News by Subject Education

Expanding the number of grammar schools is unlikely to promote social mobility by providing more opportunities for disadvantaged pupils, a new study published in Educational Review finds.

The BioScience Talks podcast (http://bioscience.libsyn.com) features discussions of topical issues related to the biological sciences.

Contrary to widely-held opinion, taking high school calculus isn't necessary for success later in college calculus -- what's more important is mastering the prerequisites, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry -- that lead to calculus. That's according to a study of more than 6,000 college freshmen at 133 colleges carried out by the Science Education Department of the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

New study shows that eighth-grade science teachers without an educational background in science are less likely to practice inquiry-oriented science instruction, possibly contributing to the US lack of qualified STEM workers.

From high-stakes multiple choice exams to the social climate of the classroom, research has shown those factors can contribute to the negative impact of large, introductory and undergraduate science courses on students. However, class size is often an overlooked factor despite research suggesting it influences student performance and, unlike other influences on student attrition, is subject to legislative action.

A new Portland State University study suggests that universities should do more to invest in training graduate students in 21st century teaching methods, and that doing so does not mean that they would be any less prepared for a career in research.

Multiple factors make an effective professional development (PD) program for K-12 teachers. Focusing on content, active learning, collaboration and coaching support and using effective teaching models can broaden the knowledge of science teachers. However, many teachers are short on the resources needed to attend one-time short-term PD programs. The results of one online PD program for teachers will be shared at the American Physiological Society's (APS's) Institute on Teaching and Learning in Madison, Wis.

For many students, essay tests are a source of dread and anxiety. But for professors, these tests provide an excellent way to assess a student's depth of knowledge and critical-thinking skills. At the American Physiological Society's (APS's) Institute on Teaching and Learning in Madison, Wis., Andrew Petzold, PhD, of the University of Minnesota Rochester Center for Learning Innovation, will discuss how a game of chance can lead to increased student preparation and motivation.

Studying abroad can impart valuable, lifelong skills, including foreign language skills, appreciation for other cultures and access to unique learning opportunities. However, the cost remains a major impediment to many students. A course at University of New Hampshire at Manchester offered a study abroad trip during spring break. The cost, a course fee, was potentially covered under financial aid that provides funds for tuition and fees, and created opportunities for commuter students to study abroad.