Articles tagged with Learning
The University of California, Davis, has received a $1 million innovation grant to develop and distribute an adaptive learning platform that complements its existing LibreTexts resource. The platform aims to foster inclusivity in STEM fields, address equity gaps, and reduce STEM attrition rates among disadvantaged students.
A meta-analysis of 58 studies involving over 7,500 students found that seductive details can lower learning outcome measures. The analysis suggests that students' attention is diverted towards irrelevant information, leading to decreased performance. However, good details can still engage students if they are pertinent to the topic.
Active learning in STEM courses narrows achievement gaps by 33% and 45% compared to traditional lecturing. This evidence-based approach could reduce inequity in higher education.
Active learning techniques have been shown to significantly narrow the achievement gap between overrepresented and underrepresented students in STEM fields. In a recent study, instructors incorporated more active learning methods into undergraduate STEM courses, resulting in exam scores narrowing by 33-42% and course passing rates impr...
A recent study from the University of Washington found that a natural aptitude for learning languages is a stronger predictor of learning to program than basic math knowledge. Participants who excelled in programming tasks tended to have strong problem-solving and language abilities, suggesting that coding involves learning a second la...
Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered that activity-based learning with technology fosters student creativity and innovation. By incorporating digital tools, professors can encourage students to develop original ideas and work collaboratively towards novel solutions.
A study by LMU linguists reveals that language learners believe their own pronunciation is better than others', even when they make the same mistakes. This overestimation hinders progress in learning foreign languages, highlighting the importance of external feedback to improve skills.
Researchers designed an AI model that predicts student learning in educational games, improving instruction and outcomes. The multi-task learning framework considers each question individually, enabling more accurate predictions than conventional methods.
The UT-designed board game, 'Taphonomy: Dead and Fossilized,' teaches key concepts about how fossils form through a fun, interactive experience. The study found that 71% of students thought the game helped them learn about fossilization, and it was preferred to regular lab work by many.
Researchers found that smelling roses before and after bedtime can improve English vocabulary learning by 30%. The study suggests a practical application of fragrances to enhance learning during sleep.
A WPI researcher has received a $154,000 grant to investigate the relationship between programmed cell death and calcium deposits in heart tissue that cause aortic valve failure. The study aims to discover ways to interrupt the process leading to calcification and potentially develop treatments to stop it.
A team of researchers aims to improve early detection of cognitive impairment using voice assistant systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. They will collect data on patient participants to provide feedback to patients, caregivers, and clinicians, potentially enabling long-term planning for independence.
New York University professors created three digital games to train cognitive skills, which have proven effective through research studies. The games, including Gwakkamolé, CrushStations, and All You Can ET, improve executive functions like memory, inhibition, and working memory.
Professor Bruce Bursten, a WPI chemistry and biochemistry professor, has received the ACS Award for Distinguished Service in the Advancement of Inorganic Chemistry. The award recognizes his significant contributions to inorganic electronic structure and bonding, as well as his inspirational teaching and leadership.
A study of 537 Russian primary school students found that the emotional component of school engagement is the most important factor in motivating children to learn. The researchers adapted an international questionnaire and analyzed data, confirming the validity and reliability of the survey.
The TRUE Project will prepare 36 diverse professionals as K-12 STEM teachers over 18 months, integrating culturally responsive education and trauma-informed learning. The project aims to fill openings in science and math classrooms with a diverse pool of teachers.
Researchers from the University of Malaga have developed a software to improve cognitive abilities in athletes, particularly soccer players. The study found that computerized training enhances their selective attention, enabling them to focus on specific stimuli and make creative decisions during games.
A Virginia Tech professor is leading a study on STEM-based environmental education programs to determine how to promote positive learning outcomes for students. The research, funded by the National Science Foundation, will observe 500 single-day field trips and analyze their characteristics to identify factors linked to better outcomes.
Researchers developed a new dynamic measurement model that uses standardized test scores to predict future academic performance, capturing what is going on in the data and predicting learning potential three times better than existing methods.
A Michigan State University study found that intelligence was the strongest predictor of skill acquisition in beginner pianists, followed by music aptitude. In contrast, growth mindset had little impact on piano performance.
