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Which study strategies make the grade?

A new report finds that popular study strategies like highlighting and rereading don't improve student learning, while effective techniques like practice testing and distributed practice can boost performance. The researchers recommend using these evidence-based strategies to direct teachers, students, and parents.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateJan 10, 2013

Star Trek Classroom: The next generation of school desks

A three-year project at Durham University has found that collaborative learning increases both fluency and flexibility in mathematics, while using interactive smart desks can have benefits over traditional paper-based activities. The new 'Star Trek classroom' also encourages active student engagement and equal access.

SourceDurham University·JournalLearning and Instruction·DateNov 22, 2012

Rethinking reading

A recent study published in Developmental Psychology found that variation in words, rather than similarity, may help early readers learn the rules of phonics more effectively. The study showed that students exposed to varied practice outperformed those with similar word lists, particularly among struggling learners.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateNov 1, 2012

A lesson in sleep learning

A Weizmann Institute study found that people can learn new information while sleeping and retain it unconsciously, modifying their waking behavior. The research used a type of conditioning involving tones and odors presented during sleep, leading to responses similar to those experienced when awake.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 26, 2012

The science of training and development in organizations: What really matters, what really works

Research reveals that human resource executives should view training as a holistic process, considering factors like job analysis, employee motivation, and structured guidance. Effective training programs also incorporate empirically tested insights into learning, such as repetition, error handling, and behavioral role modeling.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateJun 13, 2012

New computers respond to students' emotions, boredom

The new technology, AutoTutor and Affective AutoTutor, can gauge students' emotional states and adjust strategies to help them overcome frustration and boredom. Tested on over 1,000 students, the system produces significant learning gains, outperforming even expert human tutors.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalACM Transactions on Intelligent Systems and Technology·DateMar 2, 2012

SFU scientists seek teaching excitement at AAAS

Simon Fraser University faculty members are attending the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference to share their teaching experiences and learn about innovative methods for engaging students in science education. They aim to bring new approaches back to their programs to benefit students, with a focus on active l...

ONline-learning must synch or sink, researcher says

A University of Alberta researcher found that online undergraduate classes using text-based formats lack reflective engagement and facilitate communication lacking in joy, passion, flavour and urgency. Kanuka recommends integrating audio-visual technologies to better support students and create a more engaging community of learners.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Computing in Higher Education·DateJan 27, 2012

National Academy of Sciences awards Gamedesk $225,000 grant to develop science-based interactive game for classrooms

The National Academy of Sciences has awarded a $225,000 grant to GameDesk to develop an interactive game that engages students physically and mentally in difficult science topics. The Science in Motion project aims to create educational geoscience games that support students' comprehension of cause-and-effect relationships.

Curiosity doesn't kill the student

A new study published in Perspectives in Psychological Science reveals that curiosity plays a significant role in academic success, with personality traits like curiosity being as important as intelligence. Conscientiousness is also found to be a key factor, suggesting that teaching methods can inspire curiosity and motivation.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateOct 27, 2011

Primary schoolchildren can be great tutors

A trial of peer tutoring in Scotland's primary schools found that children as young as seven to eight years old can benefit from a twenty-minute weekly session. The boost to school pupils' attainment provided by peer tutoring was equivalent to about three months progress in both maths and reading.

SourceDurham University·JournalSchool Effectiveness and School Improvement·DateSep 13, 2011

Student complaints of lackluster learning? The key to quelling boredom is within, grasshopper

According to University of Alberta researcher Lia Daniels, students can overcome boredom by using internal strategies such as re-appraising, critiquing, or evading their classes. The re-appraisers are the most resourceful group, while criticsizers may bring about effective change with the right communication from teachers. Parents and ...

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalLearning and Individual Differences·DateSep 1, 2011

2-year-old children understand complex grammar

Researchers found that 2-year-olds can identify correct images with complex verb sentences, suggesting infants know more about language structure than they can articulate. This study reveals the beginnings of grammar acquisition start earlier than previously thought and demonstrate children use grammar to understand new words.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalCognitive Science·DateAug 23, 2011

Penn research overturns theory on how children learn their first words

A team of Penn psychologists overturned the long-standing associative word learning theory, finding that children learn their first words through moments of insight rather than gradual exposure. Experiments involving short video segments showed that repeated exposure did not improve accuracy, and early informative vignettes were crucia...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2011