Articles tagged with Learning
A study by Markus Paulus found that preschoolers (3-5 years) expect reciprocity in social interactions, even before it's explicitly taught. This strategic behavior is rooted in the understanding of relative amounts of social capital they build with others.
A new study from Carnegie Mellon University reveals four distinct stages of problem solving: encoding, planning, solving, and responding. The research uses functional MRI to analyze brain activity patterns and provides insights into how students think when solving math problems.
A new study found that background noise in homes and schools impairs toddlers' word learning skills. However, providing additional language cues can aid young children in overcoming this difficulty. The research suggests that reducing background noise or highlighting important information can help children learn effectively.
A study by Dr. Kalipada Pahan found that cinnamon improves learning in poor mice by increasing sodium benzoate, a chemical produced as cinnamon breaks down in the body. The effect appears to be due mainly to sodium benzoate's ability to stimulate hippocampal plasticity and enhance the structural integrity of brain cells.
City Connects, a Boston College initiative, has received a $300k grant to expand its 'whole child' support services, addressing poverty's negative effects on education. Research shows the program improves student grades, test scores, and long-term academic success.
A new study uses a video game to teach abstract math concepts by making relevant arm movements. Researchers found that this approach can improve knowledge and retention of complex geometry theorems, promoting embodied cognition and learning through motion.
A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that genetics account for approximately half of the differences in character traits among individuals. Environmental factors outside of home and school environments influence the remaining variation in character, with certain personality traits driving l...
The US National Science Foundation has awarded five early-concept grants to investigate new approaches in STEM learning and innovation through making. The projects aim to create more accessible and engaging maker programs for diverse youth populations.
A new study found that genetic variations of the COMT gene and white matter in the brain predict a student's performance in a second-language class, accounting for 46% of the variance. This research sheds light on why individuals learn differently and could lead to interventions that improve learning.
A new educational software application, Food for Thought, is introducing middle school students to the topic of climate change and its impact on the environment. The app allows students to create a meal and visualize the nutritional data and carbon footprint associated with each food item.
A new study finds that busier lifestyles are associated with better processing speed, working memory, and episodic memory in older adults. The research suggests that busyness may stimulate learning and improve cognition, but more experimental work is needed to confirm this association.
A Dartmouth College study measures bias in how we learn and make decisions, revealing contradictory biases when combining evidence from different sources. The research shows that our ability for learning and inference is limited and biased due to the inability to separate information about cues from overall probability of outcomes.
Roger L. Boltz, a longtime UH optometry professor, has been recognized as Educator of the Year by the Texas Optometric Association for his commitment to advancing the profession and fostering academic excellence. He is also an associate dean at UH, overseeing finance and administration.
NYU scholars presented research on diversity, inequality, and technology in education at the American Education Research Association (AERA) 2016 meeting. Preliminary findings indicate that 60% of public research universities have differential tuition, while nearly 30% of private research universities do. The studies also examine the im...
Researchers found intentional mind wandering is more common when tasks are boring and less common when tasks are challenging. This challenges the common view that all mind wandering is unintentional, highlighting the need to distinguish between two unique subtypes of mind wandering.
A University of Houston study suggests that traditional internship lengths of one semester are insufficient for experiential learners, who require structured support and time to navigate the challenges of a professional workplace.
A study comparing blind and sighted participants reveals that language learning shapes gesture patterns, with Turkish speakers producing more separated sentence units. The findings suggest that speech carries the imprint of the language, marking it as a source of cross-linguistic variation in gestures.
A new study at Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences has found that peer-led team learning significantly improves grade performance and course completion among minority students in STEM fields. The researchers hope to expand the successful model to increase participation in these crucial subjects.
A NYU study found that a science curriculum designed for English language learners improves their science learning outcomes. The P-SELL intervention, which provides guidance for ELLs and supports teacher implementation, resulted in significant positive effects on students' science performance.
Research by WSU's Joyce Ehrlinger and colleagues found that those with a fixed mindset about intelligence tend to be overconfident, while growth mindset holders are more accurate in their self-assessment. This imbalance can lead to poor decision-making and missed learning opportunities.
