Is there teaching in nonhuman animals?

Article Abstract:

An operational definition of teaching in nonhuman animals was developed. The definition assigns an altruistic role to the teacher, whose efforts result in the acquisition of knowledge or skill on the part of the pupil. Data from various cases of social interaction in several orders of mammals and birds were reviewed, to categorize the probable teaching events. The categories identified are opportunity teaching, wherein offspring are provided opportunities to learn, or coaching, which involves a system of encouragement and reward. Possible directions for future research in this field are identified.

Social aspects, Analysis, Behavior, Teaching, Birds, Animals, Altruistic behavior in animals, Learning in animals, Animal learning, Animal altruistic behavior

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Mission: conserve highfliers

Article Abstract:

Several types of butterfly have been identified living in the Karakoram range of mountains in western Himalaya, including the Parnassius butterfly. Butterfly distribution in the Hunza valley is being mapped prior to further research, such as tracing the genealogical history of the Parnassius charltonius butterflies via DNA sequencing. However, the Hunza valley is being transformed by the Karakoram Highway, with cattle, yak and goat grazing having an adverse effect on alpine vegetation. Butterfly distribution provides a major indicator of environmental degradation or preservation.

Asia, Natural history, Butterflies, Karakoram Range

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The red bead experiment for educators

Article Abstract:

Teachers can greatly improve the efficiency of the method they use to rank students by adopting W. Edward Deming's red bead experiment. Experts believe ranking students by their performance in Scholastic Aptitude Exams and similar tests is ineffective because such standardized exams fail to measure students' competence. An alternative method for measuring competence was tested and found more accurate than its conventional counterparts.

Testing, Students, Academic achievement, Deming, W. Edwards, Student evaluation

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