A new study by researchers at UT Dallas' Center for Vital
Longevity, Duke University, and the University of Michigan has found
that the strength of communication between the left and right
hemispheres of the brain predicts performance on basic arithmetic
problems.
The findings shed light on the neural basis of human math
abilities and suggest a possible route to aiding those who suffer from
dyscalculia-- an inability to understand and manipulate numbers.
It has been known for some time that the parietal cortex, the
top/middle region of the brain, plays a central role in so-called
numerical cognition--our ability to process numerical information.
Previous brain imaging studies have shown that the right parietal region
is primarily involved in basic quantity processing (like gauging
relative amounts of fruit in baskets), while the left parietal region is
involved in more precise numerical operations like addition and
subtraction.
What has not been known is whether the two hemispheres can
work together to improve math performance. The new study demonstrates
that they can. The findings were recently published online in Cerebral Cortex.
August 29, 2012
A Worksheet for Math-Phobic Parents
Ongoing research is shedding new light on the importance of math to
children's success. Math skill at kindergarten entry is an even stronger
predictor of later school achievement than reading skills or the
ability to pay attention, according to a 2007 study in the journal
Developmental Psychology.
The issue is drawing increasing attention as U.S. teens continue to trail their global peers in math, performing below average compared with students in 33 other industrialized nations, based on the most recent results of the Program for International Student Assessment in 2010.
Parents play a pivotal role in kids' math attitudes and skills, starting in toddlerhood.
The issue is drawing increasing attention as U.S. teens continue to trail their global peers in math, performing below average compared with students in 33 other industrialized nations, based on the most recent results of the Program for International Student Assessment in 2010.
Parents play a pivotal role in kids' math attitudes and skills, starting in toddlerhood.
August 28, 2012
Kindergarten Readiness: Are Shy Kids at an Academic Disadvantage?
Parents of young children hope for a successful
kindergarten experience that will set their youngsters on the right path
of their educational journey. Some worry about their kids not adapting
to the school environment, particularly when the children are talkative
and overactive. Yet, a new study by the University of Miami (UM) shows
that overly shy preschool children are at greater academic risk than
their chatty and boisterous peers.
The study is one of the first to follow the social and academic progress of children throughout the preschool year. The report shows that children displaying shy and withdrawn behavior early in the preschool year started out with the lowest academic skills and showed the slowest gains in academic learning skills across the year. The findings are published online, in advance of print, by the Journal of School Psychology.
The study is one of the first to follow the social and academic progress of children throughout the preschool year. The report shows that children displaying shy and withdrawn behavior early in the preschool year started out with the lowest academic skills and showed the slowest gains in academic learning skills across the year. The findings are published online, in advance of print, by the Journal of School Psychology.
August 14, 2012
Newts for Beginners
Although many
parents remember meeting real newts when they were young, we’ve been
reminded how unsung these beautiful little animals are. Lots of young
people know what a frog is; not so many recognise this other pond
dweller.
Perhaps this is because frogs feature in lots of fairy stories, while newts are slightly less famous! To redress the balance a bit, here’s a story about newts for beginners. Please share to help young people learn about the dragons at the bottom of their garden...
Perhaps this is because frogs feature in lots of fairy stories, while newts are slightly less famous! To redress the balance a bit, here’s a story about newts for beginners. Please share to help young people learn about the dragons at the bottom of their garden...
August 7, 2012
Dyslexia Caused by Faulty Signal Processing in Brain; Finding Offers Clues to Potential Treatments
Many children and adults have difficulties reading and
writing, and the reason is not always obvious. Those who suffer from
dyslexia can exhibit a variety of symptoms. Thanks to research carried
out by Begoña Díaz and her colleagues at the Max Planck Institute for
Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig, a major step forward has
been made in understanding the cause of dyslexia.
The scientists have discovered an important neural mechanism underlying dyslexia and shown that many difficulties associated with dyslexia can potentially be traced back to a malfunction of the medial geniculate body in the thalamus. The results provide an important basis for developing potential treatments.
The scientists have discovered an important neural mechanism underlying dyslexia and shown that many difficulties associated with dyslexia can potentially be traced back to a malfunction of the medial geniculate body in the thalamus. The results provide an important basis for developing potential treatments.
August 6, 2012
Preschool Children Who Can Pay Attention More Likely to Finish College
Early Reading and Math Not Predictive of College Completion
Tracking a group of 430 preschool-age children, the study gives
compelling evidence that social and behavioral skills, such as paying
attention, following directions and completing a task may be even more
crucial than academic abilities.
And the good news for parents and educators, the researchers said, is that attention and persistence skills are malleable and can be taught.
The results were just published online in Early Childhood Research Quarterly.
Young children who are
able to pay attention and persist with a task have a 50 percent greater
chance of completing college, according to a new study at Oregon State
University.
And the good news for parents and educators, the researchers said, is that attention and persistence skills are malleable and can be taught.
The results were just published online in Early Childhood Research Quarterly.
August 3, 2012
Students With Strong Hearts and Lungs May Make Better Grades
Having a healthy heart and lungs may be one of the most
important factors for middle school students to make good grades in math
and reading, according to findings presented at the American
Psychological Association's 120th Annual Convention.
"Cardiorespiratory fitness was the only factor that we consistently found to have an impact on both boys' and girls' grades on reading and math tests," said study co-author Trent A. Petrie, PhD, professor of psychology and director of the Center for Sport Psychology at the University of North Texas. "This provides more evidence that schools need to re-examine any policies that have limited students' involvement in physical education classes."
"Cardiorespiratory fitness was the only factor that we consistently found to have an impact on both boys' and girls' grades on reading and math tests," said study co-author Trent A. Petrie, PhD, professor of psychology and director of the Center for Sport Psychology at the University of North Texas. "This provides more evidence that schools need to re-examine any policies that have limited students' involvement in physical education classes."
August 2, 2012
Early Relationships, Not Brainpower, Key to Adult Happiness
Social connection is a more important route to adult well-being than academic ability.
Positive social relationships in childhood and adolescence are key to adult well-being, according to Associate Professor Craig Olsson from Deakin University and the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Australia, and his colleagues.
In contrast, academic achievement appears to have little effect on adult well-being.
The exploratory work, looking at the child and adolescent origins of well-being in adulthood, is published online in Springer's Journal of Happiness Studies.
We know very little about how aspects of childhood and adolescent development, such as academic and social-emotional function, affect adult well-being -- defined here as a combination of a sense of coherence, positive coping strategies, social engagement and self-perceived strengths.
Positive social relationships in childhood and adolescence are key to adult well-being, according to Associate Professor Craig Olsson from Deakin University and the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Australia, and his colleagues.
In contrast, academic achievement appears to have little effect on adult well-being.
The exploratory work, looking at the child and adolescent origins of well-being in adulthood, is published online in Springer's Journal of Happiness Studies.
We know very little about how aspects of childhood and adolescent development, such as academic and social-emotional function, affect adult well-being -- defined here as a combination of a sense of coherence, positive coping strategies, social engagement and self-perceived strengths.
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