https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/numeracy/ Research-based math education starts here. Read summaries of latest studies on numeracy in K-12 education. en-us Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:17:31 EDT Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:17:31 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/numeracy/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260213223926.htm Sleeping on a problem might be more powerful than we ever imagined. Neuroscientists at Northwestern University have shown that dreams can actually be nudged in specific directions — and those dream tweaks may boost creativity. By playing subtle sound cues during REM sleep, researchers prompted people to dream about unsolved brain teasers they had struggled with earlier. An astonishing 75% of participants dreamed about the cued puzzles, and those puzzles were solved far more often the next day. Sun, 15 Feb 2026 01:47:47 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260213223926.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260213020416.htm A new Stanford study suggests math struggles may be about more than numbers. Children who had difficulty with math were less likely to adjust their thinking after making mistakes during number comparison tasks. Brain imaging showed weaker activity in regions that help monitor errors and guide behavioral changes. These brain patterns could predict which children were more likely to struggle. Sun, 15 Feb 2026 10:50:20 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260213020416.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251226045345.htm A first-of-its-kind national trial shows that public Montessori preschool students enter kindergarten with stronger reading, memory, and executive function skills than their peers. These gains don’t fade — they grow over time, bucking a long-standing trend in early education research. Even better, Montessori programs cost about $13,000 less per child than traditional preschool. The results suggest a powerful, affordable model hiding in plain sight. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 07:40:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251226045345.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251224032351.htm The familiar fight between “mind as software” and “mind as biology” may be a false choice. This work proposes biological computationalism: the idea that brains compute, but not in the abstract, symbol-shuffling way we usually imagine. Instead, computation is inseparable from the brain’s physical structure, energy constraints, and continuous dynamics. That reframes consciousness as something that emerges from a special kind of computing matter, not from running the right program. Wed, 24 Dec 2025 09:12:17 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251224032351.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251209234247.htm Researchers discovered that unusually high temperatures can hinder early childhood development. Children living in hotter conditions were less likely to reach key learning milestones, especially in reading and basic math skills. Those facing economic hardship or limited resources were hit the hardest. The study underscores how climate change may shape children’s learning long before they reach school age. Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:59:03 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251209234247.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104013002.htm Researchers at MIT’s Picower Institute found that rotating waves of brain activity help restore focus after distractions. In animal tests, these rotations predicted performance: full rotations meant full recovery, while incomplete ones led to errors. The brain needed time to complete the cycle, revealing a biological rhythm of cognitive recovery. Tue, 04 Nov 2025 06:55:36 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104013002.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002073956.htm Scientists confirmed that pianists can alter timbre through touch, using advanced sensors to capture micro-movements that shape sound perception. The discovery bridges art and science, promising applications in music education, neuroscience, and beyond. Thu, 02 Oct 2025 08:54:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002073956.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250922074954.htm Researchers found that pancreatic pre-cancer cells mimic dementia by forming clumps of proteins due to faulty recycling processes. These insights could shed light on why pancreatic cancer develops so aggressively and why it is difficult to treat. By studying overlaps with neurological diseases, scientists hope to identify new strategies for prevention and treatment. Mon, 22 Sep 2025 23:30:44 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250922074954.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522133513.htm A new study says students appear to be using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) responsibly, and as a way to speed up tasks, not just boost their grades. Thu, 22 May 2025 13:35:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522133513.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514175431.htm That 'aha' moment when you come back to a puzzle and immediately figure it out? Something fascinating is going on in your brain. A new study using functional magnetic resonance imaging shows that these flashes of insight aren't just satisfying -- they create strong memories that can help etch learning into the brain. Wed, 14 May 2025 17:54:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514175431.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514164318.htm A new game-based experiment sheds light on the tradeoffs people are willing to make about data privacy. Wed, 14 May 2025 16:43:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514164318.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507125707.htm Brain researchers have identified a bridge between the thalamus and the cortex as the key area that is modified during motor learning functions. They found that such learning does much more than adjust activity levels, it sculpts the circuit's wiring, refining the conversation between brain regions. Wed, 07 May 2025 12:57:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507125707.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250501122234.htm A new study shows how damaging it can be for college students in introductory STEM classes to compare how hard they work to the extent of effort put in by their peers. Thu, 01 May 2025 12:22:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250501122234.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430142559.htm Researchers explored how manual and keyboard practice influenced children's abilities in their reading and writing learning process. 5-year-olds were taught an artificial alphabet using different techniques, and the conclusion was that children who are trained with pencil and paper assimilate new letters and words better. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:25:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430142559.