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Understanding student weaknesses

A Harvard University study found that 95% of people believe the Earth's seasons are caused by its distance from the sun. However, scientists know it's due to the axis tilt and resulting sunlight duration. The study showed that better teachers who predicted students' wrong answers helped them learn more.

SourceHarvard University·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateMay 2, 2013

UT study: Students who are more physically fit perform better academically

A recent UT study examined how academic achievement relates to physical fitness in middle school students. The study found that students with the highest fitness levels performed better on standardized exams and earned higher grades. By being active, kids may be able to raise their grades without sacrificing academic instruction.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalThe Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness·DateDec 11, 2012

Fit kids finish first in the classroom

A new study from Michigan State University found that middle school students in better physical shape scored higher on standardized tests and received better grades. The research linked health-related fitness to academic performance, including body fat, muscular strength, flexibility, and endurance.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness·DateDec 6, 2012

Assessment of COPD exacerbation severity with the COPD Assessment Test

A new study found that the CAT questionnaire is a reliable tool for assessing COPD exacerbation severity, reflecting both exacerbation length and reduction in lung function. The CAT scores were also weakly related to systemic inflammatory markers and elevated in stable patients with a history of frequent exacerbations.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 27, 2012

Culture, not biology, underpins math gender gap

Researchers from University of Wisconsin-Madison report that culture, not biology, underpins the math gender gap. Girls are now performing on par with boys in standardized mathematics tests and taking calculus at the same rate. The study challenges the validity of the greater male variability hypothesis, suggesting that providing femal...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2009

Certified teachers + modern instruction = better public school math scores

A University of Illinois study finds that public schools with certified teachers and a modern math curriculum outscore private schools. The researchers discovered that smaller class sizes, teacher certification, and instructional practices were key factors in achieving better math test scores for public school students.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Education·DateFeb 25, 2009

Physically fit kids do better in school

Researchers found a significant relationship between students' academic achievement and physical fitness in an urban public school district. Students who excelled in fitness tests also performed well on standardized math and English tests.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of School Health·DateJan 28, 2009