The United States lags behind most of the world’s leading economies
when it comes to providing early-childhood education opportunities to
young children despite improvements in recent years, according to a new
study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
According to the Paris-based OECD’s “Education at a Glance 2012,” a
report
released today, the United States ranks 28th out of 38 countries for
the share of 4-year-olds enrolled in pre-primary education programs, at
69 percent. That’s compared with more than 95 percent enrollment rates
in France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Mexico, which lead the world in
early-childhood participation rates for 4-year-olds. Ireland, Poland,
Finland, and Brazil are among the nations that trail the United States.
The United States also invests significantly less public money in
early-childhood programs than its counterparts in the Group of Twenty,
or G-20, economies, which include 19 countries and the European Union.
On average, across the countries that are compared in the OECD report,
84 percent of early-childhood students were enrolled in public programs
or in private settings that receive major government resources in 2010.
September 11, 2012
September 6, 2012
Family Literacy Project Exceeds Expectations
A unique approach to early literacy work with families
where children develop their language skills and their ability to read
and write from an early age has had a huge success.
Researchers from the University of Sheffield funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) initially planned to use the approach with around 60 families, but discovered that around 6,000 had actually benefited from their work.
Researchers from the University of Sheffield funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) initially planned to use the approach with around 60 families, but discovered that around 6,000 had actually benefited from their work.
August 29, 2012
Math Ability Requires Crosstalk in the Brain
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.
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.
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.
June 27, 2012
New NASA Game Lets Players Build and Launch a Virtual Rocket
With NASA's Rocket Science 101, a new game designed for computers and
iPad users, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to launch a
spacecraft.
NASA's Launch Services Program (LSP), based at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, provides access to space for the studies of Earth and exploration of our solar system and the universe. Now, LSP is turning over the virtual selection, construction and launch of a mission to players who will decide the best rocket to assemble to launch a spacecraft. Rocket scientists in LSP do the same thing for real rockets and missions every day.
Players select their favorite NASA mission and choose from three skill levels for building a rocket to send the spacecraft into orbit. The Rocket Science 101 challenge provides players an opportunity to learn about NASA missions and the various components of the launch vehicles, including how rockets are configured and how they work together to successfully launch a spacecraft.
NASA's Launch Services Program (LSP), based at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, provides access to space for the studies of Earth and exploration of our solar system and the universe. Now, LSP is turning over the virtual selection, construction and launch of a mission to players who will decide the best rocket to assemble to launch a spacecraft. Rocket scientists in LSP do the same thing for real rockets and missions every day.
Players select their favorite NASA mission and choose from three skill levels for building a rocket to send the spacecraft into orbit. The Rocket Science 101 challenge provides players an opportunity to learn about NASA missions and the various components of the launch vehicles, including how rockets are configured and how they work together to successfully launch a spacecraft.
June 26, 2012
Scientists Find Learning Is Not 'Hard-Wired'
Neuroscience exploded into the education conversation more than 20
years ago, in step with the evolution of personal computers and the rise
of the Internet, and policymakers hoped medical discoveries could
likewise help doctors and teachers understand the "hard wiring" of the
brain.
That conception of how the brain works, exacerbated by the difficulty in translating research from lab to classroom, spawned a generation of neuro-myths and snake-oil pitches—from programs to improve cross-hemisphere brain communication to teaching practices aimed at "auditory" or "visual" learners.
That conception of how the brain works, exacerbated by the difficulty in translating research from lab to classroom, spawned a generation of neuro-myths and snake-oil pitches—from programs to improve cross-hemisphere brain communication to teaching practices aimed at "auditory" or "visual" learners.
Immediate Rewards for Good Scores Can Boost Student Performance
Test performance can improve dramatically if students are
offered rewards just before they are given standardized tests and if
they receive the incentive immediately afterward, new research at the
University of Chicago shows.
Educators have long debated the value of financial and other rewards as incentives, but a series of experiments in Chicago-area schools showed that with the right kind of rewards, students achievement improved by as much as six months beyond what would be expected.
The rewards apparently provide students with an incentive to take tests more seriously. One implication is that policymakers may underestimate students' ability in otherwise low-performing schools, according to the research team that conducted the experiments.
Educators have long debated the value of financial and other rewards as incentives, but a series of experiments in Chicago-area schools showed that with the right kind of rewards, students achievement improved by as much as six months beyond what would be expected.
The rewards apparently provide students with an incentive to take tests more seriously. One implication is that policymakers may underestimate students' ability in otherwise low-performing schools, according to the research team that conducted the experiments.
June 18, 2012
Why K-8 May Be a Better Approach
Knowing that middle schoolers, even eighth graders, are still the
children who played tag at recess a mere three or four years before, is
not infantilizing, but humanizing to the young adolescent. Middle
schoolers are proud, of course, of their new status as almost teens, but
the almost is what most defines them.
When educators are unaware of how developmentally close the middle schooler is to elementary schooler, we miss the opportunity to teach the whole person, both the child who is leaving childhood behind, as well as the young adult who is looking forward to the challenges of independence.
When educators are unaware of how developmentally close the middle schooler is to elementary schooler, we miss the opportunity to teach the whole person, both the child who is leaving childhood behind, as well as the young adult who is looking forward to the challenges of independence.
