All articles tagged with #student engagement
Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation requiring New Jersey schools to implement policies restricting cell phone and internet-enabled device use during school hours, effective in the 2026-2027 school year, aiming to improve student focus, mental health, and classroom engagement.
Many U.S. states are banning cell phones in schools to improve student engagement and reduce anxiety, with evidence suggesting better learning environments, though some students and teachers face challenges adapting to the new policies.
OpenAI has launched 'Study Mode' in ChatGPT to promote active learning among students by providing interactive, question-based guidance aimed at reducing reliance on AI for cheating and encouraging deeper understanding, though its effectiveness depends on student adoption and motivation.
Google announced new AI-powered tools for education, including over 30 features for teachers and students, such as personalized lesson plans, interactive study guides, and AI chatbots called Gems, aimed at enhancing engagement and support in the classroom. These tools are part of Google's broader push to integrate responsible AI into educational settings, offering new ways to create content, track progress, and facilitate learning, while also ensuring data security and control.
Schools in the path of April's total solar eclipse are preparing to use the event as a teaching opportunity, incorporating lessons in science, literacy, and culture. Some schools are organizing group viewings for students to experience the eclipse together, while others are rearranging the school day to remain in session and not miss out on the learning opportunity. Educators are using the eclipse as a "teachable moment" to engage students in science and inspire a love for learning, with activities ranging from crafts and games to outdoor viewings and literacy lessons.
A groundbreaking international study led by researchers from the University of Vienna has found that students often experience boredom during exams, which negatively impacts their performance. The study reveals that test boredom is higher when exam content is not personally relevant and when students are either under-challenged or over-challenged. Extreme boredom during exams can significantly deteriorate test results. The researchers recommend that teachers prepare exam tasks that relate to students' lives and avoid tasks that are too easy or too difficult. Parents and guardians are encouraged to have open conversations with students about potential challenges at school to prevent boredom and its negative consequences. This study sheds light on the previously overlooked phenomenon of test boredom and its impact on academic achievement.
Katie Rinderle, a gifted specialist at Due West Elementary School in Georgia, was fired for reading a book called "My Shadow is Purple" to her fifth-grade students, which was deemed "divisive" by a parent. Rinderle is believed to be the first teacher in Georgia to be terminated under the state's new laws banning "divisive concepts" in classrooms. Similar laws have been passed in 18 other states, leading to book bans, teacher resignations, and a shortage of educators. The National Education Association (NEA) and local unions are fighting back against these laws, filing lawsuits and organizing read-aloud events to promote diverse books and protect teachers' rights to provide a well-rounded education.
At Fortune's Brainstorm Tech conference, a Gen Z audience member expressed skepticism about the long-term educational benefits of A.I., stating that platforms like ChatGPT are primarily used by students to complete homework rather than for learning. Chegg's CEO, Dan Rosensweig, however, expressed enthusiasm about A.I.'s potential to assist students with their schoolwork. The debate highlighted the concern that A.I. tools may discourage active engagement with course materials and prioritize finding shortcuts over curiosity. Rosensweig argued that Chegg is designed for students who lack resources and need support, while criticizing academic institutions for not updating curricula and professors for not creating more thoughtful exam questions.
Newark Public Schools is piloting Khanmigo, an A.I.-assisted tutoring bot developed by Khan Academy, to enhance student engagement and math learning. The tutoring bot is designed to automatically customize responses to students, allowing them to work on lessons at their own pace. However, the district is cautious about the risks and benefits of A.I.-assisted technology and is testing the tool in three schools to distinguish the practical use of new A.I.-assisted tutoring bots from their marketing promises. The experiences of Newark Public Schools could influence other districts vetting A.I. systems for the fall.
US students give their schools an overall B- grade on average, according to a new report by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation. The report is based on 2,062 responses from fifth through twelfth graders at public, charter, and private schools in the US. Schools received the worst grades on metrics about student engagement and preparedness, while they received the best grades for safety and respect. The responses for safety and respect varied based on race, with Black students giving lower grades than White and Hispanic students. Students’ ratings of their schools closely align with their academic performance.