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250422132018.htm With the assumption that students are going to use artificial intelligence and large language models such as ChatGPT to do their homework, researchers set out to learn how well the free version of ChatGPT would compare with human students in a semester-long undergraduate control systems course. Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:20:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250422132018.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250421163119.htm Working memory is like a mental chalkboard we use to store temporary information while executing other tasks. Scientists worked with more than 200 elementary students to test their working memory, assess its role in word-problem solving and if interventions could boost it and thereby improve their word problem solving skills. Results showed that improving working memory helped both students with and without math difficulties and can help educators more effectively by helping teach the science of math, study authors argue. Mon, 21 Apr 2025 16:31:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250421163119.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408122118.htm Researchers explored the long-term effects of preschool expansion in Japan in the 1960s, revealing significant reductions in risky behaviors amongst teenagers. By analyzing regional differences in the rollout of the program, the study identified links between early childhood education and lower rates of juvenile violent arrests and teenage pregnancy. The findings suggest that improved noncognitive skills played a key role in mitigating risky behaviors, highlighting the lasting benefits of early-education policies. Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:21:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408122118.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250407172930.htm Investigators have linked difficult early life experiences with reduced quality and quantity of the white matter communication highways throughout the adolescent brain. This reduced connectivity is also associated with lower performance on cognitive tasks. Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:29:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250407172930.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250403183134.htm How does a robotic arm or a prosthetic hand learn a complex task like grasping and rotating a ball? Researchers address the classic 'nature versus nurture' question. The research demonstrates that the sequence of learning, also known as the 'curriculum,' is critical for learning to occur. In fact, the researchers note that if the curriculum takes place in a particular sequence, a simulated robotic hand can learn to manipulate with incomplete or even absent tactile sensation. Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:31:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250403183134.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250402122446.htm Researchers have gained a new understanding of how the brain processes reward and risk information. Neuroscientists show how nerve cells in the so-called amygdala not only encode the probability and magnitude of rewards, but also dynamically process this information to predict value and risk. The findings provide new insights into the neural basis of decision-making and could also be important for understanding mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders and depression. Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:24:46 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250402122446.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250324181544.htm Scientists investigated whether email interventions informed by behavioral science could help teachers help students learn math. Mon, 24 Mar 2025 18:15:44 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250324181544.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250318140901.htm Humans' unique language capacity was present at least 135,000 years ago, according to a survey of genomic evidence. As such, language might have entered social use 100,000 years ago. Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:09:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250318140901.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250311154056.htm A world first* study of more than 215,000 students, researchers found that while standardized tests measure academic skills, different dimensions of wellbeing -- emotional wellbeing, engagement, and learning readiness -- can play a crucial role in performance. Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:40:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250311154056.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250310134148.htm Researchers have developed an AI-based learning system that recognizes strengths and weaknesses in mathematics by tracking eye movements with a webcam to generate problem-solving hints. This enables teachers to provide significantly more children with individualized support. Mon, 10 Mar 2025 13:41:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250310134148.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250304235147.htm A groundbreaking study shows that creativity plays an essential role in academic success, suggesting that students who think outside the box are more likely to excel in literacy and numeracy assessments. Tue, 04 Mar 2025 23:51:47 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250304235147.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250303141653.htm In our polarized society, a new study offers hope for the future: Even young children can learn to discuss and argue about meaningful problems in a respectful and productive way. Researchers found success in a social studies curriculum for fourth graders based on teaching what they called 'civic competencies.' Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:16:53 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250303141653.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250227125513.htm The ability to make the connection between an event and its consequences -- experts use the term associative learning -- is a crucial skill for adapting to the environment. It has a huge impact on our mental health. A study shows that children of primary school age demonstrate the highest learning performance in this area. The results pave the way for a fresh perspective on associative learning disorders, which are linked to the development of mental illness later in life. Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:55:13 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250227125513.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250226163229.htm Education experts are encouraging schools to consider problem-based learning (PBL) in a move to improve engagement and creativity among high school students. New research demonstrates how hands-on, community-based projects can deliver successful learning outcomes for disengaged students. Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:32:29 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250226163229.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250225121817.htm A new definition of dyslexia is needed to more accurately describe the learning disorder and give those struggling with dyslexia the specific support they require, says new research. Tue, 25 Feb 2025 12:18:17 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250225121817.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250219121241.htm Researchers find large language models process diverse types of data, like different languages, audio inputs, images, etc., similarly to how humans reason about complex problems. Like humans, LLMs integrate data inputs across modalities in a central hub that processes data in an input-type-agnostic fashion. Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:12:41 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250219121241.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250213143928.htm College students who spent a little bit of free time each week interacting with therapy dogs on campus during their first semester experienced fewer signs of stress and depression than those who did not. That's according to a new study that examined how regular, long-term access to an animal-assisted drop-in program influenced first-year students' mental health. Thu, 13 Feb 2025 14:39:28 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250213143928.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250205130941.htm A study by economists shows a wide gap between the kinds of math problems kids who work in retail markets do well and the kinds of problems kids in school do well. Wed, 05 Feb 2025 13:09:41 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250205130941.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250129194557.htm Researchers discovered children ages 3 to 5 tested before and after COVID lockdowns had a significant gap in a key cognitive skill, particularly for children from homes with low financial resources and adults with less education. The data is among the first to show the pandemic's cognitive effects on children who were not yet students. Wed, 29 Jan 2025 19:45:57 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250129194557.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250129162136.htm New psychology research indicates that multilingual children may have enhanced executive function and perspective taking skills. Wed, 29 Jan 2025 16:21:36 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250129162136.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250121125915.htm A first-of-its-kind study shows that while teams with differing skill sets and perspectives bring fresh, unique ideas to the table, they often struggle to create practical, workable solutions -- raising important questions for managers and businesses worldwide. Tue, 21 Jan 2025 12:59:15 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250121125915.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241212115833.htm An international education expert, argues in a new study for an ecological shift to a 'school within a school' approach that would give students, teachers and parents the ability to guide their own education with autonomy and self-determination. The approach could replicate how businesses and natural ecosystems and species adapt and succeed. The approach is an alternative to the system-wide attempts at school reform that have repeatedly failed to produce effective change for nearly 200 years, he argues. Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:58:33 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241212115833.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241206111938.htm Helping out your neighbor or minding your own business? A challenging choice with different benefits for each decision. Game theory provides guidance in making such choices -- from a theoretical perspective. Novel findings reveal new network structures that enhance cooperation throughout a system. These insights have potential applications also in biology. Fri, 06 Dec 2024 11:19:38 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241206111938.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241128124455.htm A Canadian study reveals that allophone children often face learning and communication difficulties in kindergarten, which can negatively impact their educational journey. Thu, 28 Nov 2024 12:44:55 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241128124455.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241122172745.htm Parents are much less likely to intervene when their young children are getting dressed or performing other simple chores if those tasks are framed as learning opportunities, according to a new study. Fri, 22 Nov 2024 17:27:45 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241122172745.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241122130629.htm A study has shown that iconic characters such as Peter Rabbit -- or Toad and Ratty from The Wind in the Willows -- can also play an important role in the development of children's theory of mind skills, which include the ability to read and predict social changes in the environment through tone of voice, choice of words, or facial expression. Fri, 22 Nov 2024 13:06:29 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241122130629.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241119132940.htm The Aztec skull whistle produces a shrill, screaming sound. A study shows that these whistles have a disturbing effect on the human brain. The Aztecs may have deliberately used this effect in sacrificial rituals. Tue, 19 Nov 2024 13:29:40 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241119132940.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241118130235.htm Some parents may find it challenging to help their kids manage intense emotions. One in seven think their child gets angrier than peers of the same age and four in 10 say their child has experienced negative consequences when angry, a new national poll suggests. Mon, 18 Nov 2024 13:02:35 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241118130235.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241118125037.htm It turns out gaming is good for you! New research indicates massive multiplayer online gamers learn by gaming and their skills in the workplace are enriched by those seemingly endless hours previously thought of as frittering away time. Mon, 18 Nov 2024 12:50:37 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241118125037.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241112123436.htm Contrary to popular belief, children aren't better at learning new skills than adults. Indeed, young adults seem to learn faster than kids -- but also tend to forget more quickly. Here, better sleep seems to advantage children. Tue, 12 Nov 2024 12:34:36 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241112123436.