Education

13 Unobvious Factors That Help Children and Adults Learn

Original in Russian: blog.skillbox.by
13 Unobvious Factors That Help Children and Adults Learn

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Trees outside the window and around

In 2023, American researchers conducted an experiment, comparing the behavior of two groups of elementary school students aged 7-9 years. The first group had a view of trees from their classroom windows, while the second group had only a view of buildings. The study results revealed significant differences in children's behavior. Children who viewed trees had significantly lower levels of aggression and hyperactivity. Furthermore, this group demonstrated better academic performance compared to their peers who viewed urban development. These results highlight the importance of natural elements in the educational environment and their impact on children's psycho-emotional well-being. Adults also need to maintain a connection with nature, as demonstrated by an experiment by American scientists. Study participants completed complex intellectual tasks and then went for a 40-minute walk. Upon returning, they solved another task, and their results depended on whether they walked through a park or around the campus buildings. Those who chose the park route demonstrated better concentration. The study confirmed that interaction with the natural environment helps reduce stress after mental work and restores energy, which is an important factor for academic success. Maintaining contact with nature plays a key role in improving cognitive function and overall well-being.

Clean Air

Finnish researchers have established a link between final math exam results and air pollution levels in the school districts where the exams were held. They focused on one specific type of pollution: fine particulate matter (fine particles) with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers. These particles include tiny dust particles, liquid droplets, and microorganisms. The study highlights the importance of clean air for educational outcomes and may influence environmental and health policies.

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The study, conducted by A study by scientists showed a link between meteorological conditions and final exam results in Finnish schools from 2006 to 2016. Analysis of weather station data revealed that most subjects had no significant relationship with air pollution levels. However, on days when students took mathematics exams, a slight increase in the concentration of fine particulate matter in the air affected lower grades. This study highlights the importance of the environmental conditions during exams and its possible impact on student performance.

Normal Weather

Excessive heat on exam day can negatively impact exam results, as confirmed by research on school tests in Oklahoma, USA. The data show that high temperatures in the spring negatively impact student performance, especially on mathematics tests. However, in the autumn months, increased temperatures do not affect exam results. Thus, the air temperature during the spring season is an important factor to consider when organizing exam days.

Research shows that in September, students perceive heat as normal, as the summer months of July and August are characterized by consistently high temperatures exceeding 32°C. At the same time, in May, the heat can be distracting for children, which negatively affects their well-being and reduces test scores. Thus, adaptation to hot weather in September occurs naturally, whereas in May, students may experience difficulties in conditions of increased temperature.

Not too high ceilings

An analysis of exam results conducted at one Australian university between 2011 and 2019 showed that students performed worse in classrooms with high ceilings, reaching 9.5 meters. This data highlights the importance of taking into account the architectural features of classrooms when organizing the educational process. High ceilings can negatively impact student concentration and performance, which should be considered when designing classrooms and selecting exam locations. Gymnasiums and auditoriums are often used for large-scale written exams to minimize the possibility of cheating. Separating students into separate classrooms and assigning invigilators to each room would be too costly. Using such spaces allows for effective control of the exam process and ensures the integrity of grading.

Research shows that the practice of conducting mass examinations faces a number of challenges. While high ceilings may not directly impact students, factors such as insufficient lighting, cold or excessively hot classrooms, and large numbers of participants significantly impact their performance. A comfortable environment during the exam is essential to ensure successful completion of tasks. Optimizing space and improving exam conditions can help improve concentration levels and reduce stress in students.

Living Close to the Institution

Italian researchers, analyzing data on Milan students, concluded that the most successful students are those who spend less than five minutes commuting to campus. At the same time, students who commute 15 minutes or more to the university show an average grade that is one and a half points lower. These results highlight the importance of proximity to the educational institution for improving academic performance.

The authors emphasize the importance of the integrated development of university campuses. The location of student residences close to academic buildings significantly improves the quality of life for students. This eliminates the need for long commutes, allows students to avoid waking up too early for their first classes, and creates more opportunities for active participation in curricular and extracurricular activities. Participation in extracurricular activities, in turn, contributes to the enhancement of students' academic success. Thus, creating a comfortable and accessible environment on university campuses is a key factor in enhancing the level of education and the overall well-being of students.

Change of Environment during Review

Research by psychologists from the University of California confirmed that repeating new information in different settings contributes to better memorization. This means that to improve the effectiveness of study, it is recommended to reread the same chapter of a textbook in different places. For example, classes can be held in different classrooms, in different rooms of the house, as well as outdoors in the park or while traveling on public transport. This approach helps create associations and improves memorization of information.

