News, Advice, and Tips for Parenting Teenagers

Teens that learn in classrooms where students cooperate and share information score higher on tests than those in classes based on individual competition.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota analyzed data from 148 studies involving 17,000 people aged 12 to 15. Those in classes that supported students working together on projects and test preparation achieved higher scores in problem-solving, critical thinking, and reasoning compared to those who studied alone or in classes based on competitions and "winning."

"When teachers set up their classrooms in a cooperative way," said Dr. Cary Roseth, "both social and academic goals are met simultaneously. Students can interact, which is naturally what they want to do at this age."

This study appears in Psychological Bulletin.

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Labels: education, teaching, learning_styles

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Most girls lose interest in science around fifth grade. However, a new program developed at the University of Missouri may be changing all of that.

"The Magic of Chemistry" began almost 10 years ago with a group of 35 Girl Scouts taking part in workshops like "The Case of the Unsigned Letter," "Fun with Polymers," and the "Chemistry of Colors." Since then, almost 2,500 elementary school girls have participated in these female-friendly math and science classes designed by chemistry professor Sheryl Tucker, who is also associate dean of the graduate school at University of Missouri.

Tucker and her aides found that more than 80 percent of girls who participated in the Magic of Chemistry said they wanted to learn more about science and related careers.

"There was a critical national need to start a program targeting young girls with the purpose of igniting and retaining their interest in science at an age where national studies indicate they begin to lose this curiosity," said Dr. Tucker.

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Labels: education, girls, learning_styles

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Many people agree that study habits should be formed early - when a child is in elementary school. But even when good habits have been developed, some kids struggle when they reach their teenage years.

"Do yourself and your student a favor and contact your school's guidance office to see if they can test your child for learning style. No guidance office? Check the local high school or even a local college."

By helping your teen understand her learning style, you can help her develop study habits that work best for her. Read more at online.

Labels: school, learning_styles, studying

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