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241031130819.htm Researchers have discovered that the dorsal premotor cortex serves a 'meta-learning' function, overseeing and regulating physical movements. Once believed to be limited to movement planning, this region has now been shown, through computational modeling and brain stimulation, to also facilitate the retention and forgetting of motor memories. Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:08:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241031130819.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241023131609.htm A new study by learning analytics researchers presents key considerations for generative AI (GenAI) educational tools so they are carefully developed to support, rather than replace, human learning. Wed, 23 Oct 2024 13:16:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241023131609.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241015141334.htm Mental ill-health among students in higher education is a growing problem globally. Most efforts implemented to address ill-health involve individual treatment and adjustments to pedagogy. But more can and needs to be done at a structural or environmental level for higher education institutions to ensure learning and well-being among all students. Tue, 15 Oct 2024 14:13:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241015141334.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241015141324.htm Researchers have shown that, just like declarative memories, short-term and long-term memories for motor skills form in different regions of the brain, with the cerebellum being critical for the formation of long-term skill memories. Tue, 15 Oct 2024 14:13:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241015141324.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241010142540.htm Mentally healthy college students who felt connected to their university were more likely to binge drink than those who did not feel connected to their university, according to a new study. Thu, 10 Oct 2024 14:25:40 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241010142540.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241009122258.htm Dyslexia and dyscalculia are most commonly acknowledged as posing challenges linked to people's literacy and numeracy. However, a new study has shown those with the conditions may have previously unheralded strengths, namely reduced bias against others based on characteristics such as their disability, race or gender. Wed, 09 Oct 2024 12:22:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241009122258.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241002135244.htm Despite growing evidence of the importance of student well-being and an abundance of best practices, most institutions have yet to prioritize it as much as they do enrollment, graduation and grades. A new study provides guidance on how institutions can support and enhance student well-being, and breaks down the various benefits for learners during and beyond their university career. It identifies general student experiences that have resulted in improved well-being later in life, and shares guiding principles for institutions looking to create their own. Wed, 02 Oct 2024 13:52:44 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241002135244.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240924131223.htm Despite its importance for mathematics, the neuronal basis of the number zero in the human brain was previously unknown. Researchers discovered that individual nerve cells in the medial temporal lobe recognize zero as a numerical value and not as a separate category 'nothing'. Tue, 24 Sep 2024 13:12:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240924131223.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240919174822.htm As the school year revs up, a renowned child developmental psychologist highlights the robust benefits of pretend play on cognitive, social, and emotional development in children and cautions how 'learning through play' has changed with the demands of contemporary society. Given natural selection's shaping of childhood for the acquisition and refinement of species-adapted social-cognitive skills -- much through pretend play -- he says it's unfortunate that modern culture is ignoring the evolved wisdom of how best to educate young children. Thu, 19 Sep 2024 17:48:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240919174822.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240917130338.htm Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), can have a bigger impact on adult mathematical performance than previously thought, according to new research. Tue, 17 Sep 2024 13:03:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240917130338.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240910155915.htm Researchers found that older adults learned a memory task best after practicing multiple related tasks, suggesting that diverse cognitive training supports mental sharpness as we age. Tue, 10 Sep 2024 15:59:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240910155915.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240904130828.htm Researchers published a study detailing their work implementing the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction in 15 schools. They found the schools that received training and coaching for educators on the model had higher outcomes for students with disabilities and their peers without when the students were given ownership in their educational goals and the approach was provided in general education stettings. Wed, 04 Sep 2024 13:08:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240904130828.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240903144951.htm Most exercisers stop 'exer-gaming' when the program gets too tough or dull -- could sensors that tune into a person's emotional state reverse low adherence? Tue, 03 Sep 2024 14:49:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240903144951.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240829132508.htm A new study examined children's responses during a game where targets could only be achieved by working together. The study's authors say the findings provide valuable insights into how groups of people can work together to overcome communal challenges, and demonstrate the effectiveness of setting clear and unambiguous targets. Thu, 29 Aug 2024 13:25:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240829132508.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240826131236.htm A study has revealed that non-cognitive skills, such as motivation and self-regulation, are as important as intelligence in determining academic success. These skills become increasingly influential throughout a child's education, with genetic factors playing a significant role. The findings suggest that fostering non-cognitive skills alongside cognitive abilities could significantly improve educational outcomes. Mon, 26 Aug 2024 13:12:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240826131236.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240815190026.htm The novel project aims at refining the skills of NFL officials through neuro-ophthalmologic training. Thu, 15 Aug 2024 19:00:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240815190026.htm