Education Research 2024

Contents:

• Each year of study reduces the risk of death by almost 2%
• Every third student loses interest in studying immediately after entering
• We are all doomed to be distracted from studying and generally do not like to strain the mind
• The brain, it seems, perceives the same text on paper and on a digital medium differently
• In parallel with the spread of online communication, teenagers in different countries have become worse at reading
• AI is still checking essays worse than teachers
• Girls study better than boys, but after university earn less
• Academic achievement can be predicted by a student's self-esteem
• Learning outcomes can be influenced by liking the lecturer
• Students actually enjoy challenging assignments
• Learning outcomes can depend on how students ate breakfast and what the weather is like outside

Each year of education reduces the risk of death by almost 2%

Research shows that learning is as important for health as an active lifestyle. An analysis of 603 studies conducted in 59 countries confirms that lifelong learning contributes to an increase in life expectancy and improved overall health. Mental development and the acquisition of new knowledge play a key role in maintaining physical and mental well-being.

Each additional year of education reduces the risk of premature death by 1.9%. Taken together, 18 years of education, including kindergarten, school, and university, have the same positive effect on health as optimal vegetable consumption and regular physical activity. Education plays a key role in shaping a healthy lifestyle, confirming the importance of investing in education to improve overall public health. Research shows that people with more education have better cardiovascular, immune, and metabolic health than their immediate family members. This suggests that, with similar hereditary factors, those who have acquired more education age more slowly. Furthermore, it has been proven that children who attend strong schools demonstrate more active brain development. Education, therefore, not only promotes intellectual growth but also positively impacts overall health and quality of life. The positive impact of education on life expectancy is often explained by social factors. High-quality preschool education promotes better school readiness, successful completion of the curriculum, and admission to university in in-demand specialties. In Russia, higher education increases the average graduate's income by 16–24% compared to those with secondary vocational education. Furthermore, education has a positive impact on psychological well-being, especially for women. This highlights the importance of investing in educational programs and their impact on quality of life and financial stability.

Read also:

There is an opinion that high-quality education at a young age can help slow down the aging process of the brain. Scientific research confirms that a high level of education and ongoing development of cognitive skills help keep the brain active. Mental activity gained through learning promotes the formation of new neural connections, which can have a positive impact on memory and thought processes in adulthood and old age. Thus, a good education can indeed play an important role in maintaining brain health throughout life.

One ​​in three students loses interest in studying immediately after entering university

In China, high school students face high levels of stress while preparing for the Gaokao, the national entrance exam. This exam is an important stage that determines the future of each student. After passing the Gaokao, many students lose a sense of purpose and meaning in their studies, which leads to emotional burnout. As a result, students who enter university often begin their first year exhausted and demotivated. This highlights the need for a more balanced approach to the educational process and support for young people during the examination period.

One German study found similar results. In several German states, the length of education in gymnasiums was shortened from nine to eight years between 1999 and 2007. However, the curriculum remained the same, resulting in an increase in the weekly workload of gymnasium students by approximately 3.68 hours compared to their predecessors. This study highlights the impact of changes in the educational system on the learning process and student workload.

Studies conducted among students have shown that students who entered universities after completing the shortened gymnasium course demonstrate a lower level of engagement in the learning process. This may indicate a need to reconsider the educational programs and methods of preparing gymnasium students for higher education. Increasing student engagement is a key factor for academic success and future professional development. Graduates of post-reform gymnasiums attended 1.7 fewer hours of classes each week compared to students in previous cohorts. Furthermore, their independent study time on weekdays decreased by 1.4 hours and by half an hour on weekends. These changes highlight the trend toward a reduced academic workload and may impact the quality of education. Students often compensate for the high workload during their school years by reducing their activity at university. Increased stress during one period of study can lead to a loss of interest in learning later in life. This phenomenon, known as burnout, negatively impacts student motivation and academic performance. It is important to recognize that a balance between study and rest is necessary to prevent burnout and maintain productivity in learning.

