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Learning and education

Illustration of the solar system with planets in order of distance from the Sun on a dark background.

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The ‘secret strategy’ that could boost your ability to learn

It may sound illogical, but growing evidence shows the benefits of testing yourself before you start learning new material

by Ajdina Halilovic

A photo of three people in a lively discussion in a bar. They are gesturing with their hands while talking animatedly.

Thinking and intelligence

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Expert tips on using gestures to think and talk more effectively

The gesticulations that accompany your speech are so much more than mere hand-waving – they contain and convey meaning

by Susan Goldin-Meadow

Classroom of middle-school students sitting at desks with eyes closed, appearing to be meditating or focusing quietly.

Prayer and contemplation

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What if we learned contemplation like we do arts or sports?

As with football or violin practice, young people could gain versatile life skills through routine contemplative training

by Michael R Sheehy

A girl is shown reading from a device in her hand, her face illuminated by the screen’s light

Technology and media

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What does switching from paper to screens mean for how we read?

It’s well established that we absorb less well when reading on screen. But why? And can we do something to improve it?

by Lili Yu, Sixin Liao, Jan-Louis Kruger & Erik D Reichle

Learning and education

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Lessons about learning from ancient Greek philosophers

What Aristotle and Epicurus can teach us about learning through collaboration, movement, place and embodiment

by Tom Bielik

Athlete in black and white kit finishes track race, smiling and pointing. Crowd applauding in the background.

Sports and games

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Sport shows how to use performance benchmarks in a positive way

IQ scores and other contextless benchmarks are suffocating and misleading. We should look to sport for a healthier approach

by Leif Weatherby

A man is silhouetted presenting to a video camera and lit by a ring light

Mental health

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Why we’re hopeful about mental health videos on TikTok

People are broadcasting their psychological self-diagnoses on TikTok. Some experts are worried, but we see an opportunity

by Elliot Jurist & Julia Jurist

Communication and language

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Will studying a new language interfere with any others you speak?

Multilinguals say it feels as though learning another language interferes with old ones. New research put this to the test

by Shayla Love

Several children and a teacher interact happily at a table in a classroom, with one boy laughing and a girl in blue looking on.

Learning and education

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This is how to nurture curiosity in children (and yourself)

The curiosity that comes naturally to babies and young children can soon wilt – but there are ways to help it grow

by Shayla Love

A woman in a headscarf holds a broken umbrella and looks up, while another person sits on a bench in the background.

Knowledge and reason

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Reason is a powerful tool, but it pays to know its limits

As a philosophy student, I was bewitched by the power of reason – but my life is freer since I escaped from its spell

by Pranay Sanklecha

Wooden sign of a cow with a “SEAFOOD” sign below, set against a background of a red barn, gravel and a tree.

Learning and education

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Perplexed? Embrace it! Confusion is a symptom of learning

Perplexed? Embrace it! Confusion is a sign of learning, but the key is finding the sweet spot of productive confusion

by Juliette Vazard

A crying baby being held by an adult near a large costumed figure with a moustache during a festival.

Mind and brain

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Why do we make snap judgments based on facial appearance?

Even snap judgments that appear at a very early age can be inculcated by the imagery and messages shared within a culture

by Richard Cook & Harriet Over