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How can sex education training videos be more inclusive?

A new video training platform, SkillFlix for Educators, aims to improve educators' skills in facilitating inclusive sexuality education. The platform uses professional actors and film crew to simulate a classroom environment, incorporating LGBTQIA2S+ experts and actors into the production process.

SourceDfusion (United States)·JournalHealth Promotion Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2022

Little objective evidence to show effectiveness of learner-centred teaching methods, study warns

New research by Dr Nozomi Sakata and colleagues found that learner-centered pedagogy can have positive results, but lacks comprehensive evidence to prove its effectiveness. Only 9 out of 62 studies reported objective evidence of improved academic learning outcomes, while many studies cited subjective experiences of teachers and students.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Educational Development·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 15, 2022

Ambition to succeed despite adversity motivates people from diverse backgrounds to pursue legal careers, study shows

A new study suggests that a desire to succeed despite adversity is a key motivator for individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue legal careers. The research, based on 650 UK tweets, found that financial support and positive careers advice are crucial in overcoming barriers to entry into the legal profession.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalResearch in Post-Compulsory Education·TypeObservational study·DateNov 9, 2022

Machine learning, from you

Researchers from the University of Tokyo's Interactive Intelligent Systems Laboratory developed a new system called LookHere that incorporates natural hand gestures into the teaching process. This approach eliminates extraneous details and provides better input data for machines to create models, resulting in improved efficiency and ac...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

Automatic text simplification: efficacy in the foreign language classroom

A study by Professor Dennis Murphy Odo found that automatic text simplification (ATS) software makes authentic materials more comprehensible for L2 learners with high reading proficiency. However, the tool's effectiveness is limited for learners with lower reading proficiencies. The researcher suggests that ATS tools need to be further...

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Linguistics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Happily ever after? A new chapter for traditional fairy tales

Researchers from the University of South Australia found that fairy tales are a valid resource for teaching primary students about social justice and emotional intelligence. Experienced teacher Glenn Saxby suggests presenting fairy tales in a critical and inclusive manner to help explain complex issues to children.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Australian Journal of Language and Literacy·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 24, 2022

Poor professional development may explain failure of push to promote physical health in schools

A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that ineffective teacher training is the likely cause of failures in promoting children's physical health in schools. The review of 51 randomised control trials suggests that key ingredients like clear goals, regular feedback, and resources are often missing from teacher training.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateOct 23, 2022

Nutrition education should be ‘on the menu’ of all healthcare professionals’ education - new research

A new curriculum aims to integrate nutrition education into medical students' general undergraduate training, highlighting its importance in patient care and disease management. The curriculum is designed to equip future doctors with knowledge and skills to consider nutrition's role in patient conditions.

SourceAston University·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 20, 2022

What is the best way to group students?

A new mathematical approach to grouping theory uses math to determine the most effective way to organize individuals to maximize learning. The research found that like-skilled tiered grouping is better than cross-sectional or random grouping, when the end goal is improving learning for all individuals.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalEducational Practice and Theory·DateSep 7, 2022

Study shows how Black male teacher-coaches illustrate civic-focused education

A study by University of Kansas faculty member Daniel Thomas III founds Black male teacher-coaches in predominantly white private schools employ unique civic-oriented practices to counter historical anti-Blackness. They engage students and athletes in social activism, community service, and critical civic engagement.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalTheory & Research in Social Education·TypeCase study·DateAug 25, 2022

Teachers want support to embrace nature play in primary education

A new Australian study reveals that despite growing interest in nature-based learning, teachers need professional development to effectively integrate it into their teaching practices. The research found that seven out of ten teachers felt limited by their knowledge and confidence in using nature play areas to support curriculum goals.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Adventure Education & Outdoor Learning·TypeSurvey·DateAug 24, 2022

Preschoolers with larger vocabulary before they begin education, perform better in class – study shows

A study published in Early Education and Development journal found that preschoolers with stronger vocabulary skills at the start of the year display more positive engagement with teachers and peers. The researchers also discovered that inhibitory control is crucial for classroom engagement and learning.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalEarly Education and Development·TypeSurvey·DateAug 17, 2022

Pain, pain go away, help our children run and play

A new study from the University of South Australia identifies five key approaches for parents and caregivers to discuss everyday pain with young children. Teaching children that they can control their pain and empowering them to actively engage in pain management can promote lifelong helpful pain behaviors and encourage recovery. By he...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalEuropean Journal of Pain·TypeCase study·DateAug 1, 2022

Research Brief: Importance of teaching physician advocacy to medical students

Research found key components of the fellowship program, including flexible curricular structure and long-term health advocacy engagement, are associated with student growth. Community-centered models offer a compelling way to enable physician advocacy to center on community needs and foster innovative system change.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·TypeSurvey·DateJul 28, 2022

Implicit bias and concern about appearing racist predict teachers’ reluctance to discuss race and racism in the classroom

A new study by Linda Tropp found that teachers' implicit racial biases and concerns about being perceived as racist independently contribute to their lower intentions to discuss race with students. Recent teacher training programs have focused on addressing implicit biases, but not conscious concerns about being seen as racist.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalSocial Psychology of Education·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 25, 2022

Enhancing foreign language learning with humor: What does and does not work

A study by Prof. Peter Neff from Doshisha University found that students prefer spontaneous verbal humor, cartoons, and memes, while visual humor is the least preferred. The study also revealed that students who appreciate humor in language classes accept the view that language learning should not be dry or humorless.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalInnovation in Language Learning and Teaching·TypeSurvey·DateJul 13, 2022

Universal UK school-based mindfulness training to boost teen mental health probably not warranted

A cluster of studies published in BMJ Group found that universal UK school-based mindfulness training had weak evidence for effectiveness and short-lived benefits. The research suggests that other approaches, such as social-emotional learning (SEL), may be more suitable for building psychological resilience in young people.

SourceBMJ Group·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 12, 2022

Russian scientists teach AI to analyze emotions of participants at online events

Researchers developed a neural network algorithm that recognizes emotions and engagement from video images of faces, outperforming existing models in accuracy. The system can be integrated into video conferencing tools and online learning systems to analyze participant engagement and emotions.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalIEEE Transactions on Affective Computing·DateJul 4, 2022

Clashes of inference and perspective explain why children sometimes lose the plot in conversation

Research by University of Cambridge academics found that children as old as five or six struggle to reconcile inference and perspective, leading to difficulties in conversations. Combining these skills is crucial for understanding 'implicatures' - inferences made in conversation when people mean more than they say.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalLanguage Learning and Development·DateJun 29, 2022