Children hear as much sophisticated information about animals when parents read picture book stories about animals as when they read flashcard-type animal vocabulary books, according to a new study from the University of Waterloo.
“Marketers tell parents and educators that vocabulary books are more educational, so picture books are often dismissed as being just for fun,” said the study’s author, Professor Daniela O’Neill. “But our findings show that reading picture books with kids exposes them to information about animals in a way that allows children to readily apply this knowledge more broadly. This is key to learning.”
Three professors were recognized for their outstanding work in the classroom with the Federation of Students' newly established Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Awards. Dr. Josh Neufeld, Dr. Richard Ennis, and Dr. Chad Wriglesworth received their awards at the Feds Leadership Awards Banquet on April 2. As the professor with the most votes, Feds nominated Dr. Josh Neufeld to also receive the Teaching Excellence Award at the prestigious Partners in Higher Education event hosted by the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) on April 8.
A published study led by Erin Fallis, a PhD candidate in Clinical Psychology, is receiving an abundance of media attention worldwide. In just a few days, the study's findings have been featured in over 240 articles and broadcasts. According to UWaterloo Media Relations, it means this Waterloo Arts research story has reached an estimated 4 million readers and viewers around the globe.
