Facts about education

6 Unbelievable Facts About Teachers That Will Surprise You

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Teachers have always been there, uniquely positioned to shape and mold lives and communities. Sometimes, though, the stories of their greatness rise above even the ordinary to that of triumph, discipline, and unexpected creativity. Here are surprising facts about teachers that go beyond the classroom.

1. The Loudest Shout Ever Came from a Teacher

A primary school teacher holds the record for the loudest shout ever recorded—an ear-piercing “Quiet!” that reached 121.7 decibels. This impressive vocal feat has stood unbeaten for 30 years.

2. A Teacher Who Couldn’t Read

John Corcoran taught for 17 years without knowing how to read or write. Despite his struggles in school, he managed to cheat his way through college and became a teacher. It wasn’t until the age of 47 that he finally learned to read, inspired by Barbara Bush’s efforts in adult literacy advocacy.

3. Famous Students Defy Their Teacher’s Expectations

An Illinois high school English teacher once told two students they’d never learn to write. Those students were Robert St. John, who became a renowned journalist, and Ernest Hemingway, one of the most celebrated authors in literary history.

4. A Teacher Used ‘Game of Thrones’ as Discipline

In 2014, a Belgian math teacher came up with a creative way to discipline his unruly class. Since he had already read the “Game of Thrones” books (which were ahead of the TV show at the time), he threatened to spoil the plot for his students if they didn’t behave!

5. Bathroom Break Misunderstanding Leads to $1.25 Million Settlement

In 2012, a California high school student was forced to urinate in a bucket in a supply room after a teacher mistakenly believed that bathroom breaks were not allowed. The incident led to a lawsuit, and five years later, the school district was ordered to pay the student $1.25 million in damages.

6. Mentos and Coke—A Chemistry Class Sensation

When the executives at Mentos saw even a simple chemistry teacher create a soda geyser with Diet Coke and Mentos on “The Late Show,” they immediately took advantage of the opportunity. They ran a campaign that called for more people to create videos of themselves doing the experiment, further resulting in a viral trend that increased sales 20% for Mentos.

These stories show that teachers can inspire, surprise, and sometimes even go down in history for the most unexpected reasons!

8 Essential College Facts: Perception, Politics, and Economic Impact

College life and its impact extend far beyond the classroom. From social perceptions to long-term economic benefits, the college experience is a complex and multifaceted journey.

Graduates wear a black dress, black hat at the university level.
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Here are eight interesting facts that provide a deeper understanding of various aspects of college life:

  1. Impact of College Logos on Perception: A study found that young Black men wearing hoodies with a college or university logo are less likely to be perceived as potential criminals compared to those wearing non-logo hoodies. This highlights the influence of educational branding on social perceptions.
  2. Food Insecurity Among College Students: According to a paper in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, up to 40% of college students struggle with food insecurity, defined as the inability to afford adequate, nutritious food. This highlights a significant challenge within the student population.
  3. Political Shifts in College Students: An analysis of surveys since 1974 suggests that college attendance in the U.S. tends to politicize students, particularly females, who often become more liberal through their college experience.
  4. Gender Expectations on First Dates: A study focusing on college students revealed that men are still generally expected to pay the bill on first dates, indicating persisting traditional gender roles in dating.
  5. Mental Health Risks for University Students: University students face higher risks of depression and anxiety compared to their peers who enter the workforce directly. The financial strain of higher education is thought to contribute to this deterioration in mental health.
  6. Economic Benefits of College Education: College graduates typically earn higher wages than high school graduates by age 30. For women, the financial benefits of a college degree slightly decrease with age but remain substantial at age 50. For men, these benefits increase throughout their lives.
  7. Reduced Recidivism Through College-in-Prison Programs: A study found that college-in-prison programs significantly reduce recidivism rates across various racial groups, emphasizing the transformative power of education even in correctional settings.
  8. College Readiness of Detroit-Area Graduates: Only 36% of high school graduates in the Detroit area are considered college-ready by the time of graduation. This statistic underscores the need for enhanced educational preparation in certain regions.

5 Insights about Teachers: The Backbone of Education

Kindergarten teacher and children with hands raised in library
Photo by depositphotos.com

Teachers, the guiding forces behind our learning journeys, have an undeniable impact on shaping young minds. From their influence on academic performance to their role in behavior management, the world of teaching is riddled with intricacies. Dive in as we unravel some curious facts about educators and their realm.

1. The Gendered Grade Conundrum: Research reveals a fascinating bias when it comes to grading. Among students possessing equivalent subject expertise, teachers tend to award higher grades to girls. This suggests an underlying gender-based predisposition in academic assessments.

2. The Power of Positive Reinforcement: Reimagining disciplinary tactics can have profound effects on classroom dynamics. A randomized controlled trial indicates that disruptive students respond more favorably to positive encouragement rather than criticism. This affirmative approach not only curtails unruly behavior but also paves the way for enhanced academic and social accomplishments.

3. Navigating Classroom Authority: The traditional teacher-student hierarchy is undergoing a shift. Students today are less inclined to passively accept a teacher’s authority. A strategy gaining traction is ‘double addressing,’ wherein a teacher communicates with an individual student to convey a broader message to the class, or vice-versa. This indirect method proves more effective in maintaining classroom decorum.

4. The Attraction Effect: An unexpected factor influencing homework dedication is a teacher’s physical appeal. A recent study unveils that students are more motivated to complete assignments if they perceive their teacher as attractive. This curious correlation brings aesthetics into the equation of academic motivation.

5. Pregnancy Taboos of Yesteryears: Delving into the past brings forth some astonishing norms. In 1948, a staggering 57% of US public school districts prohibited pregnant women from teaching. The rationale? Concerns ranged from the belief that the sight of expecting women might adversely impact students to the notion that pregnancy would divert teachers’ focus from their duties.

Pizza Farms: A Delicious Blend of Agriculture and Education

Have you ever heard of pizza farms? These are unique establishments that either sell pizzas made from ingredients grown on-site, or they function as educational farms that cultivate pizza ingredients, often on a circular piece of land divided into pizza slice-like segments. Some of these farms primarily focus on selling pizzas. They have gained significant popularity in regions like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. These farms typically cultivate or rear many of their ingredients, akin to the demonstration pizza farms. Additionally, there are farms dedicated to other foods, such as a farm that specializes in “burgers and fries.”

College Majors and Marriage Rates by Age 30

A research study examined the influence of one’s college major on the likelihood of being married by the age of 30. Education, Plant Science, and Microbiology majors had the highest marriage rates, with 70-80% of them being married by age 30. Conversely, majors in Geography, Theater Arts, Music, Philosophy, and International Relations experienced the lowest marriage rates, with only 32-46% being married by the same age.