See also:

Cognitive unloading is a concept that refers to the reduction of mental stress and information overload, which is especially important during the learning process. When learning, a person is confronted with a large amount of data, and if the information is not properly structured, this can lead to a decrease in comprehension and retention. Cognitive unloading helps optimize the learning process by allowing students to focus on the most important aspects of the material.

Cognitive unloading methods can include the use of visual aids, such as diagrams and graphs, as well as strategies for breaking complex topics into simpler, more understandable units. This allows students to more easily perceive information and reduces the risk of information overload.

The importance of cognitive unloading in learning cannot be underestimated. It improves concentration, increases the effectiveness of knowledge acquisition, and, as a result, improves learning outcomes. A properly organized learning process that takes into account the principles of cognitive unloading will help students more effectively cope with new challenges and successfully master new skills.

We are all doomed to be distracted from learning and generally dislike straining our minds.

British scientists conducted a study on how 8- and 9-year-old children are distracted from the learning process. During the experiment, when schoolchildren listened to short scientific stories, they constantly switched to extraneous thoughts, which occurred not only at the end of the lectures, but also at the very beginning. This indicates that distraction is not related to fatigue. Moreover, the study showed that even during lectures that were interesting to the children, they still often lost concentration. These findings highlight the importance of understanding how children become distracted and the need to develop strategies to maintain their interest while learning.

Research shows that adults typically have better attention spans than children. However, a recent review by Dutch researchers has identified another significant attention-related issue.

Research has shown that adults often experience negative emotions when performing tasks that require mental effort. This discomfort is observed in both those with and without higher education, in novices and experienced professionals. Negative feelings can occur when working on both engaging and routine tasks, regardless of the presence of a reward. Understanding these emotions can help develop effective stress management strategies and improve productivity.

Solving intellectual challenges, especially during learning, brings satisfaction. Mastering new information, feeling competent, and achieving goals create positive emotions. However, achieving this state requires overcoming initial discomfort, which often leads to distractions and procrastination. Overcoming these difficulties is an important step toward successful learning and personal development.

Read also:

Human working memory: its structure and volume

Working memory plays a key role in processing information and performing cognitive tasks. It is responsible for the temporary storage and manipulation of data, which allows us to solve problems, make decisions, and complete complex tasks. The structure of working memory includes several components, such as the phonological loop, the visuospatial framework, and the central executive. These elements interact with each other to ensure the efficient execution of mental operations. Working memory capacity varies depending on individual characteristics, but on average, it ranges from 5 to 9 elements of information simultaneously. This limitation is due to the fact that the brain can only process a certain amount of data in a short period of time. Various factors, such as age, stress level, and training status, can influence the effectiveness of working memory. Studying working memory helps us understand how we learn and remember information. This knowledge can be applied to educational methods, as well as to the development of programs aimed at improving cognitive functions. Optimizing workflows with working memory in mind can significantly improve productivity and task performance.

The brain appears to process the same text differently on paper and digitally.

Research has long confirmed that information is better retained when it is presented on traditional paper media rather than in digital format. Recent evidence shows that the human brain processes information from different media differently. This discovery highlights the importance of choosing a learning format, especially in today's increasingly digital society. Understanding differences in information perception can help develop more effective learning and memorization methods.

Research shows that brain activity varies depending on the medium. Participants in experiments who read materials on paper showed less blood flow and, accordingly, lower neural activity in certain areas of the brain compared to those who used tablets. Scientists suggest that reading on paper allows the brain to work more efficiently, avoiding overstrain. These findings highlight the importance of choosing a reading format to optimize cognitive processes.

One study comparing handwriting with typing found that brain activity significantly increased when using the traditional method. This is due to the fact that handwriting requires the coordinated work of various neural networks, which promotes better memorization of information. These findings highlight the importance of handwriting for improving cognitive function and knowledge acquisition. Studying the neuropsychological processes associated with writing can open new horizons in educational methods and approaches to learning.

A number of countries are seeing a return to teaching handwriting and the use of paper textbooks, which have been partially abandoned in recent years. For example, in Sweden, a reform aimed at restoring these skills was announced for 2023. In the United States, where many young people can't even sign a ballot due to a lack of writing instruction in schools, nearly half of states have reintroduced traditional writing instruction into elementary school curricula. This underscores the importance of writing skills and their impact on education and everyday life. Returning to such teaching methods can significantly improve the literacy and preparedness of young people for adulthood.

