Research -- StepUp to Learn

Researchers have found that genetics significantly affect learning abilities. That's not to say, however, that academic achievement is entirely pre-determined. Learning environment does have an important effect on test scores, and possibly even more so in some cases.

 

Have you ever hit a creative roadblock? Exercise might be the answer to overcoming mental blocks, according to a new study.

 

Gifted education is a broad term to describe programs and practices used in the education of students who demonstrate exceptional abilities to learn or reason. Currently, more than 3 million students are enrolled in gifted programs nationwide. But gifted programs may not be the best learning environment for some students, according to a new study. 

Playing action video games can improve children’s skills beyond those taught in the game, extending to more general learning capabilities. 

After years of creating and collecting, second grade teacher Erin Klein experienced a catharsis. In a recent article about her experience she wrote, "Entering my classroom one day, it struck me. The space looked more like a teacher storage facility than an inspiring place for students to work together and learn. I knew this needed to change."

The Aleutian Islands are part of the state of Alaska. Many adults who read this little known fact may not be able to recall it later. Now, imagine asking 4- and 5-year-olds to learn and retain it. That’s exactly what researchers required of preschoolers in a new study exploring interactive learning and children’s memory.

 

Guided play, or discovery learning, is an inquiry-based teaching method where teachers are coaches who create interest-driven experiences. In this study, guided play improved preschoolers ability to learn geometric shapes -- an essential component to school readiness-- over other types of instruction.

In the StepUp programS, we say that self-evaluation is the key to motivation.  In other words, when children feel empowered to do meaningful work and feel the satisfaction of a job well done, then they develop the ability to evaluate their work.

Allowing your brain to rest and reflect on the things you have just learned may help boost future learning, a new study shows.

Children with learning challenges experience handwriting delays at a younger age, study shows.

A teacher of mine once commented, "language begins with the idea in the mind of the child."  I have never forgotten the truth of that moment.  

High-intensity interval training, commonly referred to as HIIT workouts, have been shown to improve adults’ physical and mental health. The benefits of HIIT workouts in adults has inspired researchers to examine the effect of similar exercises in the classroom. Can four minutes of physical activity improve attention and behavior in the classroom?