A research team led by WPI professors will use data analytics and optimization to identify resources for homeless youths in NYC, aiming to disrupt human trafficking networks. The project aims to reduce vulnerability and costs while maximizing benefits for rehabilitated lives.
A new USC study found that training robots with a human adversary significantly improves their grasp of objects, leading to better performance in manipulation tasks. The researchers discovered that this approach helps robots learn more stable grasps and succeed more often in real-world environments.
Incorporating physical exercise into school lessons boosts test scores and overall educational outcomes, with significant effects on attention and learning, while increasing physical activity levels
A NYU scholar suggests aligning English language proficiency standards with STEM content standards to address the barriers faced by English learners. This would enable them to communicate their ideas and skills more effectively in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics classrooms.
A new study published in Educational Psychology found that rewarding teamwork improves primary children's spelling scores. The study revealed that students of all abilities who competed in groups achieved higher scores compared to individualistic approaches.
A nationwide study reveals that schools serving disadvantaged and minority children teach as much to their students as those serving more advantaged kids. The learning gap disappears when students return to school after summer break, suggesting that schools are neutral in addressing inequality.
Research shows that parental involvement plays a key role in children's academic attainment, with home-school partnerships and family literacy interventions having a positive impact. Schools can support parents by personalising communications and providing resources for engagement, particularly for disadvantaged backgrounds.
A new study at Binghamton University's First-year Research Immersion (FRI) program found that instructors with extra training improved student outcomes. The FRI program provides STEM students with research experience, while the training program for research educators helped them develop skills in teaching and mentoring.
A small pilot study found that adults with MCI can learn to practice mindfulness meditation, demonstrating that memory impairment does not preclude learning such skills. Participants who practiced daily showed improved understanding of key tenets of mindfulness, suggesting a potential non-pharmacological treatment for MCI.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that gamification through online trivia quizzes enhances student motivation and collaboration in histology education. Students reported better understanding and performance when working in groups after participating in Kahoot-based quizzes.
Researchers found that a short online growth mindset intervention improved key predictors of high school graduation and college success, especially when supported by a school culture. Lower-achieving students earned higher grade points in core academic subjects and were more likely to take harder classes.
A study found that only 1 in 6 teacher questions were considered challenging, with researchers aiming for a ratio of 2 in 5. Teachers can enhance learning by asking open-ended 'why' and 'how' questions. This encourages children to use longer sentences and more complex language.
A study found that when people are informed about a victim's past moral transgressions, they are less likely to take action against the company. This phenomenon can lead to irrational victim blaming, harming individuals, groups, and society. The study aims to increase awareness among consumers and empower them to make rational decisions.
A new study at Cornell University found that smaller class sizes lead to more equitable participation in STEM classrooms, particularly for women. The research highlights the importance of diverse teaching strategies and evidence-based active-learning techniques to create a small classroom climate.
A study by UC Riverside researchers found that older adults who learned three to five classes simultaneously showed significant increases in cognitive abilities, similar to those of middle-aged adults. The study suggests that intense learning experiences can improve cognitive functioning in older populations.
Researchers found that snails can store and recall two unrelated memories but struggle with similar ones. They discovered an overlapping mechanism causing proactive interference, leading to the loss of older memories. Practicing interweaving and learning different topics can help retain more information.
A study found that music students outperform non-musical peers in math, science, and English exams. The research suggests that instrumental music skills transfer broadly to academic subjects, enhancing cognitive capacities and motivation to learn.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that cultural environment influences early diversity in abstract thought. Chinese children demonstrated superior relational reasoning skills compared to US children, with significant differences emerging around age 3.
A study of over 100,000 Canadian students found that music course participation is linked to better exam scores in math, science and English. Students who took instrumental music scored higher than those who participated in vocal music.
A Swansea University study reveals that an hour or two of outdoor learning per week significantly benefits children, improving their health, wellbeing, education and engagement. The program also increases teachers' job satisfaction and personal wellbeing, with many reporting improved relationships with all types of learners.
A study from the University of California, Berkeley found that uncertainty about what one knows leads to the most curiosity and learning. Tailoring classroom learning to students' misconceptions can be an effective way to stimulate curiosity and motivation to learn. The study's findings expand on Maria Montessori's child-centered appro...