Reading is an important aspect of personal growth and development. It not only broadens horizons but also improves critical thinking skills. Regularly reading books, articles, and other materials allows you to deepen your knowledge in various fields, which in turn contributes to overall awareness. Furthermore, reading helps improve vocabulary and writing skills, which is especially important for students and professionals. If you want to develop your mental abilities and broaden your horizons, start devoting more time to reading. It's a fun and rewarding process that will reap numerous benefits. Alternatives to traditional written student work can include various formats, such as multimedia projects, presentations, videos, and blog-based research. These methods allow students to express their creativity and demonstrate their knowledge in an interactive way. Using technology, such as podcasts or online forums, can also facilitate deeper engagement with the topic. Additionally, group projects and hands-on assignments can develop teamwork and critical thinking skills. These alternatives not only help to diversify the learning process, but also make it more modern and relevant.

As online communication spread, adolescents in different countries began to read worse

The PISA study, covering the period from 2000 to 2018 and conducted in 39 countries, revealed a link between reading literacy levels and internet penetration. The data show that after the introduction of online communication, a country experiences a decline in reading literacy scores in subsequent PISA studies. This suggests that internet access can have a negative impact on reading skills and text comprehension, which is important to consider in the context of educational policy and teaching approaches.

The author of this study suggests that before the widespread use of the internet, children and adolescents had more opportunities to read long texts not only at school but also in everyday life. This contributed to the development of their ability to perceive information. Currently, reading literacy relies heavily on the methods used in formal education, as younger generations rarely engage with serious texts outside of the classroom. Therefore, it is important to focus on developing reading skills in educational institutions to compensate for the lack of reading in everyday life. The Oxford Dictionaries' Word of the Year 2024 is "brain rot," which translates to "rotting" or "decay" of the brain. This word reflects concerns about the negative impact of an abundance of idle, entertaining digital content on our thinking. While the term is not scientific, research suggests that the problem lies not in digital entertainment per se, but in the fact that it takes away time that could be spent developing important skills and personal growth. It is important to be aware of how the rational use of time in the digital space can affect our thinking and cognitive abilities.

Read also:

PISA 2022 results revealed six key factors that have a negative impact on students' academic achievement. These factors play a significant role in the educational process and can significantly reduce the effectiveness of learning. Understanding these aspects will help educators and parents develop strategies to improve academic performance and the overall level of education. Paying attention to these elements will create a more favorable educational environment that promotes successful learning and student development.

AI is still worse at grading essays than teachers

In 2024, artificial intelligence will become the main focus of research in the field of digital technologies in the educational process. Chatbots and other tools based on generative neural networks (GNN) are in the spotlight. These technologies open new horizons for learning, enabling the creation of personalized educational solutions and improving interactions between teachers and students. Research shows that integrating artificial intelligence into teaching can significantly improve the effectiveness of the educational process and ensure a deeper understanding of the material.

The results of studies on the use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in the educational process reveal conflicting trends. On the one hand, GAI can significantly accelerate the development of curriculum and content for lessons and assignments. One experiment in the United States found that a GAI assistant significantly improved the performance of novice tutors. For example, with its help, tutors asked students more leading questions, which contributed to the development of critical thinking and student independence. This avoids a situation where a student receives a ready-made answer after the first mistake and instead guides them on the correct path of thinking. Thus, the use of GAI in education can improve the quality of learning and make it more effective.

Tools based on generative intelligence (GAI) do not yet reach the level of experienced teachers. For example, a study comparing methods for assessing student essays found that teachers generally provide higher-quality formative feedback than ChatGPT. Furthermore, researchers from the Higher School of Economics developed a specialized pedagogical exam for neural networks, which confirmed that the GII is not a reliable tool for teachers. The main problem is that its recommendations require constant re-checking, which reduces the effectiveness of using such tools in the educational process.

