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Research -- StepUp to Learn

Solving the Screen Time Puzzle

Solving the Screen Time Puzzle

Contradictory to previous findings, children who learn how to solve a puzzle using a touchscreen can then apply this learning to the same puzzle in the physical world. 
Posted in Education, Learning & Memory, Memory, Technology

New Experiences Enhance Learning by Resetting Key Brain Circuit

New Experiences Enhance Learning by Resetting Key Brain Circuit

A study of spatial learning in mice shows that exposure to new experiences dampens established representations in the brain’s hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, allowing the mice to learn new navigation strategies.

Posted in Engagement, Learning & Memory, Memory, Motivation, Neuroscience

Blink! The Link Between Aerobic Fitness and Cognition

Blink! The Link Between Aerobic Fitness and Cognition

Researchers have found evidence that spontaneous eye blink activity, which reflects activity in the dopaminergic system, explains the connection between fitness and cognitive function.

Posted in Education, Engagement, Language, Learning & Memory, Mathematics, Memory, Motivation, Movement & Exercise, Neuroscience

How Our Brains Know When Something's Different

How Our Brains Know When Something's Different

Scientists discovered how a set of high frequency brain waves may help us unconsciously know when something's different by comparing memories of the past with present experiences.
Posted in Attention, Engagement, Learning & Memory, Memory, Motivation, Neuroscience

Preschoolers Can’t See the Mountains for the Cat

Preschoolers Can’t See the Mountains for the Cat

Even when told to pay attention to the mountain in this photo, preschool children focus so much on the cat that they won’t later recognize the same mountain. Why?
Posted in Attention, Language, Learning & Memory, Memory, Neuroscience

Regular Physical Activity Seems to Enhance Cognition in Children Who Need it Most

Regular Physical Activity Seems to Enhance Cognition in Children Who Need it Most

New research shows that regular physical activity can enhance cognitive functions, especially in those who have the most room for improvement.
Posted in Education, Learning & Memory, Memory, Movement & Exercise, Neuroscience

Sport and Memory Go Hand in Hand

Sport and Memory Go Hand in Hand

By exploring the benefits of sport in memory and motor learning, scientists are opening up promising perspectives for school programs.

Posted in Education, Learning & Memory, Memory, Movement & Exercise, Neuroscience

Why Writing By Hand Makes Kids Smarter

Why Writing By Hand Makes Kids Smarter

New brain research shows that writing by hand helps children learn more and remember better. At the same time, schools are becoming more and more digital.
Posted in Attention, Education, Handwriting, Learning & Memory, Memory

Visual-Spatial Learning Disorder Is More Common Than Thought

Visual-Spatial Learning Disorder Is More Common Than Thought

Nonverbal learning disability (NVLD), a poorly understood and often-overlooked disorder that causes problems with visual-spatial processing, may affect nearly 3 million children in the United States, making it one of the most common learning disorders.
Posted in Education, Health & Wellness, Learning & Memory, Mathematics, Memory, Movement & Exercise, Neuroscience, Reading Skills, Social Development

What Jigsaw Puzzles Tell Us About Child Development

What Jigsaw Puzzles Tell Us About Child Development

New research shows that children only learn to do jigsaw puzzles once they have reached a certain stage of development. Three-year-olds use trial and error, but four-year-olds are able to use information in the picture to complete the puzzles. The research team say this understanding is the foundation of learning to draw and paint.
Posted in Education, Engagement, Learning & Memory, Memory

Why Some Words May Be More Memorable Than Others

Why Some Words May Be More Memorable Than Others

Results suggest our brains use internet search engine strategies to remember words and memories of past experiences.
Posted in Education, Learning & Memory, Memory, Neuroscience

Testing During Studying Improves Memory and Inference

Testing During Studying Improves Memory and Inference

Learning something new? Take a test! Research shows that taking a test is more effective than other ways of studying when learning and making inferences.
Posted in Attention, Education, Engagement, Learning & Memory, Memory, Neuroscience