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Great apes weigh their chances of success, based on what they know and the likelihood of success when guessing, according to a study of MPI researcher Daniel Haun, published on December 21 in the online journal PLoS ONE. The findings may provide insight into human decision-making as well.
Experts observed apes as they gambled using upturned cups concealing pieces of chopped banana. Given the choice of a safe bet of a small piece of banana or a larger chunk of fruit hidden beneath one of a selection of shuffled cups, the apes chose to gamble more than 50 per cent of the time.
They were also able to identify when the odds were stacked against them and when it was wiser to go with the safe bet. As more cups were added and the odds became worse, the apes become more cautious.
Source
1 February 2014
The criteria for unrestricted university recruitment for high achieving students will be lowered for the 2013-2014 academic year. The A-level threshold will lower from AAB+ to ABB+.
A further 5000 places will be allocated to universities and colleges offering good quality and value for money.
It is expected that a further 35,000 students will now join the pool of unrestricted students which universities can recruit from. In total 120,000 places - one in three - are expected to be freed up.
Source
1 February 2014
Findings indicate that China has an education system that is overtaking many Western countries.
Tests, held every three years by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, measure reading, numeracy and science skills.
Pisa tests - the Programme for International Student Assessment - have become the leading international benchmark.
The Pisa 2009 tests showed that Shanghai was top of the international education rankings.
It is unclear whether Shanghai and another chart-topper, Hong Kong, were unrepresentative regional showcases. But unpublished results reveal that pupils in other parts of China are also performing strongly.
Source
1 February 2014
Trustworthiness of information by file extension...
Sources:
http://xkcd.com/1301/
willslabblog.blogspot.co.uk
12 December 2013
Planning for 2014? Our 2014 Almanac will help you in your task.
With over 70 significant, notable and interesting dates for 2014 including major religious festivals and the dates for the full moon.
Standard version | Mobile version
14 November 2013
7 Secrets of Successful Training now available as an eBook.
6 November 2013
'Card-sharp' shows the difference between facilitation and manipulation.
1 July 2013
There is a stubborn shortage in the skills the UK needs to remain competitive and fuel long-term growth.
The key findings from the CBI/Pearson Education and Skills annual survey of 294 firms, employing 1.24 million workers show:
- 39 per cent are struggling to recruit workers with the advanced, technical skills they need with 41 per cent saying shortages will persist for the next three years.
- almost half lack confidence in getting high-skilled workers in future overall with more acute concerns in key sectors like manufacturing, construction and engineering.
- we still tolerate a long tail of low achievement on literacy, numeracy and technical skills, with 48 per cent of firms putting on basic remedial training for employees - up from 42 per cent last year.
- 55 per cent say school leavers lack the right work experience and key attributes that set them up for success, including self-management (54 per cent); problem solving (41 per cent); and attitude to work (35 per cent) - stressing the need for school reform to produce people who are rounded and grounded, as well as stretched academically.
- 32 per cent and 31 per cent respectively are dissatisfied with some school and college leavers basic literacy and numeracy - 31 per cent report young people lack the technical skills they need.
Source
26 June 2013
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