Keep Them Part of an Elementary School
Other than the critical early years of child development, there may be
no more essential time in a child’s education than adolescence. All too
often, however, these adolescent years are spent in poorly designed
middle school settings, which increase the likelihood that students will
succumb to peer pressure and fall off the academic track.
The question to consider, therefore, is “what approach and educational design are needed during these years to give students the environment and academic program they need to complete 8th grade poised for success in high school?
The question to consider, therefore, is “what approach and educational design are needed during these years to give students the environment and academic program they need to complete 8th grade poised for success in high school?
June 13, 2012
Studying Engineering Before They Can Spell It
Spurred by growing concerns that American students lack the skills to
compete in a global economy, school districts nationwide are packing
engineering lessons into already crowded schedules for even the youngest
students, giving priority to a subject that was once left to
after-school robotics clubs and summer camps, or else waited until
college.
Supporters say that engineering reinforces math and science skills, promotes critical thinking and creativity, and teaches students not to be afraid of taking intellectual risks.
Supporters say that engineering reinforces math and science skills, promotes critical thinking and creativity, and teaches students not to be afraid of taking intellectual risks.
May 22, 2012
Studies Illustrate Plight of Introverted Students
Educators often look for ways to bring quiet children out of their
shells, but emerging research suggests schools can improve academic
outcomes for introverted students by reducing the pressure to be
outgoing and giving all students a little more time to reflect.
"Whoever designed the context of the modern classroom was certainly not thinking of the shy or quiet kids," said Robert J. Coplan, a psychology professor and shyness expert at Carleton University, in Ottawa, Canada. With often-crowded, high-stimulation rooms and a focus on oral performance for class participation, he said, "in many ways, the modern classroom is the quiet kid's worst nightmare."
"Whoever designed the context of the modern classroom was certainly not thinking of the shy or quiet kids," said Robert J. Coplan, a psychology professor and shyness expert at Carleton University, in Ottawa, Canada. With often-crowded, high-stimulation rooms and a focus on oral performance for class participation, he said, "in many ways, the modern classroom is the quiet kid's worst nightmare."
May 15, 2012
Playful Games Promote Reading Development
Short but intense training sessions in the form of
structured language games from the age of four can stimulate children's
early language development and may also make it easier for children to
learn to read. This is found in a current research project at the
University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Previous research has shown that children's reading development can be stimulated with structured and playful language games from the age of six. In a current three-year study, researchers at the University of Gothenburg are exploring the effects of having children as young as four participate in such games. The hypothesis is that young children who are actively stimulated in their development of so-called linguistic and phonological awareness end up better prepared for dealing with written language.
Linguistic awareness means that the child is aware of his or her own language, what it sounds like and how it consists of words and sentences. Phonological awareness implies an awareness of the sound structure of the language, which is important for the early stages of reading development and for understanding the connection between letters and sounds.
Previous research has shown that children's reading development can be stimulated with structured and playful language games from the age of six. In a current three-year study, researchers at the University of Gothenburg are exploring the effects of having children as young as four participate in such games. The hypothesis is that young children who are actively stimulated in their development of so-called linguistic and phonological awareness end up better prepared for dealing with written language.
Linguistic awareness means that the child is aware of his or her own language, what it sounds like and how it consists of words and sentences. Phonological awareness implies an awareness of the sound structure of the language, which is important for the early stages of reading development and for understanding the connection between letters and sounds.
April 5, 2012
US Students Need New Way of Learning Science
American students need a dramatically new approach to
improve how they learn science, says a noted group of scientists and
educators led by Michigan State University professor William Schmidt.
After six years of work, the group has proposed a solution.
The 8+1 Science concept calls for a radical overhaul in K-12 schools that moves away from memorizing scientific facts and focuses on helping students understand eight fundamental science concepts. The "plus one" is the importance of inquiry, the practice of asking why things happen around us -- and a fundamental part of science.
"Now is the time to rethink how we teach science," said Schmidt, University Distinguished Professor of statistics and education. "What we are proposing through 8+1 Science is a new way of thinking about and teaching science, not a new set of science standards. It supports basic concepts included in most sets of state standards currently in use and complements standards-based education reform efforts."
After six years of work, the group has proposed a solution.
The 8+1 Science concept calls for a radical overhaul in K-12 schools that moves away from memorizing scientific facts and focuses on helping students understand eight fundamental science concepts. The "plus one" is the importance of inquiry, the practice of asking why things happen around us -- and a fundamental part of science.
"Now is the time to rethink how we teach science," said Schmidt, University Distinguished Professor of statistics and education. "What we are proposing through 8+1 Science is a new way of thinking about and teaching science, not a new set of science standards. It supports basic concepts included in most sets of state standards currently in use and complements standards-based education reform efforts."
March 5, 2012
When Gaming Is Good for You
Videogames can change a person's brain and, as researchers are finding, often that change is for the better.
A growing body of university research suggests that gaming improves creativity, decision-making and perception. The specific benefits are wide ranging, from improved hand-eye coordination in surgeons to vision changes that boost night driving ability.
A growing body of university research suggests that gaming improves creativity, decision-making and perception. The specific benefits are wide ranging, from improved hand-eye coordination in surgeons to vision changes that boost night driving ability.
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