Research -- StepUp to Learn

Goldilocks Learning: Why You Need to Balance Effort and Ease

Goldilocks Learning: Why You Need to Balance Effort and Ease

Why balancing the complexity of the task and the effort devoted to learning is essential for optimized learning.

Boosting Math Scores? This Matters More Than Just Extra Instruction Time

Boosting Math Scores? This Matters More Than Just Extra Instruction Time

The link between instructional time, teaching quality and student math achievement.

Math Help at Home: How You Shape Your Child’s Math Skills

Math Help at Home: How You Shape Your Child’s Math Skills

Surprising findings on what actually helps -- and what hinders.

Why Handwriting and Spelling Matter for Quality Writing in Early Grades

Why Handwriting and Spelling Matter for Quality Writing in Early Grades

New evidence that fluency significantly contributes to writing quality.

The Power of Penmanship: How the Brain Benefits from Writing by Hand

The Power of Penmanship: How the Brain Benefits from Writing by Hand

A new study reveals how speed, clarity, and automaticity affect reading, writing, and math skills.

Classroom Microphones: Can They Help Students Stay Focused?

Classroom Microphones: Can They Help Students Stay Focused?

How remote microphone technology keeps inattentive students engaged.

Rethinking How our Brains Use Categories to Make Sense of the World

Rethinking How our Brains Use Categories to Make Sense of the World

Challenging the traditional stimulus-cognition-response view of how the brain uses its ability to categorize. 

Hydraulic Brain: Body Motion Linked to Fluid Movement in the Brain

Hydraulic Brain: Body Motion Linked to Fluid Movement in the Brain

Scientists discover a hidden brain “cleaning effect” triggered by movement

Imagination is More Than Sensory Replay

Imagination is More Than Sensory Replay

Higher‑level brain systems that interpret perception may play a central role in imagination.

Predictors of Handwriting Fluency and Legibility

Predictors of Handwriting Fluency and Legibility

Researchers explore fine motor skills, kinesthetic differentiation, and more.

Dream Engineering Can Help Solve ‘Puzzling’ Questions

Dream Engineering Can Help Solve ‘Puzzling’ Questions

Scientists at Northwestern University found a way to plant ideas in dreams to boost creativity.

The Problem with Word Problems: Are Pictures the Answer?

The Problem with Word Problems: Are Pictures the Answer?

A deep dive into whether or not pictures help elementary students' performance on math word problems.