Rutgers University students Jason Kim and Professor Howon Lee created 3D Braille maps for the Joseph Kohn Training Center using a high-tech 3D printer. The goal is to help blind and visually impaired individuals navigate their surroundings with ease.
The Crop Science Society of America is sending graduate students to Zambia to learn about dry bean research and increase international knowledge of this important crop. The PanAfrican Grain Legume Conference and World Cowpea Conference will focus on pulses, dry beans, peas, and lentils.
Recent studies reveal that bilingualism alters brain networks for skilled cognition and fluent language performance, facilitating new learning.
RIT faculty will develop new cybersecurity curriculum on strategic thinking and tactics with a $25,000 Intel gift. The project aims to train future cybersecurity professionals in applying conventional warfare tactics for defense purposes.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that learning about the personal and intellectual struggles of famous scientists can improve high school students' science grades. Students who read about the scientists' failures had significantly improved their grades, with low-achievers benefiting the most.
The Tufts University School of Medicine/University of Massachusetts Boston Enrichment Program introduces undergraduate students to careers in clinical healthcare or biomedical research. Students participate in an intensive curriculum, career workshops, and mentoring relationships with medical professionals.
Research by University of Sydney researchers found that finger tracing enhances students' understanding and solving skills in geometry and algebra. Students who used finger tracing completed tasks more quickly and correctly than those without the technique.
A new study discourages a sweeping transformation of conventional education to replace traditional curricula with game-based instruction. Instead, researchers recommend adding promising features to games, such as explanatory feedback and pregame activities, to enhance learning outcomes. Game features that improve student performance in...
Researchers created an audio platform that modifies voices to sound happier, sadder or more fearful, and found participants' emotional state changed accordingly. The study suggests people don't always control their own voice to match emotions, but listen to it to gauge feelings.
Researchers at Concordia University found that students can improve their thinking and learning with Reflective Writing and interactive activities. Flipping the classroom on its head allows students to explore concepts before class and collaborate with peers, leading to better understanding and approach to learning.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing computational models to teach chemistry in an interactive environment that encourages scientific discussion and argumentation. The project aims to integrate science, engineering, art, and design to transform K-12 education.
The University of Huddersfield is conducting a £350,000 research project to measure 'learning gain', defined as improvement in knowledge, skills, and employability. The project will survey hundreds of undergraduates who participate in additional activities beyond their course curriculum.
A framework co-developed by Hiroki Sayama and his team can help students understand all types of networks, from social media to beehives. The framework provides seven concepts that characterize any network, allowing students to see common patterns across disciplines.
Undergraduate and graduate students in Arizona and Michigan used open-access data to discover the influence of soil composition on microbial life. The students, part of a revolutionary virtual class, used social media and online forums to collaborate and analyze large-scale datasets.
The University of Oklahoma Institute for Study of Human Flourishing aims to advance the science of virtue and improve the flourishing of OU students and all Oklahomans. The Institute is launching various programs, including a Common Read program and Camp IMPACT, to promote character development and civic engagement.
Carnegie Mellon researchers find that practicing route-learning leads to structural brain changes in the hippocampus and improves functional connectivity between brain areas. This study establishes a critical link between spatial learning and brain alterations, providing new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive maps.
The Penn State College of Medicine has implemented a new curriculum that focuses on patient navigation, shifting from a physician-centric to a patient-centric model. First-year medical students learn about the health care system and gain hands-on experience as patient navigators.
A group of Michigan State University scholars argue that colleges need to transform their introductory science courses, focusing on core ideas and scientific practices. They suggest adopting strategies from K-12 schools to improve learning in STEM fields during the first two years of college.
The Regenstrief tEMR system offers a unique learning environment for medical students, allowing them to practice patient care in a simulated setting. The system uses anonymized patient data to train students on how to navigate electronic medical records and make clinical decisions.
New research from the University of Chicago shows that adding math talk to story time at home can significantly improve children's math achievement. Using an iPad app called Bedtime Math, parents and children can engage in high-quality math interactions, even infrequent use was beneficial.
