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Eyeglasses for school kids boosts academic performance

A three-year clinical study found that students who received eyeglasses through a school-based program scored higher on reading and math tests. The students who struggled the most academically showed the greatest improvement, with gains equivalent to two to four months of additional education.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 9, 2021

Study shows motivation is key for teachers to overcome racial bias in classroom

A study published in Learning and Instruction found that pre-service teachers' genuine desire to be unprejudiced is positively associated with their endorsement of culturally supportive instructional practices. Cultivating open-mindedness rather than anti-racist training is key for teachers to overcome racial bias.

SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalLearning and Instruction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2021

Research shows ethnic studies increases student engagement and high school graduation

New research from UMass Amherst found that enrolling academically struggling 9th graders in an ethnic studies course significantly increases their chances of graduating from high school and enrolling in college. The study, which analyzed nearly 1,400 students, also showed improvements in attendance and engagement.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 6, 2021

Ninth-grade ethnic studies helped students for years, Stanford researchers find

A Stanford study finds that ninth-grade ethnic studies classes have a lasting positive impact on students, increasing overall engagement, probability of graduating and likelihood of enrolling in college. The course provides targeted psychological interventions promoting sense of belonging, affirming personal values and forewarning abou...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2021

Researchers confirm correlation between education expenditure and GDP growth

A study by HSE University researchers found a positive correlation between GDP and education expenditure for OECD members, with stronger effects over the long term. However, in developing economies, increased investment in secondary and professional education actually decelerates GDP growth due to labor market mismatch.

Kids hospitalised with chronic illness up to three times more likely to fall behind at school

A large-scale study of over 300,000 children in Australia found that those hospitalised with chronic illnesses were at a significantly higher risk of poor academic performance. The study, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood, highlights the need for additional support for these students.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeObservational study·DateSep 2, 2021

A parent’s genes can influence a child’s educational success, inherited or not

A new study led by UCL researchers confirms that genetic inheritance has a significant impact on educational outcomes. However, the study also reveals that parent genes that aren't directly inherited can shape parents' education levels and subsequently influence their children's learning environment, affecting their academic success.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 19, 2021

University of Surrey reveals optimal usage time for face coverings to mitigate Covid-19 transmission

Air pollution experts at the University of Surrey recommend wearing respirator masks between 3.2 to 9.5 hours for maximum effectiveness, with 97% effective in protecting against virus-laden particles. Medical and handmade masks also provide protection but with lower usage time and effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeNews article·DateAug 18, 2021

Study finds "thriving gap" between students who attend high school remotely vs. in person

A recent study published by the American Educational Research Association found a significant 'thriving gap' between students who attended school remotely during the pandemic and those who attended in person. The study revealed that remote students suffered socially, emotionally, and academically, with lower ratings on social well-bein...

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateJul 14, 2021

"All the lonely people": The impact of loneliness in old age on life and health expectancy

A study by Duke-NUS Medical School finds that lonely older adults can expect to live a shorter life than their peers, forfeiting potential years of good health. In Singapore, where collectivistic culture and rapidly ageing population make loneliness more detrimental, loneliness among seniors has become a social and public health concern.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 6, 2021

Outstanding education scholarship

Roberta Golinkoff, a renowned University of Delaware professor, has been elected to the National Academy of Education for her groundbreaking contributions to language development and playful learning. Her research focuses on how children learn and grow, with a particular emphasis on the importance of play in early childhood education.

An academic role model

Kristin Morell, a UC Santa Barbara Assistant Professor, has received the National Science Foundation's prestigious CAREER award. The award will fund her research on plate tectonics and provide opportunities for underrepresented students to get involved in geoscience through internships and workshops.

Storytelling reduces pain and stress, and increases oxytocin in hospitalized children

A new study by D'Or Institute for Research and Education found that storytelling can decrease cortisol levels and increase oxytocin production in ICU children. The results showed that the narrative activity was more effective than riddles, improving the quality of life for hospitalized kids.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2021

Music may benefit older adults with cognitive impairment

An analysis of nine studies found that active music-making can provide significant cognitive benefits to older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Music-based interventions have the potential to support millions of older adults in their emotional, social, and well-being needs.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 19, 2021