Neuro Clips September 6, 2014

August 23 – September 6, 2014

Neuro Clips:

Home sweet home: Does where you live impact student success?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140825095843.htm

Summary: In a recent study of the income-achievement gap, researchers examined socioeconomic status and cognitive skills. The study measured cognitive skills in kindergarten students and again two years later and found that cognitive skills were more of an indicator of academic success than socioeconomic status.

Students report greater learning gains in in-class science courses vs. online courses

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140904094802.htm

Summary: A recent study evaluated the effectiveness of online learning opportunities, primarily for African American students. Based on self-reports, the students in traditional in-person courses indicated greater learning gains than students in comparable online courses. These results can inform curriculum and instruction for distance learning opportunities to create a learning environment that more closely resembles the traditional setting and maximizes the potential for incorporated technology.

Fast-paced TV shows don't harm preschoolers' concentration

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140905090421.htm

Summary: Researchers examined the impact of fast-paced television on behavior compared to slow-paced programming in three and four year old children. Following the television programs, children completed block-building tasks and test of program comprehension. The results indicated that fast-paced television programming received greater attention and that children performed better on the tasks that followed fast-paced television.

Early school testing no indication of later success

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140905090424.htm

Summary: In a recent study of early child development, researchers found that performance on early tests of cognitive skills are not a necessary indication of later achievement. The results demonstrate the influence of external factors that contribute to successes and failures throughout life.

Study: Music Education Could Help Close The Achievement Gap Between Poor And Affluent Students

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/02/harmony-project-music-study_n_5755448.html

Summary: A recent study measured neural impact of music education after-school programming on disadvantaged and affluent students. Study results indicate that the programming has the potential to improve reading and language skills. These results suggest the possible benefits of music programming in reducing the achievement gap.

Brainwave Testing Can Help Diagnose Dyslexia Before Kids Learn

http://motherboard.vice.com/read/brain-wave-testing-can-diagnose-dyslexia-in-kids-before-they-learn-to-read

Summary: Researchers examined brain waves in a longitudinal study to explore the underlying waves associated with the later development of dyslexia. The study proposes the potential to use EEG as an early evaluation and diagnostic tool to determine a child’s risk or presentation of dyslexia prior to difficulty in the classroom. This could have important implications for clinical practice as well as for educators.

The Mindful Classroom

http://www.chronogram.com/hudsonvalley/the-mindful-classroom/Content?oid=2268571

Summary: Article demonstrates some examples of how educators and administrators are incorporating the principles of mindfulness into the classrooms. The article argues that the incorporation of mindfulness in the classroom has the potential benefits of improved academic performance and reduced student disruptions.

Could a later start to the school day be the most useful educational reform of all?

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/schools/could-a-later-start-to-the-school-day-be-the-most-useful-educational-reform-of-all-9695407.html

Summary: The article argues that due to the change in circadian rhythms for teenagers, a delayed school start time would improve student attendance; student performance; and reduce the negative health effects of sleep deprivation.

Hopeful Teaching and Learning: The One Who Makes a Difference

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-cooper/hopeful-teaching-and-lear_b_5714995.html

Summary: Author challenges educators to reconnect with what led them to their initial calling into the classroom. The author acknowledges the importance of genuine teaching and learning and encourages educators to be the “one” teacher that made a difference in a child’s life.

iPads improve language skills in autistic kids

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ipads-improve-language-skills-in-autistic-kids/

Summary: In a recent study of “minimally verbal” autistic children, researchers examined the communication abilities of those who received an iPad compared to those who did not. All children in the study received speech therapy, however, those with an iPad demonstrated greater gains in vocabulary. The study results suggest the benefit of incorporating visually stimulating aids to promote verbal responses.