The Bootstrap curriculum is a 10-week classroom module that helps students learn algebra by creating their own video games using key concepts like variables, functions, and the Pythagorean theorem. The $1.5 million grant from NSF will support research and workshops to train 600 additional teachers.
Standardized test designers should use tests as tools to promote learning, provide feedback, and encourage self-assessment to enhance student outcomes. The researchers recommend adapting tests to students' ability levels and ensuring they encourage critical thinking and application of knowledge.
Students from Drexel and KAIST will collaborate on nanofabrication and energy storage projects using latest materials and instrumentation. The FIRST Nano2 Co-op Center aims to foster global partnerships in 21st-century technological challenges.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University's Simon Initiative shows that MOOCs are ineffective and that interactive approaches improve learning outcomes. Students who completed combined courses with OLI learned 66% on a final exam, compared to 57% for those in MOOC-only courses.
The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) has been awarded a two-year NSF grant to create the Quantitative Biology Concept Inventory (QBCI), an instrument to assess learning comprehension and skill development in college-level math courses with real-world examples versus abstract methods. The project ai...
The geosciences are becoming more inclusive, thanks to initiatives like the first fully accessible field trip in 2014. Researchers found that focusing on students' abilities rather than challenges can create a rewarding experience for all. The American Geosciences Institute is promoting this approach through its efforts.
Researchers at University of Michigan examined two mindsets: fit theory and develop theory. They found that both are equally effective in achieving vocational well-being, with differing motivations. People with the fit theory prioritize initial enjoyment, while those with the develop theory focus on cultivating passion over time.
A self-directed, iterative learning framework dramatically improved first-year physics students' critical thinking skills, according to new University of British Columbia research. Students were four times more likely to identify and explain limitations in scientific models using their data.
Carnegie Mellon psychologists discover that more familiar chunks facilitate learning and reduce working memory consumption. This finding has implications for teaching methods and understanding children's working memory capabilities.
A study found that medical students who visited an art museum with people with dementia showed improved attitudes towards the disease. The experience helped students understand how patients and caregivers maintain relationships despite diagnosis.
Researchers at NYU develop a virtual IPE curriculum that improves collaboration and care delivery among nursing and medical students. The study finds that virtual learning is an effective and efficient tool for IPE, with no disadvantages over blended-learning approaches.
Children learn general facts about broad categories effortlessly and may struggle to recognize when they learn something new. This 'knew-it-all-along' illusion suggests that kids' minds absorb information about categories more readily than specifics.
Researchers propose high-altitude balloons as a tool for science education, enabling students to conduct experiments in near-vacuum environments. This technology offers opportunities for hands-on learning, creativity, and enthusiasm, while also advancing scientific knowledge.
A $3.5 million grant will support 100 first-grade classrooms in Sacramento and Houston, teaching specific skills to struggling readers. The program aims to improve both basic reading skills and comprehension, with preliminary data showing a positive impact on struggling readers.
Michigan State University will receive a $5 million grant from the George Lucas Educational Foundation to develop a project-based learning curriculum for elementary students. The project aims to improve science, math, reading, and writing skills through real-world problem-solving approaches.
The $3.1 million project, supported by the US Department of Education, aims to develop an educational video game that engages students in learning about water systems and practicing scientific argumentation. Teachers can monitor progress and intervene to support individual needs, using data to adjust the course of the game.
A new study by Michigan State University scholars found that exceptional teachers incorporate their personal interests into the curriculum to create interactive and effective learning experiences. The research suggests that teachers should be encouraged to take creative risks and bring diverse perspectives to the classroom.
A new approach to English language learning using multiple genres leads to improved student gains, according to a Boston College study. Genres in Writing breaks from traditional essay formats and teaches students to write across various genres, such as persuasive, expository, and historical.
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.
Infants learn more about surprising objects than predictable ones by harnessing core information they're born with. They test hypotheses about the object's behavior, indicating a deeper attempt to learn about unexpected aspects of the world.