Read also:

Strengths and weaknesses of ChatGPT in the development of online courses

ChatGPT demonstrates both strengths and weaknesses in the process of creating online courses. Its strengths include the ability to generate content on a variety of topics, simplifying the process of developing educational materials. The model can create text materials, quizzes, and even video lesson scripts, significantly speeding up the work of instructors and course developers. Furthermore, ChatGPT can adapt content to different knowledge levels, making it a versatile tool for creating courses for various learners. On the other hand, ChatGPT has some limitations. For example, the algorithm may not always take into account the latest advances in a particular field or the specific requirements of educational standards. It's also important to remember that automatic content generation can result in insufficient analysis or a lack of a unique approach to materials. Therefore, it is recommended to use ChatGPT as a supporting tool, combining its capabilities with the expert opinion and personal experience of course developers.

In conclusion, ChatGPT can significantly facilitate the process of developing online courses, but it is important to understand its limitations and use it in combination with other methods and sources.

Girls perform better academically than boys, but earn less after university

Analysis of UK education statistics since 2015 shows that girls and young women generally perform better in most subjects in both schools and universities. The only exception is mathematics, where boys are more likely to achieve high results. However, a higher proportion of girls successfully cope with tasks appropriate for their age group is observed. This highlights the importance of gender in educational achievement and the need for further research into the causes of such differences.

Research shows that school leavers in the UK continue to adhere to traditional stereotypes in their choice of educational fields and professions. Girls are more likely to choose psychology, while boys prefer engineering. A similar situation is observed in Russia, where gender segregation in career choices also exists. This distribution affects starting salaries: female graduates of Russian universities earn, on average, 22% less than their male colleagues. Existing stereotypes about "female" and "male" fields of study continue to influence the career prospects and financial independence of graduates. Eliminating these stereotypes can contribute to a more equitable income distribution and greater diversity in the professional environment.

Women are more likely to choose humanities, psychology, and pedagogy, which is generally associated with lower average salaries for graduates of these programs. Female students are also less likely to work part-time while studying, and a lack of work experience, especially in their field, negatively impacts their future earnings. After graduation, they are more likely to work in lower-paying fields and smaller companies, which also impacts their earnings.

To close the wage gap, active implementation of educational policy measures is necessary. In particular, it is important to increase the number of women choosing careers in engineering and information technology. This is the only way to achieve pay equality and create a more balanced professional society.

Read also:

Why don't young people strive to become engineers? Key Reasons from Research

Young people are increasingly abandoning engineering careers, and this is causing concern in society. Research has identified several factors that explain this phenomenon. First, the lack of interest in technical disciplines is often due to their complexity. Many young people prefer more humanities-based or creative professions, which they find more attractive and accessible.

Second, insufficient awareness of engineering career prospects also plays a significant role. Many school graduates do not understand the opportunities available to them in the engineering field, which leads them to choose other fields.

A third reason is the stereotype that engineering work is boring and monotonous. This myth is often perpetuated by society and the media, which also discourages young people from choosing engineering specialties.

The fourth reason is the high academic demands. Engineering professions require significant effort and time to study, which can discourage those who are not ready to invest in education.

The fifth reason is the salary level. Young people often focus on the financial side of their career choice, and some believe that other fields can offer higher incomes or better working conditions.

Finally, the sixth factor is the lack of practical experience. Many young people do not have the opportunity to try themselves in engineering professions before completing their studies, which makes their choice less informed.

In general, in order to attract young people to an engineering profession, it is necessary to work on changing public opinion, improving awareness of career prospects, and creating more accessible educational programs.

Academic achievement can be predicted by a student's self-assessment

Students are able to adequately assess their abilities. Those who confidently claim to have a good understanding of the subject really demonstrate a high level of knowledge. This conclusion was confirmed by the PISA 2018 study, based on large samples.

Schoolchildren's self-esteem is largely influenced by their family's economic and social status. In a number of countries, children from low-income families whose parents have little education begin to realize in elementary school that teachers do not expect them to achieve high results. This leads to a decrease in self-confidence and motivation to learn. As a result, they regularly lag behind their peers from more affluent families throughout their school years.

