I often write about research studies from various field and how they can be applied to the classroom. I write individual posts about ones that I think are especially significant, and will continue to do so. However, so many studies are published that it’s hard to keep up. So I’ve started writing a “round-up” of some of them each week or every other week as a regular feature:

Hearing about scentists’ struggles helps inspire students and boosts their learning is the title of an article about a new study showing that students who learned about the failures and perseverance of scientists became more interested in the subject and were more successful. It seems to me that it would be that great a leap to think a similar strategy might have the same affect in other subjects, too.

The Cognitive Benefits of Chewing Gum is by Jonah Lehrer at Wired. He reports on a study that showed test-takers chewing gum scored higher than those who did it — it kept the chewers more alert. I thought this was particularly interesting because the only other similar research I had read was financed by the Wrigley Company, which didn’t inspire a great deal of confidence in its integrity. I’ll add this info to The Best Posts On How To Prepare For Standardized Tests (And Why They’re Bad).

A rather complicated (at least to me) study found that high-performer physicians (those who appeared to most likely prescribe an effective treatment to a patient) were far more likely to pay attention to learning from their mistakes than low-performers. These “low-performers” were more likely to demonstrate confirmation bias and focus on their successes. I actually think that this study might be an important one, and I just need to set aside some time to review it again…and again until I understand it. I’m adding this information to The Best Posts, Articles & Videos About Learning From Mistakes & Failures.

Research Digest reports on research showing that clenching your muscles can be a useful support for self-control. I don’t think I’m comfortable recommending to students that they actually do that, but I have provided stress balls to some in the past and it seems to me that it works on the same principle.

Relationships Matter by Sean Slade is not a new study, but is an excellent compilation of studies highlighting the importance of positive teacher/student, family/school, teacher/teacher, and student/student relationships. I’m adding it to The Best Resources On The Importance Of Building Positive Relationships With Students.