A NUS pilot study demonstrates the potential of CURATE.AI to create individualized profiles for customized training, leading to improved cognitive performance. The AI platform tailors training intensity and duration based on a person's unique response data.
A rare condition, situs inversus with levocardia, has been discovered in a 99-year-old body donor. This condition is often associated with life-threatening cardiac ailments and occurs about once in every 22,000 births. The discovery of this unusual anatomy offers valuable lessons on human variations.
A RIT professor is using a $486,124 NSF grant to explore how experiential learning improves student interest in STEM fields. The research aims to develop practical assessment tools and design a project-based physics course for freshman students.
A critical review of hundreds of studies reveals that time in nature improves attention, reduces stress, boosts self-discipline, and promotes physical activity and fitness. The analysis suggests that greening schoolyards and incorporating nature-based instruction can have a significant impact on children's learning and development.
Researchers found that the hippocampus uniquely represents bound features, such as faces and houses combined, which is essential for forming complex associations during learning. The study's findings have important implications for understanding how the brain's memory systems contribute to learning and decision-making.
A new study by Johns Hopkins University found that incorporating the arts into science lessons can help low-achieving students retain more knowledge. The study, which analyzed data from over 350 students, discovered that arts-integrated classes improved content retention by an average of 105%.
Alexis Fink has been recognized with the Distinguished Service Contributions Award from SIOP. Her sustained record of impactful volunteer activities reflects balance and respect for both sides of the SIOP equation.
Dr. Hailey Herleman has made significant contributions to the practice of industrial-organizational psychology through her thought leadership, exceptional service to clients, and collaborative approach to applying analytics to workforce issues. She is a recipient of the Distinguished Early Career Contributions-Practice Award from SIOP.
The University of Texas at Arlington has received a $295,000 USDA grant to develop data-based agriculture solutions. The project aims to prepare students for careers in agriculture-related fields and promote sustainable farming practices.
WPI computer scientist Craig Shue is developing a new technology using containerization to protect companies and users from malware attacks. The system isolates each user's interaction with the server in a temporary copy, or instance, that disappears when the session ends.
A new science curriculum, Integrating Biology with Inquiry (IBIS), has been shown to increase student buy-in and satisfaction over time, while maintaining learning gains. The four-year study found that students recognized the connection between their teaching methods and their learning outcomes.
A recent UCLA study found that artificial intelligence, specifically deep learning computer networks, have severe limitations in distinguishing objects. The researchers demonstrated that these machines can be easily fooled, and their method of identifying objects using computer vision differs substantially from human vision.
A meta-analysis of 32 randomized controlled trials found that mind-body exercises enhance cognitive flexibility, working memory, and verbal fluency in older adults. The study suggests that these exercises can improve learning and overall mental health, offering a promising approach to supporting cognitive function as we age.
Researchers have created a new artificial intelligence that can effectively defeat captcha security systems used by most popular websites. The algorithm, based on deep learning methods, requires only 500 genuine captchas to train, making it highly efficient and able to launch attacks with low effort.
Preliterate 6-year-olds outperformed their peers on grammatical relations, but struggled with novel words. After six months of reading instruction, the advantage disappeared, suggesting that literacy may come at a cost.
A randomised controlled trial found that a whole-school approach using restorative practice improved student-reported indicators of bullying and mental wellbeing. The programme also showed small but significant benefits for smoking, drinking, and illicit drug use among students.
A new 'buddy system' of nursing education has been found to improve student learning and confidence by promoting collaborative decision-making. The 'Two Heads Are Better than One' method involves two students working together as one nurse, forcing them to prioritize and make clinical decisions, resulting in less anxiety and more robust...
A computational tool using machine learning and optimization algorithms matches refugees to host communities with the best resources for success. Annie MOORE predicts refugee employment likelihood and guides resettlement workers in finding suitable placements, improving integration outcomes.
The MDI Biological Laboratory has received a five-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to promote data literacy among high school students and teachers. The project aims to address the contamination of well water in Maine and New Hampshire with arsenic, which can lead to severe health problems.