News
Playful Games Promote Reading Development
[14 May 2012] Short but intense training sessions in the form of structured language games from the age of four can stimulate children¿s early language development and may also make it easier for children to learn to read. This is found in a current research project at the University of Gothenburg.
The Teacher Is Central to Successful Use of Computers in Schools
[14 May 2012] The idea of one computer per student is becoming increasingly common in the Swedish school system. The University of Gothenburg is now conducting several studies on the educational consequences of the so-called 1:1 initiative in a group of Swedish municipalities. - The teacher is the key to successful use of computers in the classroom,¿ says Professor Berner Lindström, scientific director of the studies.
Real Science in Virtual School Labs
[11 May 2012] Up-to-date marine data enables students to carry out scientifically valid virtual experiments. The method yields insights on how scientific knowledge is created and developed, according to research from the University of Gothenburg.
English makes adolescents less motivated to learn a new language
[14 Mar 2012] Swedish adolescents¿ desire to learn a foreign language besides English, which they start learning relatively early, has been declining for a long time. A new doctoral thesis from the University of Gothenburg shows that one factor behind this trend may be that English is used as a resource when students learn French, Spanish and German.
Researchers questioning the link between violent computer games and aggressiveness
[13 Mar 2012] There is a long-lasting and at times intense debate about the possible link between violent computer games and aggressiveness. A group of researchers from the University of Gothenburg are now questioning the entire basis of the discussion. In a recently published article, they present a new study showing that, more than anything, a good ability to cooperate is a prerequisite for success in the violent gaming environment.
Immigrant youth reject the school integration policy
[26 Jan 2012] Some call it ¿the immigrant corner¿, the place in the school corridor that is reigned by loud immigrant boys. The students who hang out there seem to be eager to demonstrate their disinterest in schoolwork and disapproval of the adult view of integration. They are wondering why they have to be mixed with other students in school when the entire society is so segregated. A new doctoral thesis from the University of Gothenburg looks at adolescents¿ views of life in light of the value base of the school system.
Teaching about hearing can save young people's ears
[17 Jan 2012] Many adolescents frequently expose their ears to loud sounds, for example from portable music players. Some of them may think that "the doctor said that my hearing is good, so I guess I can handle the loud volume". A new doctoral thesis from the University of Gothenburg shows that research-based teaching in school can be used to positively change adolescents¿ awareness and behaviour.
Appropriate activities promote children's creativity and mathematical learning
[6 Dec 2011] On 1 July this year, the Swedish national pre-school curriculum for mathematical development was revised. Many teachers are now struggling with the question of how to live up to the new, higher expectations. A doctoral thesis from the University of Gothenburg sheds light on mathematics in the everyday life at Swedish pre-schools. Appropriate material and activities can enable more teachers to develop their skills and encourage children¿s creative mathematical play.
Everybody can become a better a reader
[8 Nov 2011] Students with cognitive impairments may learn to comprehend written texts much better than commonly thought, according to Monica Reichenberg and Ingvar Lundberg, reading researchers and professors at the University of Gothenburg.
Many company closures await when elderly small business owners retire
[27 Oct 2011] The population of the EU is becoming older, and an ever smaller number of people have to provide for the ageing population. In Sweden, an already critical employment situation is exacerbated by the fact that 25% of managers of small and medium-sized businesses plan to retire in the next five years, and this is estimated to lead to a company closure in one in ten cases. Research from the University of Gothenburg now shows what can be done to keep elderly people in the labour market.