http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/educational_psychology/ Educational psychology. Read about learning, recommended classroom practices, and surprising factors that can affect learning outcomes. en-us Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:05:01 EST Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/educational_psychology/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119193632.htm They were in a deep sleep, yet sounds, such as a teakettle whistle, somehow penetrated their slumber. The 25 sounds were reminders of earlier spatial learning, though the research participants were unaware of the sounds as they slept. Yet, upon waking, memory tests showed that spatial memories had changed. Deep sleep, then, is actually is a key time for memory processing, the study suggests. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119193632.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119193626.htm Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) have a number of cognitive deficits. Mathematical ability seems particularly damaged in children with FASD. A new study supports the importance of the left parietal area for mathematical abilities in children with FASD. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119193626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091118143207.htm At birth, children with Down syndrome aren't developmentally delayed. But as they age, these kids fall behind. Memory deficits inherent in Down syndrome hinder learning, making it hard for the brain to collect experiences needed for normal cognitive development. Scientists have now demonstrated a possible new approach to slowing the inevitable progression of cognitive decline found in Down syndrome. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091118143207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119111417.htm Search engine use is not just part of our daily routines; it is also becoming part of our learning process, according to researchers. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119111417.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116103840.htm An experiment into the use of social media has shown that Twitter, an online blogging service, can act as an exceptional communication tool within academia. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116103840.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091113083301.htm A study of more than 120 ethnically and socioeconomically diverse US elementary school children shows that children develop an awareness about racial stereotypes early and that those biases can be damaging. Specifically, the study illustrates that when children become aware of bias about their own racial or ethnic group, it can affect how they respond to everyday situations, ranging from interacting with others to taking tests. Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091113083301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111123600.htm The vast majority of school-aged children can focus on the voice of a teacher amid the cacophony of the typical classroom thanks to a brain that automatically focuses on relevant, predictable and repeating auditory information, according to new research. But for children with developmental dyslexia, the teacher's voice may get lost in the background noise of banging lockers, whispering children, playground screams and scraping chairs, the researchers say. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111123600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110202847.htm You can improve your second-language listening ability by watching the movie with subtitles -- as long as these subtitles are in the same language as the film. Subtitles in one's native language, the default in some European countries, may actually be counter-productive to learning to understand foreign speech, according to a new study. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110202847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110105359.htm Virtual reality games could help children to escape victimization and bullying at school, according to researchers in the UK. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110105359.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173600.htm Human embryonic stem cells could help people with learning and memory deficits after radiation treatment for brain tumors, suggests a new study. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109174256.htm Handwriting skills are crucial for success in school, communication, and building children's self-esteem. The first study to examine handwriting quality in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has uncovered a relationship between fine motor control and poor quality of handwriting in children with ASD. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109174256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109194747.htm While too much amyloid beta protein in the brain is linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease, not enough of the protein in healthy brains can cause learning problems and forgetfulness, scientists have found. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109194747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105132456.htm School-based physical education plays a key role in curbing obesity and improving fitness among adolescents from low-income communities, according to a new study. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105132456.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104161837.htm Two findings from a new national study reveal the power of mentors, particularly those in the teaching profession: for all teen students, having an adult mentor meant a 50 percent greater likelihood of attending college; for disadvantaged students, mentorship by a teacher nearly doubled the odds of attending college. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104161837.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104091724.htm Literary Arabic is expressed in the brain of an Arabic speaker as a second language and not as a mother tongue, according to a new study. The research offers an explanation for the objective and day-to-day difficulties that confront Arabic-speaking students when attempting to learn to read the non-spoken language. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104091724.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102172441.htm Learning to talk also changes the way speech sounds are heard, according to a new study. The findings could have a major impact on improving speech disorders. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102172441.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029161530.htm The relationship between a teacher and class is important for the learning achievement of pupils and their pleasure in learning. A Dutch researcher discovered that these teacher-class relationships are very stable over the course of a school year. Consequently if teachers get off to a bad start, it is almost impossible to put things right. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029161530.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103102355.htm According to research from Sweden, a preschooler's gender determines how he or she is treated and responded to in play and learning activities, and when the children's possibilities become expanded, it is usually a result of the children's and not the teachers' initiative. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103102355.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028090526.htm Gossip in the workplace can be a weapon in reputational warfare or a gift and can offer clues to power and influence not found on organizational charts. New research details how the weapon is wielded -- and its influence muted -- in a rare study that catches this national pastime on video. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028090526.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028134639.htm An education professor says the underlying similarities between teaching, research and music can be a powerful metaphor for education and qualitative inquiry. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028134639.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026125359.htm When do you first leave the nest? Early in development infants of many species experience important transitions -- such as learning when to leave the mother's protection to start exploring the world. Neuroscientists have now pinpointed molecular events occurring in the brain during that turning point. The findings, in animals, may help explain the strength of attachments in many species -- including the conundrum of why human children form strong attachments to even abusive caregivers. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026125359.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026125401.htm A research collaboration of biologists and neuroscientists has found a molecular pathway in the brain that is the cause of cognitive impairment due to sleep deprivation. Just as important, the team believes that the cognitive deficits caused by sleep deprivation, such as an inability to focus, learn or memorize, may be reversible by reducing the concentration of a specific enzyme that builds up in the hippocampus of the brain. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026125401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924123312.htm To adequately prepare today's students for tomorrow's global economy, one teacher education expert favors "transcultural education," which he defines as an experience that goes beyond the traditional rite-of-passage trip to western Europe. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924123312.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020161950.htm Growth factors are the proteins that trigger a countless number of actions in cells. Drugs that increase or decrease certain growth factors have lead to treatments for cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Researchers say a new understanding of a growth factor implicated in some mental retardation disorders could lead to a novel treatment. Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020161950.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020203413.htm It may take a village to raise a child, and apparently it takes at least two adult birds to teach a young song sparrow how and what to sing. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020203413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014122045.htm Small classes in early grades improve test scores in later grades for students of all achievement levels, but low achievers get an extra boost. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014122045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029151807.htm For a considerable time already there has been discussion within scientific circles about whether knowing and using multiple languages could possibly have positive effects on the human brain and thinking. There have been a number of international studies on the subject, which indicate that the ability to use more than one language brings an individual a considerable advantage. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029151807.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016114055.htm Learning to juggle leads to changes in the white matter of the brain, a new study has shown. ‘We tend to think of the brain as being static, or even beginning to degenerate, once we reach adulthood,’ says the researcher who led the work. ‘In fact we find the structure of the brain is ripe for change. We’ve shown that it is possible for the brain to condition its own wiring system to operate more efficiently.’ Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016114055.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014130704.htm A unique study of former guerrillas in Colombia has helped scientists redefine their understanding of the key regions of the brain involved in literacy. The study has enabled the researchers to see how brain structure changed after learning to read. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014130704.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910084143.htm Stroke rehabilitation technology which patients can operate in their own homes while playing computer games, is being developed by academics in the UK. Sat, 10 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910084143.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009104649.htm Providing small classes for at least several consecutive grades starting in early elementary school gives students the best chance to succeed in later grades, according to new research. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009104649.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009092351.htm Spontaneous brain activity formerly thought to be "white noise" measurably changes after a person learns a new task, researchers have shown. Scientists also report that the degree of change reflects how well subjects have learned to perform the task. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009092351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181723.htm New research explores the wide disparities in advanced high school course-taking (such as Advanced Placement courses) among race, poverty, and gender groups in Florida. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001163605.htm Repeated learning sessions produce long-lasting memory when they are spaced out between rest intervals. Neuroscientists have discovered that this so-called "spacing effect" is controlled in the brain by a molecular timer -- a protein that determines how long rest intervals need to last for long-term memory to form. Sat, 03 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001163605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001163730.htm A new study reveals that different patterns of training and learning lead to different types of memory formation. The significance of the study is that it identifies the molecular differences between spaced training (distributed over time) and massed training (at very short intervals), shedding light on brain function and guiding learning and training principles. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001163730.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002124741.htm Racial segregation in the schools is fueling the learning disparity between young black and white children, while out-of-school factors are more important to the growth of social class gaps, according to a new study. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002124741.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930102528.htm Results of a new study warn against glamorizing celebrity suicides in the media. The study has found evidence that the increasing reach and influence of the media, combined with a growing number of people assigned celebrity status, could increase the probability of widespread suicide pandemics. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930102528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921134836.htm Researchers have long known of the brain's ability to learn based on visual motion input, and a recent study has uncovered more insight into where the learning occurs. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921134836.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929091933.htm A new genetic tool will enable scientists to study vocal learning and neurogenesis at the molecular level in songbirds. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929091933.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916103428.htm A common nuisance, the fruit fly, is capable of intricate social learning much like that used by humans, according to new research. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916103428.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928095337.htm Educators should learn from the "Just-In-Time" and "Lean" production techniques used by the automotive industry if they are to add value to the student experience as quickly and effectively as possible. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928095337.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915100947.htm Using modified clips from the program Sesame Beginnings, researchers studied children's ability -- with and without adult support -- to learn a new verb and apply that word to a new scene. The research team found that children under 3 could not learn words directly from the program without adult support. In contrast, children over the age of 3 could learn new words from the video program and understand them later without adult support. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915100947.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090920204457.htm Scientists have found that some individuals in the vegetative and minimally conscious states, despite lacking the means of reporting awareness themselves, can learn and thereby demonstrate at least a partial consciousness. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090920204457.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090920204451.htm Being seen as either well behaved or naughty at school is never entirely in the hands of the individual child, a new study shows. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090920204451.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916173332.htm When it comes to writing the pen apparently is mightier than the computer keyboard. Second, fourth and sixth grade children with and without handwriting disabilities were able to write more and faster when using a pen than a keyboard to compose essays, according to new research. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916173332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915100943.htm Using information from the longitudinal study of early care and youth development, researchers found that children who spent more time in high-quality child care in the first five years of their lives had better math and reading scores in middle childhood. Researchers also found that low-income children who attended high-quality child care programs before the age of five performed similarly to their affluent peers. These findings have implications for the role of child care in the creation of anti-poverty policies. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915100943.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915174455.htm Reading a book by Franz Kafka -- or watching a film by director David Lynch -- could make you smarter. According to research by psychologists, exposure to surrealism enhances the cognitive mechanisms that oversee implicit learning functions. Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915174455.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915174506.htm A research team has pinpointed for the first time the mechanism that takes place during sleep that causes learning and memory formation to occur. The team has determined that short transient brain events, called “sharp wave ripples,” are responsible for consolidating memory and transferring the learned information from the hippocampus to the neocortex, where long-term memories are stored. Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915174506.htm