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The reasons for this phenomenon remain only speculative. People have a natural tendency to notice details in their surroundings, even when engaged in an activity, such as studying or listening to a lecture. At such moments, their gaze may be drawn to patterns on curtains or other interior elements. These details are imprinted in memory and can subsequently serve as associative cues, facilitating the retrieval of previously learned information. Given this connection between the environment and the memorization process, various environmental elements can be used to enhance learning and improve memorization. A variety of environmental details helps create associations that facilitate the recall of relevant information. Changing the environment can be beneficial for improving memory and enhancing learning. For more information on this phenomenon, it is recommended to consult additional sources.

Rework the text with an emphasis on SEO to improve visibility in search engines. Make sure the content matches the keywords and interests of your target audience. It's important to maintain the main idea of ​​the text while adding useful information. Avoid adding unnecessary characters and sections to keep it clean and easy to read. Use relevant keywords to improve page rankings and attract more readers. Retrieval practice is a learning method that promotes retention of new information through active recall. Instead of simply repeating material, students activate their memories, significantly improving long-term retention. This approach is based on scientific research demonstrating that regular retrieval practice helps strengthen neural connections and enhances learning. Effective methods for implementing this practice include quizzes, self-questions, and discussing what was learned with others. Incorporating retrieval practices into the learning process can significantly improve the quality of learning and improve retention.

Sports

The stereotype that an excellent student is a "nerd" who excels at academics but lags behind in physical education is not true. Research shows that physically active children and adolescents, on the contrary, often demonstrate better academic results. Active sports not only improve physical fitness but also develop cognitive abilities, which in turn has a positive impact on academic performance. Thus, active participation in physical activity may be the key to academic success.

A study of 4,000 children in the UK found that schoolchildren who participate in sports demonstrate higher academic results. The reasons for this phenomenon may be related to the fact that sports teach children to manage their emotions and develop planning skills. These qualities have a positive impact on the learning process and contribute to improved academic performance. Sports not only improve physical health but also develop important life skills necessary for academic success.

Research conducted by Swiss scientists shows that children who play sports have a higher degree of development of executive functions of the brain. These functions include self-control and working memory, which play a key role in the learning process. Children with developed self-control and improved working memory tend to show better academic results. Therefore, physical activity can have a positive impact on children's academic performance.

Researchers and practitioners are developing special educational programs that integrate physical education classes with instruction in other subjects. This approach promotes the comprehensive development of students, improving not only physical fitness but also academic results. Combining physical activity with the educational process helps increase student motivation and promotes better assimilation of material.

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Research has shown at what age executive functions of the brain develop in adolescents. These functions, including planning, time management, and decision-making, begin to develop during adolescence. Understanding the age at which these changes occur can help parents and educators more effectively support adolescent development. Effective development of executive functions plays a key role in the successful adaptation of young people to adulthood and the educational process.

Eating a Proper Breakfast

An Australian study conducted among adolescents in grades 7–9 found that skipping breakfast negatively impacts academic motivation and knowledge acquisition. Without a morning meal, schoolchildren experience decreased concentration and thinking efficiency. In contrast, students who regularly eat breakfast before classes demonstrate higher adaptive motivation, which is associated with self-confidence. These students also show greater interest in academic topics and a desire to delve deeper into the material. Breakfast plays a key role in maintaining mental alertness and academic success, so it's important to prioritize proper nutrition before school. It's not just whether a student eats breakfast that matters, but also the quality of their breakfast. Research has found that breakfasts containing fruits, vegetables, dairy, and protein products, as well as whole-grain bread or cereal, are considered high-quality. In contrast, breakfasts consisting of sugary drinks, cold meats, fast food, pastries, or snacks are considered low-quality. Students who prefer low-quality breakfasts are more likely to exhibit maladaptive motivation. This manifests itself in high levels of anxiety due to academic workload and tests, leading to learning more out of fear of appearing incompetent than out of interest or awareness of the importance of knowledge for achieving goals. Research has shown that the composition and availability of breakfast have a significant impact on the psychological state of students. This, in turn, affects their motivation, which is a key factor in academic achievement. Experts recommend actively promoting healthy eating habits and providing healthy snacks in educational institutions. Implementing these practices can improve not only the physical but also the psycho-emotional well-being of students, which will ultimately impact their academic performance. Proper nutrition is an important aspect to consider for improving educational outcomes among schoolchildren.

Interaction with Pets

Last year, an interesting experiment was conducted in Israel in which dogs acted as learning assistants. Elementary school students who needed additional reading lessons were asked to read aloud not to themselves, but to their four-legged friends. The results showed that this approach is truly effective: children who had the opportunity to read to their dogs began to practice more regularly and significantly improved their reading skills. This method could be a useful tool in the educational process, not only promoting reading skills but also strengthening the emotional bond between children and animals.

