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'Authentic' teachers are better at engaging with their students

Authentic teaching style is positively received by students, characterized by approachability, passion, attentiveness and care. This style involves conversing with students before and after class, sharing personal experiences and displaying humanity.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCommunication Education·DateMay 25, 2017

How Pokémon GO can help students build stronger communication skills

A study by Emily Howell at Iowa State University suggests that playing Pokémon GO can enhance students' writing and research skills. By incorporating different modes of communication, such as gestures and visuals, the game provides a unique platform for students to practice multimodal text and develop their communication skills.

SourceIowa State University·JournalThe Reading Teacher·DateMay 9, 2017

How do toddlers learn best from touchscreens?

A study found that toddlers learn best from touchscreens through simple interactions like watching, with older children benefiting more. Researchers recommend app developers to tailor interactivity to individual needs, avoiding distractions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 8, 2017
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

The digitization of medical knowledge

A study published in PLOS ONE found that tablet-based, multimedia-enhanced training significantly improved internal medicine exam performance. The integrated program combined theoretical training with clinical practice, utilizing digital media and learning materials to enhance knowledge acquisition.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 4, 2017

You're not too old to learn that

A new theory published in the journal Human Development proposes that adults can learn new skills and combat cognitive aging by adopting broad learning strategies similar to those used in infancy. By embracing open-minded learning, individualized scaffolding, growth mindset, forgiving environment, serious commitment to learning, and le...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalHuman Development·DateMay 3, 2017

Thinking strategically about study resources boosts students' final grades

College students who participated in a self-administered intervention prompting them to reflect about their use of classroom resources had final grades significantly higher than their peers. The intervention involved reflecting on how to use learning resources effectively, leading to better performance and reduced negative emotion.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 1, 2017

UTA Libraries awarded grant to test maker literacies program

The UTA team will collaborate with three pilot sites to test the effectiveness of maker-based competencies on undergraduate learning. The program aims to provide experiential learning opportunities that cut across subject areas and encourage collaboration, adaptability, and creativity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateApr 28, 2017
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Virtual humans help aspiring doctors learn empathy

Researchers developed a virtual reality program to teach medical students advanced communication skills, including delivering difficult news and managing patient reactions. The study found that the simulation was an effective tool in teaching these skills, which transferred to real-life clinical situations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateApr 26, 2017

Just breathe: Mindfulness may help freshman stress less and smile more

A mindfulness training program for first-year college students resulted in significant increases in life satisfaction and a decrease in depression and anxiety. The program, called Just BREATHE, was associated with improved stress management skills and increased recommendations to friends.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateApr 20, 2017

Students may forget relevant information in order to protect their own psyches

A UCLA-led study found that students who experienced high levels of stress in a college mathematics course were more likely to forget the material. The phenomenon, called 'motivated forgetting,' is thought to be a defense mechanism to protect one's self-image as an excellent mathematician.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateApr 19, 2017

Aha! Study examines people as they are struck by sudden insight

The study found that about 42% of players experienced an epiphany, committing to playing zero after realizing it was the best choice. Participants who had epiphanies showed signs of learning, such as increased pupil dilation and attention to low numbers, before making the commit decision.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017

Getting things done while you wait for WiFi

Researchers from MIT CSAIL create an app called WaitSuite that tests users on vocabulary words during wait times, such as WiFi connectivity and email updates. The system, called "wait-learning," helps users make the most of small moments, enabling them to focus on primary tasks and learn new words simultaneously.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateApr 17, 2017
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Helping students learn by sketching

Researchers at Northwestern University developed Sketch Worksheets, a software that analyzes and provides feedback on student sketches to help them learn various subjects. The software uses CogSketch's visual processing algorithms and analogy model to compare student and instructor sketches, providing immediate feedback on mistakes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalTopics in Cognitive Science·DateApr 14, 2017

When it comes to reading, kindergarten is the new first grade

A nationwide study by Ohio State University found that kindergarten is now considered the new first grade for learning reading skills. While low-achieving students showed gains in basic skills, they struggled with advanced reading skills, highlighting a need to adjust strategies.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEducational Researcher·DateApr 13, 2017

Boys secure in their racial identity seek more diverse friendships

A University of Michigan study found that middle school boys who feel secure about their race are more likely to form diverse friendships. The researchers discovered that these boys tend to have more clarity about their ethnicity or race, which leads to greater friendship diversity.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalChild Development·DateMar 21, 2017

