No easy toolkit for SEL, the illusion of multitasking and more in the news roundup

Teacher and children joining hands

Sorry, there’s no easy toolkit for social-emotional learning. But it’s worth the work
(Education Week – Subscription required, free trial)
The ultimate goal of the SEL field is to weave the teaching of social-emotional intelligence throughout children’s education so lives are enhanced and crises are rare.

In teaching, sometimes 1+1≠2! Here’s why.
(3-Star Learning Experiences)
This research gives us even more evidence that we shouldn’t use redundant information in our lessons and/or presentations. After all, if we provide both the written and the spoken words at the same time, we force people to multitask and we already concluded that we can’t.

The illusion of multitasking and its impact on learning
(The Effortful Educator)
Whether they believe they are good at multitasking or not…they’re not. Sorry. “What is clear is that people are not capable of thinking two different thoughts at the same time”

People have short memories
(Medium)
A 2007 research study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, found that people have the best memory for words and information they deemed necessary for survival. That means that, at the core, everyone is focusing most on what is necessary for them to survive, and focusing on those necessities.

Flexible seating: Collaboration catalyst or classroom disaster?
(Education Week – Subscription required, free trial)
Changes to a physical environment could have an impact on students and teachers, said Dan Willingham, a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia. But it’s really hard to document just how much of an effect it has on student achievement or even on things like collaboration and communication, he added.

Fun and games with neuroscience
(Discover Magazine)
Brain Games turns human behavior into pop television entertainment. Keegan-Michael Key brings a welcome jolt of comedic energy to the show. Less predictable, he also radiates a generous, kid-like enthusiasm: He clearly loves being a prankster, but equally loves the psychology and neuroscience lessons woven into the show.

When are you really an adult?
(New York Times)
It’s a question that Apryl Alexander, a psychology professor at the University of Denver, often gets from her graduate students and that has become even more fraught with the growing research around the development of the juvenile brain.

New twist on marshmallow test: Kids depend on each other for self control
(Ars Technica)
Simply placing kids in a cooperative environment boosts the ability to resist temptation.

5 obstacles that stop many students from taking an internship
(The Conversation)
“I wouldn’t be able to do classes, do the internship and work to make money – which is kind of important because I’m basically just paying for school as I can,” Janelle said in an interview for a study of internships during her junior year in South Carolina.

Students tackle life’s challenges together
(Edutopia – Video with closed captions)
Facing stress and frustrations from school, parents, and relationships, students turn to peer counselors for help.

Poor mental health ‘both cause and effect’ of school exclusion
(Science Daily)
Children with mental health needs require urgent support from primary school onwards to avoid exclusion, which can be both cause and effect of poor mental health, new research concludes.

Mental health in schools: Black and hispanic students say they have less support
(Education Week’s Rules for Engagement – Subscription required, free trial)
Black, Hispanic, and rural students have a harder time getting mental health support in school, according to a new survey of thousands of students who took the ACT. Schools—whether they are prepared or not—have become a primary source for mental health supports for children. And having access to such services is crucial to student’s academic success: they’ll do better in school, be more likely to graduate, and less likely to use drugs or alcohol, according to the study.

Internet use reduces study skills in university students
(Science Daily)
Research has shown that students who use digital technology excessively are less motivated to engage with their studies, and are more anxious about tests. This effect was made worse by the increased feelings of loneliness that use of digital technology produced.

Supporting students affected by trauma
(Edutopia)
Just as students with learning challenges need academic accommodations, students who have adverse childhood experiences may benefit from social and emotional accommodations.

An intelligent argument on race?
(Inside Higher Ed)
Scholar makes argument in favor of race-based research into intelligence, but experts in that subfield say it’s an unnecessary plea that doesn’t square with scientific realities.

How ‘slow looking’ can help students develop skills across disciplines
(KQED’s Mind/Shift)
As an antidote, Project Zero researcher Shari Tishman offers “slow looking” — the practice of observing detail over time to move beyond a first impression and create a more immersive experience with a text, an idea, a piece of art, or any other kind of object. It’s a practice that clears a space for students to hold and appreciate the richness of the world we live in.

There’s a new obstacle to landing a job after college: Getting approved by AI
(CNN Business)
At schools such as Duke University, Purdue University, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, career counselors are now working to find out which companies use AI and also speaking candidly with students about what, if anything, they can do to win over the algorithms.

Schools took away students’ phones. Now they’re treating separation anxiety
(Wall Street Journal)
Compromises include letting young people see their devices from afar or hold them in a locked pouch

About the Author

Hunter is a communications professional who came of age in the digital revolution, and has witnessed big changes in how we communicate. In his eclectic 20 year career he’s seen vast changes across multiple industries from advertising, B2C, professional services, publishing, and now non-profit. During his time at APA Hunter has watched the growth of the organization’s web presence; a shift from print to digital media; and the pickup of social channels like the PsychLearningCurve. A tech geek at heart, Hunter is naturally drawn to all things shiny and new especially when it comes to communicating – particularly social media and apps. Hunter seeks to understand the world around him -- add in a penchant for creative design and a reporter’s curiosity and you’ve got Hunter. Through this blog he hopes to help translate quality psychological science into practical uses for educators, students, and parents.