The authors of the experiment emphasize that reading aloud to parents, peers, or teachers can offer additional benefits. However, this opportunity is not always available, and some children may feel shy when reading in front of others. In this context, dogs are ideal listeners—they are attentive and non-judgmental. Reading aloud to dogs can not only help children overcome fear, but also promote the development of reading skills and self-confidence.

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Unusual practice: how the educational system attracts outstanding

In recent years, the educational system has seen a trend of attracting talented and highly motivated students. Unique approaches to teaching help identify and develop the abilities of "good boys", which leads to an improvement in the quality of education. Educational institutions are introducing innovative methods that help create an inspiring atmosphere for students. These practices not only contribute to the development of academic skills, but also shape leadership qualities, critical thinking, and team spirit. Importantly, such approaches have a positive impact on the overall level of academic performance and engagement of schoolchildren. Thus, unusual methods of working with talented students are becoming an important part of the modern educational process.

Four to six close friends

Chinese researchers analyzed data collected from thousands of American schoolchildren and found a link between the number of close friends reported by respondents in surveys and their intellectual abilities. The study highlights the importance of social connections for the development of cognitive skills in adolescents. The results may have significant implications for understanding the impact of friendships on academic achievement and overall intellectual activity of schoolchildren.

Research shows that optimal levels of memory development, information processing speed, language skills, and executive function are observed in adolescents with four to six close friends. However, students with fewer than three friends or more than six often experience problems in these areas and also experience difficulties with psychological well-being. Maintaining healthy friendships plays an important role in the cognitive and emotional development of adolescents.

A study based on surveys of schoolchildren found that the number of friends may not have a negative impact on learning abilities. Importantly, adolescents reporting seven or more close friends may be referring to acquaintances or acquaintances, while genuine close social contacts may be lacking. Scientific evidence confirms that loneliness has harmful consequences, especially for adolescents during the growth and development phase. This loneliness can negatively impact academic performance and overall psycho-emotional well-being.

Board Games

Research shows that games designed solely for entertainment can have a significant impact on children's development. Spanish scientists conducted an experiment with 522 elementary school students and found that children who regularly played board games mastered reading, writing, and arithmetic skills significantly faster. This underscores the importance of play in children's lives, as it not only provides entertainment but also develops cognitive abilities. Board games are becoming an effective tool that helps improve educational outcomes and develop critical thinking in elementary school students.

The games for schoolchildren were selected with special care: scientists ensured that they contributed to the development of reading and arithmetic skills, as well as strengthened memory and the ability to switch between tasks. For example, in such games, children were asked to memorize colors and images on cards, quickly count them, and also find objects in pictures whose names begin with the same letter. If a game does not present children with cognitive challenges that promote learning, its effectiveness in terms of the educational process may be questionable. Therefore, it is important to choose games that are not only entertaining but also develop necessary skills.

Teacher Posture and Posture

German researchers conducted three experiments with university students to determine how the posture of an online teacher affects the perception of their lectures. The study focused on students' reactions to videos in which the teacher demonstrated one of four postures: with an upright back, hunched over, in a closed posture (for example, with arms crossed over the chest), and in an open posture. The results of the experiment highlight the importance of nonverbal communication in the educational process and can serve as a basis for improving online teaching methods.

An instructor's open posture and correct posture play a key role in students' perceptions of their enthusiasm, independence, and communication skills. Research shows that when a lecturer stands up straight and has an open posture, students evaluate their personal qualities more positively. Conversely, if the instructor slouched or exhibited a closed posture, this negatively impacted their perception of their competence.

It is important to note that student interest in the learning process and their motivation can depend on the nonverbal cues the instructor provides during class. A slouched and closed posture can be perceived by students as a sign of a lack of interest in the topic. Therefore, teachers should avoid such poses in both video lectures and face-to-face classes to maintain high levels of student engagement and motivation.

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There are several opinions about whether a teacher should appear in frame during a video lecture. Some believe that the visual presence of the lecturer helps create a more personal connection with the audience, which contributes to a better perception of the information. Others argue that the content itself is more important, and an emphasis on slides or graphs can be more effective. It is important to keep in mind that the choice depends on the teaching style and the specifics of the topic. The right approach can significantly improve the quality of educational content and make it more attractive to viewers.

Voice timbre and speech characteristics of the teacher

Data on the perception of lectures is contradictory. Participants in various studies note that they like and remember lectures delivered in a low or high voice more effectively. Researchers suggest that the striking distinctive features of voice timbre can significantly influence memory. After a certain time, students are more likely to remember a lecture delivered in a high or low voice, compared to a lecture where the timbre was neutral. This highlights the importance of intonation and expressiveness in the educational process.

Other aspects of speech also play a significant role. A study conducted in the United States found that speaking too slowly can make students wary and reduce their engagement in the learning process. In this article, we take a closer look at the impact of the teacher's voice on student learning.

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