Peers, more than teachers, inspire us to learn

A Michigan State University study suggests that peer rationales improve academic performance and motivation. Students who received a rationale from peers scored higher on final exams compared to those who received a rationale from instructors.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Journal of Educational Research·DateMar 21, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Research finds we can civilize punishment by learning a perpetrator's unfortunate history

New research by Lehigh University professor Michael Gill and Stephanie C. Cerce found that considering a wrongdoer's life history reduces harsh blame but doesn't change the perception of their free will. This approach, known as historicist narrative, can lead to more constructive prison systems and improved mental health.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMar 1, 2017

English learners treated differently depending on where they go to school

New research reveals significant variations in how English learners are reclassified in Texas schools, impacting their educational trajectory. The study found differences in assessment data, technology incorporation, and educator understanding, leading to disparate outcomes for students.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateFeb 23, 2017

Educational psychology: Finding the fun in maths

A longitudinal study by LMU Munich researchers found that positive emotions and success in math learning mutually reinforce each other. Students who enjoyed and took pride in math had even better achievement than those with high intelligence.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 8, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

UMass Amherst nursing students learn brief effective substance abuse screening

UMass Amherst nursing students are trained in the screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) technique to identify signs of substance abuse and provide early interventions. The program aims to equip healthcare workers with skills to address addictive behaviors and promote holistic approaches to patient care.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateDec 20, 2016
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

$2 million grant to help youngest students learn science

Michigan State University researchers received a four-year, $2.2 million grant to develop kindergarten curriculum units that integrate science with literacy standards. The pilot project found that kindergartners who participated in the program outperformed their peers on tasks requiring evidence-based claims and science vocabulary usage.

SourceMichigan State University·DateNov 23, 2016

When fish come to school, kids get hooked on science

A new study published in PLOS Biology found that a program teaching biology through raising zebrafish from embryos improves students' knowledge of scientific concepts and their attitudes towards science. The program, BioEYES, was shown to be particularly effective in engaging underrepresented minorities.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 10, 2016

Robotic tutors for primary school children

Researchers developed an integrated computational architecture to detect emotional states and provide pedagogic interventions with robot tutors, aiming to improve learning outcomes. The platform was tested on two primary school volunteers, showing that children preferred the robot tutor but still required human guidance.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateOct 24, 2016

Teachers and students pair up to widen the STEM pipeline

The NYU Tandon School of Engineering has launched a novel summer program that brings together teams of teachers and their students to learn robotics and entrepreneurial education. The program aims to improve teacher practices and student outcomes by combining robotics and entrepreneurship to establish elective courses in STEM subjects.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateOct 20, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Researchers find vulnerabilities in iPhone, iPad operating system

A team of researchers from North Carolina State University identified serious security vulnerabilities in the iOS operating system, which can be exploited by third-party apps. These vulnerabilities include bypassing privacy settings, accessing location search history, and inferring sensitive information.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateAug 25, 2016

Research-based online tool empowers Peace Corps work in Africa

The University of Kansas is partnering with the Peace Corps to provide custom, web-based resources to staff and volunteers in Africa. The Community Tool Box will support volunteers with research-based knowledge from disciplines such as community development and urban planning, making best practices easy to implement in the field.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·DateAug 19, 2016

Developmental psychology: Little strategists

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.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateAug 9, 2016
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Cinnamon may be fragrant medicine for the brain

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.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJournal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology·DateJul 21, 2016

Watching the brain do math

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.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 21, 2016

Background noise may hinder toddlers' ability to learn words

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.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 21, 2016
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Genetics play role in character traits related to academic success, study says

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...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 12, 2016

Enabling the future of making

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.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateJun 22, 2016

Success in second language learning linked to genetic and brain measures

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2016
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Computer app whets children's appetites for eco-friendly meals

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateMay 19, 2016

Mind your busyness

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateMay 17, 2016

Dartmouth study measures bias in how we learn and make decisions

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.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 26, 2016

Longtime UH optometry professor selected Educator of the Year

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.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateApr 21, 2016
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Not all mind wandering is created equal

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 30, 2016

Seeing isn't required to gesture like a native speaker

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 21, 2016
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Students as teachers effective in STEM subjects

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.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 17, 2016

Overconfidence linked to one's view of intelligence

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateMar 7, 2016

Crop Science Society sending students to Zambia for conference

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateFeb 22, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Learning about struggles of famous scientists may help students succeed in science

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.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateFeb 11, 2016
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Finger tracing can lift student performance in maths

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.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalLearning and Instruction·DateJan 28, 2016