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Science of learning can help parents, developers grade educational apps

A comprehensive new report integrates research from psychological science, linguistics, and neuroscience to provide an evidence-based guide for evaluating the quality of educational apps. The report presents four principles that can help distinguish between apps with true educational value and those that masquerade as such.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateApr 20, 2015

College rankings go under the microscope

Education researchers say college rankings may be doing more harm than good, with institutions criticizing their methods and influence on choice trends. Experts are proposing a research agenda to better understand rankings methodologies and their impact on consumers and institutions.

A call to US educators: Learn from Canada

Canada's Province of Ontario has implemented successful education reform initiatives through cooperation and experimentation, with an emphasis on inclusivity. Key findings include the importance of feedback from diverse stakeholders, inclusive policies for native peoples, and addressing out-of-school problems.

A scientific look at the art of teacher talk

A new study finds that teachers' conversational art of instruction can measurably influence literacy skills. Measured, positive feedback is shown to improve student performance, while talking around standardized test questions and failing to cultivate class-wide discussions have a negative effect.

Greater-than-additive management effects key in reducing corn yield gaps

Researchers at the University of Illinois found that an intensified management system increased corn yields by 28%, primarily due to the combined effects of Bt trait, strobilurin-containing fungicide, and balanced nutrition. The study suggests that no single factor is crucial, but rather the synergistic effect of all five management fa...

How do students use video in higher education?

A new SAGE white paper reveals that 68% of students watch videos in their classes, with 79% using them to enhance learning. The most compelling videos feature charismatic speakers, and preferred lengths range from 5-20 minutes, depending on the topic.

SourceSAGE·DateMar 16, 2015

Building a genomic GPS

Researchers developed a multicolored CRISPR/Cas9 labeling system to precisely measure the distance between chromosomes and genetic elements. The system enabled scientists to map chromosomal loci in live human cells, revealing key insights into gene accessibility and expression.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2015

Study: Little evidence that executive function interventions boost student achievement

A federally funded meta-analysis of 25 years' worth of research found no conclusive evidence that developing students' executive function skills leads to better academic performance. The study analyzed 67 studies and controlled for various characteristics, including parental education and socioeconomic status.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalReview of Educational Research·DateMar 5, 2015

Studies find emergency doctors and paramedics commonly misinterpret documents for end-of-life care choices, reports Journal of Patient Safety

Studies found significant confusion among emergency physicians and prehospital care providers in interpreting POLST orders. Only when specifying CPR and full treatment did consensus rates reach 95%. The studies call for continued research, standards, and education to ensure patient autonomy and appropriate care.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Patient Safety·DateFeb 26, 2015

Patient perceptions of physician compassion measured

A study published in JAMA Oncology found that patients with advanced cancer perceived a higher level of compassion from physicians when presented with an optimistically framed message about future treatment options. The results suggest the need for extra support and care for delivering bad news while preserving hope.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateFeb 26, 2015

Looking into the light

Jon Schuller, UCSB assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, is studying how light interacts with complex materials like plastics, which have unique optical properties. The research could lead to the development of new organic photonic devices with enhanced performance and low-cost semiconductors.

Education 'experts' may lack expertise, study finds

A new study suggests that education 'experts' with substantial media presence but little background in education and policy research may be more influential than those with empirical expertise. Researchers found experts associated with organizations like the American Enterprise Institute received nearly 2.5 times more citations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEducation Policy Analysis Archives·DateFeb 20, 2015

Use of 'digital badges' in schools would motivate students, research shows

A new study by University at Buffalo education professor Sam Abramovich investigates the use of school-based digital badges as a way to motivate students and measure learning. The research finds that successful educational badges must present enjoyment, recognize work beyond typical academic ability, and value for the student.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalInternational Journal of Learning and Media·DateFeb 13, 2015

Understanding how to teach 'intelligence'

Researchers at the University of Luxembourg believe it is possible to teach complex psychological processes enabling people to solve problems, or 'intelligence'. The study highlights the need for cross-curricular skills that can be applied in various situations and domains.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalEducational Research Review·DateFeb 10, 2015

Do cops need college?

A new study found college-educated police officers are dissatisfied with their jobs, have negative views of their supervisors, and don't favor community policing. However, the researchers suggest that a college education may actually lead to less force being used on citizens, making police departments more legitimate and trustworthy.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Criminal Justice Education·DateFeb 5, 2015