Loading...
4 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
- Bullying’s negative effect on academic achievementPublication . Gomes, Ana Maria; Martins, Mariana Costa; Farinha, Manuel; Silva, Beatriz; Ferreira, Edite; Caldas, Alexandre Castro; Brandão, TâniaBullying carries great harm for all involved, undermining academic achievement as well. The strength of such impact is yet to be clarified, existing many possibilities and variables to analyze – classroom behavior being one. The present cross-sectional investigation goal was to study the impact of bullying (mediated by the classroom behavior) on the academic achievement. Participants consisted of 288 children (from the 1st to 4th school years), 51% females and 49% males, and an average age of: M= 8.09 years (SD = 1.193; Min = 7.94, Max = 8.21). Children filled out a self-report questionnaire on bullying; their teachers reported on classroom behaviors and academic achievement. Results showed that the bullying situation itself, didn’t significantly explain the academic achievement of those involved. Indirect effects were found for both victims and perpetrators. Victims revealed worse school results through worse classroom behavior (specifically, excessive motor activity). Aggressor presented worse school results through worse classroom behavior (specifically, opposition behavior, excessive motor activity, and hyperactivity). These results highlight the importance of the educational agents’ attention to the existing behaviors in their classrooms, not only to the disruption established in each classroom’s environment, but as a possible sign of an involvement in the existing bullying dynamics.
- EditorialPublication . Caldas, Alexandre Castro
- Contributo da formação musical no desempenho académico e cognitivo de crianças e adolescentes: uma revisão sistemáticaPublication . Azevedo, Susana; Rato, Joana; Caldas, Alexandre CastroThis systematic review aimed to analyze the recent literature on the influence that the study of music can exert on academic performance in general and on mathematics; in cognitive functions; and in brain plasticity. The review includes studies published between 2007 and 2018 in the PubMed and Complementary Index databases, Academic Search Complete, Education Source, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Science Direct and PsycArticles, using the descriptor musical training, combined with descriptors linked to academic performance in general and in mathematics - academic achievement, mathematics and academic development -, and cognitive development - brain development and cognitive development. The studies were selected according to the following criteria: studies (i) published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, (ii) with children and adolescents up to 18 years of age, (iii) which included musical training in its theoretical and/or instrumental components. The relationship between musical education and academic performance in general and mathematics was inconsistent, and there was no consensus in the literature about the benefits of the former over the latter. Cognitive benefits and evidence for structural brain plasticity induced by early childhood music training were found, taking into account differences in gray matter volume.
- Disentangling pantomime from early sign in a new sign language: window into language evolution researchPublication . Mineiro, Ana; Báez-Montero, Inmaculada Concepción; Moita, Mara; Galhano-Rodrigues, Isabel; Castro-Caldas, AlexandreIn this study, we aim to disentangle pantomime from early signs in a newly-born sign language: Sao Tome and Principe Sign Language. Our results show that within 2 years of their first contact with one another, a community of 100 participants interacting everyday was able to build a shared language. The growth of linguistic systematicity, which included a decrease in use of pantomime, reduction of the amplitude of signs and an increase in articulation economy, showcases a learning, and social interaction process that constitutes a continuum and not a cut-off system. The human cognitive system is endowed with mechanisms for symbolization that allow the process of arbitrariness to unfold and the expansion of linguistic complexity. Our study helps to clarify the role of pantomime in a new sign language and how this role might be linked with language itself, showing implications for language evolution research.