 90%.

SourcePenn State·JournalIEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence·DateOct 9, 2008

Walking forum report shows need to expand physical activity in schools

The University of Illinois report 'We Move the Kids' recommends integrating physical activity throughout the curriculum, beyond traditional P.E. classes, to promote healthy habits and combat obesity. Experts suggest innovative strategies like pedometer tracking, rewards, and goal-setting to encourage kids to be physically active.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateSep 30, 2008

£17.4m for new health research center

A new five-year research centre will be established in the East Midlands, focusing on improving patient care through innovative healthcare approaches. The Collaborative Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) will prioritize patients' needs and translate research findings into practical service improvements.

Teaching in a disruptive classroom

A college biology teacher found that by addressing student misbehavior directly, he was able to improve classroom attention and engagement. The study suggests that simply being direct with students can resolve problems and encourage cooperation.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateJul 21, 2008

Chalk and talk

Researchers provide a template for online education that addresses obstacles to integrating traditional chalk and talk classes with digital tools. The template builds on principles suggested in 2005 for developing Asynchronous Learning Environments (ALEs) and outlines materials and tools for delivery, coursework, and assessment.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Management in Education·DateJul 17, 2008

Government use of school league tables completely unjustified

New research published in 'Significance' magazine finds that UK school league tables are based on flawed methodology, leading to inaccurate judgments of a school's quality. The study suggests that the tables do not provide sufficient evidence to support institutional choice or accountability.

SourceWiley·JournalSignificance·DateMay 28, 2008

Teaching evolution: Legal victories aren't enough

A national survey of teachers found that one in eight high school biology teachers present creationism as a scientifically valid alternative to Darwinian evolution. The majority of teachers spend less than five hours on human evolution, suggesting pressure from the community may influence teaching practices. Raising certification stand...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 19, 2008

'Deaf by God' tried in Old Bailey records

Historical records show the evolution of signing and interpreting in court proceedings from 1725 to 19th century, highlighting the role of education and community in shaping British Sign Language. As deaf people gained access to education, their status in courts declined paradoxically.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalSign Language Studies·DateMay 5, 2008

Sniffing out danger

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that a single negative experience linked to an odor rapidly teaches us to identify and discriminate it from similar ones. The study found specific changes in brain regions enhancing perceptual sensitivity for smells with high biological relevance.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateMar 27, 2008

British doctors should be nationally licensed

A study published in BMC Medicine found that UK medical graduates from different schools perform significantly differently on national exams. The researchers argue that a national licensing exam is needed to standardize the training of doctors. The results showed that some medical schools teach skills not assessed by current exams.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2008