There is also a positive side to this situation. Not all countries experience equally significant gaps in educational achievement and self-esteem among students from families with different socioeconomic statuses. Moreover, adult self-esteem can also be influenced by practices aimed at developing a growth mindset. This can contribute to improved educational outcomes and an overall improvement in quality of life.

An experiment conducted in Norway demonstrated that just 40 minutes of online instruction can significantly boost students' self-confidence over the long term. The course explained the concept of brain plasticity, or the ability of the brain to change and adapt during learning. It also emphasized the importance of long-term goals for skill improvement and the benefits of developing a deep interest in the subject matter. This approach can be an effective tool for increasing motivation and achieving success in learning.

Reading is an important aspect of personal growth and development. It enriches our vocabulary, improves thinking skills, and deepens our understanding of the world. When choosing literature, it's important to consider your interests and goals. Reading a variety of genres, from fiction to scientific articles, helps expand your horizons and develop critical thinking. Don't forget that regular reading helps improve concentration and attention. These skills are essential in today's world, where information is readily available. Immersing yourself in books not only allows you to escape the daily grind but also to find inspiration for new ideas. Read more often, and you'll be surprised how it affects your life and perception of the world around you. Academic motivation, academic performance, and self-esteem are closely interconnected. Academic motivation is the driving force that encourages students to actively participate in the educational process and strive for high results. High motivation contributes to better academic performance, as motivated students are more likely to master the material and achieve their goals. Self-esteem, in turn, plays an important role in shaping academic motivation. Students with positive self-esteem are more confident in their abilities, which allows them to set ambitious goals and strive to achieve them. Negative self-esteem can lead to decreased motivation and, as a result, to poor academic performance.

Thus, a high level of academic motivation has a positive effect on academic performance, and high self-esteem contributes to the development of motivation. Educational institutions and teachers should pay attention to these aspects, creating a supportive and inspiring environment for students. Supporting and developing academic motivation, as well as developing adequate self-esteem, are key factors for achieving academic success.

Liking the lecturer can influence learning outcomes.

Studies conducted in Germany have shown that the level of student attention during online lectures largely depends on the teacher's posture in the video. Closed postures, such as arms crossed over the chest and a hunched back, create the impression that the lecture is uninteresting to the instructor. In contrast, an open and confident posture fosters a positive attitude among students and underscores their enthusiasm. It has also been shown that instructors' displays of positive emotions in class not only create a positive atmosphere for students but also trigger a feedback loop, which ultimately improves the instructor's impression of their work. Effective online lectures require not only high-quality content but also the ability to create a trusting atmosphere through nonverbal cues.

A study conducted in Sweden showed that under conditions of information overload, people prefer to trust information from people they perceive as similar, engendering sympathy. In the experiment, participants looked at photographs of fictional characters and created biographies and views for them. These characters then presented a set of facts to the participants. It turned out that the closer the participants perceived the fictional character to themselves in terms of worldview and interests, the more effectively they remembered the information they presented. This underscores the importance of perception and empathy in the process of information acquisition, which may be useful for marketing and educational technologies.

Social mechanisms have a significant impact on the learning process and should be actively utilized. One effective method is the practice of "explaining to someone else." Research conducted by Chinese scientists shows that this approach promotes deeper understanding and retention of information compared to simple repetition or self-explanation. This happens because, when explaining material to others, students form more complete and clear theses, which allows them to more closely monitor the accuracy of the information being conveyed. Using social interactions in learning can significantly improve its effectiveness and the quality of knowledge acquisition.

Reworked text:

Pay attention to our recommendations and useful materials. We invite you to explore various aspects that will help you better understand the topics of interest. Our goal is to provide valuable resources that will benefit your learning and development. Stay tuned and don't miss the opportunity to expand your knowledge. Support from teachers, families, and peers plays a key role in student academic success. By creating a positive learning environment and providing individualized support, teachers help develop students' motivation and confidence. Family support, including involvement in the learning process and emotional support, significantly increases the chances of successful mastery of the material. The influence of peers is also important. A friendly atmosphere and collaboration between students facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas, which enhances understanding of the educational material. Thus, the harmonious interaction of all these factors creates the conditions for improving academic performance and developing a positive attitude towards learning.

