We’ve known for several decades that there is a critical period for learning language: children are more likely to reach native (or native-like) fluency in language(s) that they learn before age 5, according to GettingSmart. (The exact age and importance of this window is not written in stone.) The good news is that the benefits of learning a language do not disappear after age 5. A recent deluge of studies point to interesting and encouraging links between learning languages and the brain. A recent collaborative study found that ”the pattern of brain development is similar if you learn one or two language from birth.” But that if a new language is learned later on in childhood – after children are proficient in their native language(s) – the brain does change…
…Read MorePodcast Series: Innovations in Education
Explore the full series of eSchool News podcasts hosted by Kevin Hogan—created to keep you on the cutting edge of innovations in education.
Boot camp parents shape up to impact ed policy
In the summer, camp options abound, GettingSmart reports. There’s Scout camp, swim camp, nature camp, music camp, basketball camp and more. “Boot Camp” hardly sounds appealing given the competition…unless, that is, you are a parent who wants to shape and inform the education policy that affects your child. Seventy-five such parents joined PublicSchoolOptions.org’s 2013 Annual Parent Advocacy Boot Camp, where they explored the national education debate and learned how to impact reform in their own states. The camp drew participants from 25 states, making it our most well attended Boot Camp yet…
…Read MoreFour high schools that use projects to promote deeper learning
For many students relevance improves motivation. When relevance comes in the form of applied and work-based learning, improved engagement comes with the potential for career awareness and workplace skills, GettingSmart reports. The combination can improve persistence, degree attainment, and employability…
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