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More physical activity improved school performance

A study by the Sahlgrenska Academy found that two hours of extra physical activity per week can improve school performance in twelve-year-olds. The results showed a larger proportion of students from schools with extra physical activity achieved national learning goals in all subjects compared to control groups.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of School Health·DateOct 14, 2014

Are leaders born or made? New study shows how leadership develops

Researchers at the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences conducted a new study on leadership development. The study found that leadership development progresses in three stages: readiness, willingness, and ability. Students who develop these skills can become effective leaders. Leadership i...

How curiosity changes the brain to enhance learning

Research reveals that curiosity activates brain regions involved in learning and memory, leading to improved retention of information. Curiosity also recruits the reward system and interactions between the hippocampus and reward circuit enhance learning, suggesting new approaches for treating memory disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateOct 2, 2014

Expecting to teach enhances learning, recall

A new study by Washington University in St. Louis found that students who were told they would later teach a passage performed better on recall and organization tasks than those expecting a test. The study suggests that instilling an expectation to teach may be a simple, inexpensive intervention with the potential to increase learning ...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalMemory & Cognition·DateAug 8, 2014

'I cant figure out how to do this!'

A novel course at Washington University in St. Louis evaluates the effectiveness of active-learning techniques in large lecture classes, showing mixed but consistent benefits in conceptual learning and attitudes towards learning and problem-solving. The study eliminates traditional concerns about large classes and inquiry-based courses.

Rice study: Simple changes to homework improved student learning

A Rice University and Duke University study found that modifying homework procedures improved exam scores without changing the course curriculum. The study used cognitive science principles, including repeated retrieval practice, spacing, and immediate feedback, to develop inexpensive yet effective educational changes.

SourceRice University·JournalEducational Psychology Review·DateMar 18, 2014

Researcher builds a better job performance review

A Kansas State University researcher has found that nobody likes negative feedback, even those trying to learn. Culbertson suggests focusing on constructive feedback, avoiding numerical ratings, and eliminating the 'sandwich' approach. This can help managers improve employee motivation, commitment, and performance.

SourceKansas State University·JournalJournal of Personnel Psychology·DateFeb 24, 2014

Boredom research has now become more interesting

Researchers identify five types of boredom, including apathetic boredom, which resembles learned helplessness or depression, in a study published in Motivation and Emotion. The findings show that people tend to experience one type of boredom at a time, rather than randomly switching between different types.

SourceSpringer·JournalMotivation and Emotion·DateNov 18, 2013

Scientists identify key to learning new words

Researchers have identified a unique pathway in the human brain that enables word learning, which is distinct from other species. The arcuate fasciculus connects auditory regions with motor areas, facilitating the connection between sound and articulation of words.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2013

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

Twitter can give power to the people

A Michigan State University researcher found that Twitter can be a better source of information than traditional news sources and online search engines. Tweets tagged with hashtags provide multiple perspectives on topics like the Occupy Wall Street movement. The study suggests using Twitter as a complement to formal teaching and learni...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Behavioral Scientist·DateApr 18, 2013

Teachers' gestures boost math learning

A study published in Child Development found that instructors who use hand gestures while teaching math problems outperform those without gestures. Students who learned from gesture videos performed better on tests compared to those who learned from speech-only videos, with improved retention over time.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalChild Development·DateMar 29, 2013