Students actually enjoy challenging assignments

Research conducted by the Higher School of Economics confirmed interesting findings regarding student satisfaction with their educational experience. The data source was student surveys in which they shared their opinions on the quality of education at the university. The main focus was on their satisfaction with the assignments they received in specialized subjects during the current academic year. This data helps to better understand which aspects of the educational process require improvement and how student satisfaction can be increased.

Students who more often completed assignments requiring material analysis, information evaluation, and the development of their own ideas felt the greatest satisfaction and engagement in the learning process. Such tasks facilitated a deep understanding of the course material and active participation in educational activities.

In 2023, it was discovered that active teaching methods significantly increase student motivation. This was confirmed by the results of a large-scale research review comparing traditional lectures with problem-based, project-based, and case-based learning. The transition to these methods promotes a more positive student perception of their abilities in the subject being studied, and also makes it more important and meaningful to them. Such approaches have been shown to be particularly effective in STEM disciplines and medical education, which underlines the importance of introducing active methods into the educational process to improve the quality of education.

Read also:

Ingredients of engagement in Learning: The University of Arizona Approach

Student engagement in the educational process plays a key role in achieving successful outcomes. The University of Arizona has developed a unique model consisting of 11 key ingredients that contribute to increased student engagement and interest. These elements help create an active learning environment where students become not only listeners but also active participants in the process.

The key ingredients of engagement include creating interactions between faculty and students, using relevant and interesting materials, and implementing interactive teaching methods. It is also important to consider the individual characteristics of students, their needs, and interests. Effective feedback between faculty and students allows for adjustments to the learning process and improves its effectiveness.

The University of Arizona engagement model emphasizes the importance of collaboration and group work, which promotes the development of teamwork skills and critical thinking. The integration of technology into the educational process is also an important aspect that helps make learning more flexible and accessible. Thus, applying the 11 ingredients of learning engagement proposed by the University of Arizona can significantly improve the quality of education and increase student satisfaction. These principles can be adapted and implemented in various educational institutions to achieve the best results. Learning outcomes can depend on how students ate breakfast and what the weather is like outside. The teaching methods of schoolchildren and students are influenced by various factors. This year, studies have revealed several key aspects that influence the educational process.

• Australian schoolchildren who often ate unhealthy breakfasts (sugary drinks, sausages, fast food, pastries, or snacks like chips) were more nervous before an academic test and performed worse on them.
• On hot spring days, schoolchildren in Oklahoma (USA) perform worse on mathematics tests.
• The results of final exams in Finnish schools worsened on days when weather stations recorded increased air pollution.
• The average grade of Milanese students is higher if they live closer to the school building.
• Australian students perform worse on written exams if they are held in rooms with very high ceilings.

Student performance cannot always be improved solely by changing teaching methods. There are various factors that influence learning outcomes, which may extend beyond the educational process. To achieve better results, it is necessary to consider each student's individual characteristics, motivation, and external circumstances. Effective learning requires a comprehensive approach that includes not only innovative methods but also parental support and the creation of a favorable learning environment.

Reading is an important part of our lives. Reading not only develops thinking but also enriches our vocabulary. Books, articles, and scientific research help us learn new things and expand our horizons. It's important to make time for reading to improve your knowledge and skills. Regular reading promotes critical thinking and a deeper understanding of various topics. Don't forget to share what you read with others, discussing interesting ideas and concepts. This enriches not only you but also those around you. Academic performance in middle and high school depends on many factors. It's important to keep in mind that these factors can vary depending on the individual characteristics of each student. Key aspects influencing academic achievement include motivation, level of preparation, quality of teaching, and family support. A student's psychological state, time management, and ability to organize their learning process also play a significant role. A social environment, including friends and classmates, can both support and distract from studying. Finally, the availability of additional resources, such as tutors or educational materials, also influences academic performance. Understanding these factors will help develop strategies to improve students' academic success.