Why sitting for long periods can affect teens’ mental health
(NPR)
A new study finds that sitting still is linked to a higher risk of depression among teens, but even an hour of light physical activity every day reduces the risk of depression by 10%.
Writing a strong resumé for robot and human readers
(Eye on Psi Chi)
Thus, many companies have turned to automated software to help them discriminate among resumés. An applicant tracking system (ATS) scans online job applications to provide a ranking of candidates who are likely to be a good match. This system benefits the company by being quicker and cheaper than manually reviewing resumés.
Learning through play is more than play
(3-Star Learning Experience)
It sounds wonderful. Who would be against it? Really, no one could or would. Who can argue with these romantic, bordering on philosophical ideas about how young children learn best? You should because there’s a catch, namely that there’s no scientific evidence to support these ideas.
The new PhD
(The Chronicle of Higher Education)
Many doctoral students will not go on to tenure-track professorships, so why should they devote their grad school years to producing a traditional dissertation mainly of value inside academe?
An old and contested solution to boost reading scores: phonics
(The New York Times)
The bible for these educators is a body of research produced by linguists, psychologists and cognitive scientists. Their findings have pushed some states and school districts to make big changes in how teachers are trained and students are taught.
The current controversy about teaching reading: Comments for those left with questions after reading the new york times article.
(Daniel Willingham Blog)
Over the weekend the New York Times published an article on the front page about the teaching of reading. A friend posted in on Facebook saying “I won’t know what to think about this until Dan comments on it.” I thought some background for people like my friend might be useful.
Federal pell grants help pay for college – but are they enough to help students finish?
(The Conversation)
Despite this assistance, students who receive Pell Grants are less likely than other students to graduate from a four-year institution within six years: 51% versus 59% for students who first enrolled in 2010. Six years is the timespan the federal government uses to measure graduation rates.
Fail productively… how to turn yourself into a super-learner
(The Guardian)
Unfortunately, many of our preferred learning techniques – such as reading and highlighting textbooks, or the drawing of colourful “mind maps” to summarise material – don’t offer enough mental challenge to make the information stick, leading to disappointing results.
5 principles as pathways to inclusive teaching
(Inside Higher Ed)
Amanda Irvin offer concrete strategies that are guided by research to use in the classroom. Implementing inclusive teaching strategies in your classroom does not require huge changes or full course redesigns.
‘The silence of educators is dangerous’
(Education Week Teacher)
One of the biggest dangers facing us right now is silence. In education, there are many buzzwords about effective pedagogy including real-world connection, critical thinking, and employing student voice. However, these are often reserved for contrived examples that are considered safe for the classroom. This safety is reinforced by the implied or stated requirement for educators to be “apolitical” and avoid controversial topics with students, families, and colleagues. Schools pass on the value of silence to their teachers and students.
These students are learning about fake news and how to spot it
(The New York Times)
The students sit at desks in groups of four, watching videos about the recent bush fires in Australia. One shows an apocalyptic landscape in flames, the other a tourist paradise, with assurances that much of the continent is safe.
Mindfulness transforms culture at high-needs elementary school
(NPR)
A struggling elementary school in East Nashville, Tenn., is incorporating mindfulness, but experts caution that mindfulness is not a panacea and programs should follow scientific guidelines.
New study finds association between later school start times and decrease in teen-related car crashes
(ABC News)
Overall, researchers found that a later start to school was associated with decreased crash risks among drivers 16 to 18 years old with significant implications for public health and safety.
Elaboration as self-explanation
(The Learning Scientists)
Practically speaking, how can we implement self-explanation in the classroom? Is there a way to teach students who don’t naturally think aloud in their heads to do this?
Violence in schools is a national crisis
(Psychology Today)
Aggression is often triggered by common directives and disciplinary practices.
For student borrowers, confusion anew in the public-service loan-forgiveness program
(Washington Post)
A year ago, compelled by a court ruling, the Education Department with little fanfare expanded eligibility for a program that erases the student debt of borrowers… who take public-service jobs. But then, in recent months, the old rules that seemed to narrow who was eligible reappeared on the department’s website. That could plunge the agency back into hot water.
Decline in mental health among college students
(KOMU)
A new study shows a substantial number of young adults are starting college feeling depressed or anxious. The study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology shows about a third of first-year college students worldwide say they feel anxious, feel depressed or have some other kind of mood disorder. Depression and anxiety were most common, as well as panic issues.
