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What makes an accent in a foreign language lighter

Researchers at the University of Haifa discovered that greater empathy for native speakers can lighten accents in a second language. The study also found a link between accent heaviness and sociopolitical position, particularly among Arabic speakers who hold differing sentiments towards the Hebrew-speaking majority group.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalInternational Journal of Bilingualism·DateAug 9, 2009

Little lifesavers -- kids capable of CPR

A study published in Critical Care found that 86% of nine-year-old students performed CPR correctly four months after receiving basic life support training. The researchers concluded that children's performance would improve over time with periodic retraining, and that CPR education can be effectively implemented in primary schools.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateJul 30, 2009

Disclosing genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease does not cause psychological distress

A randomized trial found that disclosing genetic risk information to adult children of patients with Alzheimer's disease did not result in significant short-term psychological distress. Participants who learned they were APOE ε4 negative experienced considerable relief, while those who learned they were APOE ε4 positive showed no more ...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 15, 2009

The dark side of animation

A study found that custom animations in PowerPoint lectures negatively impact student learning, requiring greater concentration and reducing exposure time. In contrast, static graphics are better retained by students.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Innovation and Learning·DateJun 11, 2009

Exposure to 2 languages carries far-reaching benefits

A Northwestern University study found that bilingual participants mastered nearly twice the number of words as monolinguals when learning an invented language. The research suggests that early exposure to two languages carries far-reaching benefits, making bilingual individuals better language learners in general.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateMay 19, 2009

Ability grouping in elementary school hampers minority students' literacy

A new study by University of Illinois professor Christy Lleras found that ability grouping in elementary school impairs the literacy of lower-grouped minority students, while having little effect on higher-grouped minority students. The practice creates larger achievement gaps among minority students and exacerbates inequality.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Education·DateApr 21, 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

Collaborative learning across multiple institutions

A collaborative research course taught at one university led to a global collaboration among faculty members from three universities, resulting in significant increases in communication skills and subject matter knowledge. Students reported improved understanding of how communication fits into collaborative problem-solving and anticipa...

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateJan 19, 2009

Using challenging concepts to learn promotes understanding of new material

A study by University of California, Santa Barbara psychologists found that starting with difficult problems can improve understanding of new material. Participants who began with harder problems were able to think abstractly and perform well on the task, whereas those who started with easy problems struggled with more complicated issues.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 1, 2008

Why we don't always learn from our mistakes

A study by McMaster University finds that most errors are repeated due to the act of making a mistake constituting learning. Testing 30 students, researchers found that those who spent longer time trying to retrieve words were more likely to repeat the same error state.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalQuarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology·DateApr 1, 2008

The GABAA receptor -- a memory bane?

The GABAA receptor's inhibition of learning has been reversed by its overexpression, revealing a complex relationship between neurotransmitters and cognitive processes. Fruit flies exhibit impaired learning at high temperatures but retain memory, suggesting that the receptor's absence may enhance neural plasticity.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateDec 19, 2007

Learning how to learn for exam success

A new study by the Economic and Social Research Council's Teaching and Learning Research Programme found that schools can be turned into places where students become independent learners. The project showed that teachers who receive proper professional development and support can help children take responsibility for their own learning.