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More screen time since childhood associated with better cognitive processing in adolescence

A recent Finnish study found that more screen time since childhood is associated with better cognitive processing in adolescence. The researchers recommend encouraging active thinking and problem-solving through screen use. The study also highlights the importance of balancing physical activity and sedentary time to promote brain health.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalPediatric Exercise Science·DateAug 12, 2026

Teaching children to be better, more critical internet users

A digital literacy program designed by McGill researchers improved students' ability to evaluate websites and identify credible sources. The program targeted key skills such as searching for information and addressing conflicting data. Students showed significant improvements in their global performance across all skill categories.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Experiential Education·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

Teaching with food boosts preschoolers’ science knowledge and vocabulary

A new study by North Carolina State University found that teaching with food can increase preschoolers' understanding of scientific concepts four times more than traditional methods. The 'More PEAS Please!' program also improved vocabulary skills, with a 20% increase in the group that received the intervention.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2026

With history standards prone to politicization, 'minimalism' approach would benefit teachers, scholar argues

A University of Kansas scholar argues that history standards are prone to politicization, which can lead to a lack of understanding of historical events and people. In contrast, states like Kansas and Maine's 'minimalism' approach focuses on high-level concepts and guiding principles rather than specific content recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of American History·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 30, 2026

Girls are happiest at school – for good reasons

A new survey reveals a significant difference between girls' and boys' well-being at school. Girls are found to be happier than boys due to stronger connections with their peers and feeling safe at school. In contrast, boys tend to score lower in academic subjects like reading and science but excel in physical education.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Early Childhood Education Research Journal·TypeSurvey·DateJan 30, 2026

New study reveals a “Chinese-style STEM” model achieving deep curriculum integration in Shanghai school

A new study reveals a Chinese-style STEM model successfully integrates subject areas to cultivate innovation and practical skills, benefiting all students without increasing burden. The Deep Integration Teaching Model, developed by Shanghai Jing'an Education College, offers a replicable blueprint for schools worldwide.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeCase study·DateJan 8, 2026

Living in substandard housing linked to kids’ missed schooling and poor grades

Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that children living in poor quality housing missed more school days and achieved worse test scores than their peers. Improving housing conditions, especially reducing damp and overcrowding, may have significant benefits for child health and school outcomes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateDec 16, 2025

Helping the youngest children thrive at school

A study in Iceland found that adding more physical education and passion project classes to a school day improves young children's well-being, reading skills, and overall school experience. The researchers discovered that this holistic approach increases enjoyment and mastery of school subjects, leading to better academic performance.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalActa Psychologica·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2025

Scholar argues for move away from meritocracy in schools to redefine purpose of education

A University of Kansas expert proposes a shift away from the current merit-based education system, citing its limitations in promoting equality and individual fulfillment. By focusing on each student's strengths and interests, a new paradigm can foster personalized education and develop human interdependence, ultimately benefiting both...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 16, 2025

NIH study finds no significant link between time spent in childcare and young children's mental health, even amid early adversity

A new NIH study has found that spending time in childcare does not significantly affect young children's mental health, even among those facing early adversity. The study followed over 2,000 parent-child pairs and found no link between hours spent in childcare and symptoms of anxiety, depression, or aggression.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2024

CU Anschutz experts identify key opportunities to strengthen climate education for health care professionals

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has identified key opportunities to strengthen climate education for healthcare professionals. The authors propose a developmental learning model with six interconnected domains that build on foundational skills in communication and collaboration.

Japan’s premodern concept of nature at root of distinctive mindset in early childhood education

A new study reveals that Japan's traditional concept of nature, dating back to the premodern era, shapes the country's early childhood education philosophy. This approach emphasizes a balance between self-guided action and entrusting oneself to external forces, guided by principles similar to Sozo Kurahashi's 'yūdō' theory.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalHistory of Education·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 22, 2024

What drives students to take up teaching? New study explores aspirations and challenges faced by prospective teachers in Japan

A new study in Japan explores the motivations of undergraduate students pursuing a teaching career, finding that positive school experiences and intrinsic value are major drivers. The research also highlights the challenges faced by aspiring teachers, including demanding skills and social pressures.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Educational Research Open·TypeSurvey·DateMar 7, 2024

Navigating the ‘big little leap’ to kindergarten

A new study from Ohio State University suggests that kindergarten transition difficulties can impact all children, not just those who are less prepared. Children who make a successful transition in the first few months of kindergarten score higher on tests of academic and social-behavioral skills at the end of the school year.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2024

Participants in school-based gardening and food programs benefit from lasting impacts on dietary behaviors

A new study found that participants in school-based gardening and food programs experience lasting impacts on their dietary behaviors, including increased enjoyment of fresh foods, confidence in making healthy decisions, and appreciation for the benefits of experiential education. The FRESHFARM FoodPrints program, which has been operat...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateJan 8, 2024

Do extracurricular activities always give children a head start? Research says maybe not

A study by Dr Lixin Ren found that extracurricular activities have a limited impact on math skills in preschool children, with effects dependent on behavioral regulation and approaches to learning. For children with poor self-regulation skills, structured activities can improve early math skills.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of School Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2023

Bilingualism as a catalyst for social development in children

Children with greater language diversity are more sensitive to contextual factors when assessing an informant's reliability. This study found that bilingual children selectively trust informants who have provided accurate cues in the past, but not those who provide inaccurate cues. Bilingualism may enhance social-cognitive development ...

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalBilingualism Language and Cognition·DateJul 24, 2023

Screen time not harmful for academic skills of preschoolers

A recent study by Ohio State University found that low to moderate levels of screen time do not negatively impact preschoolers' language, literacy, and math skills. However, high levels of screen use at nighttime were linked to smaller gains in social skills, particularly for those who used more than two hours of media daily.

SourceOhio State University·JournalTranslational Issues in Psychological Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023