DEMOGRAPHERS like to say that Texas today is the United States
tomorrow. That being the case, a look at San Antonio—the second-largest
city in Texas, and seventh-largest in the country—suggests that America
had better get cracking. In many respects the city is in an enviable
position: young, diverse, and growing by bounds. It also includes a huge
number of children—a quarter of whom live in poverty, most of whom need
more education, and all of whom live in a state where government
spending is a hard sell. At the Democratic National Convention recently
the mayor, Julián Castro, made a pitch for change: “We know that you
can’t be pro-business unless you’re pro-education,” he said.
To that end, he said, the city was working for a bigger pre-school
programme. The idea is part of a national trend towards early childhood
education. “Give me a child until he is seven,” runs the famous Jesuit
saying, “and I will give you the man.” Why wait that long, though? By
the time children start kindergarten, some are manifestly more ready
than others, in terms of their health, cognitive skills, and ability to
pay attention to the teacher.
Studies have shown that these advantages persist, and that poverty is
the biggest factor. According to a recent analysis from the Brookings
Institution, a think-tank, just 48% of children born into poor families
are ready for school by the time they start kindergarten. Among children
from middle-class and rich families, 75% are.
September 22, 2012
September 20, 2012
Playground Peers Can Predict Adult Personalities
"Over two years, Montreal students in grades 1, 4 and 7 completed
peer evaluations of their classmates and rated them in terms of
aggression, likeability and social withdrawal. The students also did
self-evaluations."
Over the next twenty years, these children were closely followed as researchers used the exhaustive longitudinal study to track their progress into adulthood. A follow-up survey was conducted between 1999 and 2003 with nearly 700 of the participants from the initial study. The survey included measurement of adult personality traits, such as levels of neuroticism, extroversion, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness.
"We were able to compare peer and self-perceptions of the childhood behaviours to these adult personality factors," says Martin-Storey.
Over the next twenty years, these children were closely followed as researchers used the exhaustive longitudinal study to track their progress into adulthood. A follow-up survey was conducted between 1999 and 2003 with nearly 700 of the participants from the initial study. The survey included measurement of adult personality traits, such as levels of neuroticism, extroversion, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness.
"We were able to compare peer and self-perceptions of the childhood behaviours to these adult personality factors," says Martin-Storey.
September 18, 2012
Music Underlies Language Acquisition, Theorists Propose
Contrary to the prevailing theories that music and
language are cognitively separate or that music is a byproduct of
language, theorists at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music and
the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) advocate that music
underlies the ability to acquire language.
"Spoken language is a special type of music," said Anthony Brandt, co-author of a theory paper published online this month in the journal Frontiers in Cognitive Auditory Neuroscience. "Language is typically viewed as fundamental to human intelligence, and music is often treated as being dependent on or derived from language. But from a developmental perspective, we argue that music comes first and language arises from music."
"Infants listen first to sounds of language and only later to its meaning," Brandt said. He noted that newborns' extensive abilities in different aspects of speech perception depend on the discrimination of the sounds of language -- "the most musical aspects of speech."
"Spoken language is a special type of music," said Anthony Brandt, co-author of a theory paper published online this month in the journal Frontiers in Cognitive Auditory Neuroscience. "Language is typically viewed as fundamental to human intelligence, and music is often treated as being dependent on or derived from language. But from a developmental perspective, we argue that music comes first and language arises from music."
"Infants listen first to sounds of language and only later to its meaning," Brandt said. He noted that newborns' extensive abilities in different aspects of speech perception depend on the discrimination of the sounds of language -- "the most musical aspects of speech."
September 14, 2012
Sleep Researchers Study Value of Preschool Naps
Parents may feel it's clear that missing a nap means their
young children will be grumpy and out-of-sorts, but scientists who
study sleep say almost nothing is known about how daytime sleep affects
children's coping skills and learning.
Now neuroscientist Rebecca Spencer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has received a five-year, $2 million grant from NIH's Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to significantly advance knowledge about how napping and sleep affect memory, behavior and emotions in preschoolers.
Spencer says with pressure mounting in some school districts to eliminate naps, "we feel it's important to study this and know their value more precisely. There's a sense among some educators that kids have to 'get over' napping in preparation for kindergarten, but it could be misguided. There's some evidence in young adults and in older children that naps are beneficial. So I suspect there is a benefit for younger children too. We need to know whether keeping naps in the school day is important."
Now neuroscientist Rebecca Spencer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has received a five-year, $2 million grant from NIH's Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to significantly advance knowledge about how napping and sleep affect memory, behavior and emotions in preschoolers.
Spencer says with pressure mounting in some school districts to eliminate naps, "we feel it's important to study this and know their value more precisely. There's a sense among some educators that kids have to 'get over' napping in preparation for kindergarten, but it could be misguided. There's some evidence in young adults and in older children that naps are beneficial. So I suspect there is a benefit for younger children too. We need to know whether keeping naps in the school day is important."
September 11, 2012
Study Finds U.S. Trailing in Preschool Enrollment
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.
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 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.
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