The problem of boys in education is not a new one - data has been mounting for many years that our sons are simply falling behind our daughters, says pioneering veteran in education, Edmond J. Dixon, Ph.D. But it's not because boys are any less intelligent than girls, he adds.

A recent study from researchers at the University of Georgia, which followed 10,000 students as they moved from kindergarten to eighth grade, indicates that though boys scored well on tests, indicating mastery of material, girls got better grades. Researchers account for higher scores in girls because they comported themselves better than boys while in the classroom.

"I think that, by now, most academics have accepted that boys and girls have fundamentally different learning needs; girls are better at sitting still and listening, whereas boys learn better via kinesthetic learning, which involves more physical activity," says Dixon, who has more than three decades experience as a teacher and is a parent of boys, and is the author of "Helping Boys Learn: Six Secrets for Your Son's Success in School," (HelpingBoysLearn.com). He also has a teacher's edition titled "Helping Boys Learn: Six Secrets for Teaching Boys in the Classroom."

"There are many other studies, however, showing boys underperforming in school; now, it's a matter of what we're going to do about it."

Dixon, a cognitive-kinesthetics specialist, discusses why his first three "secrets" are so important in helping boys with active minds and bodies.

· Movement matters: Nearly ever time, the student who disrupts class because they cannot sit still is a boy. Research reveals that young boys' brains develop a tremendous amount of neural wiring to facilitate movement and sensitivity for how things "fit" together. When a boy is a toddler, we would never think that a sedentary child is a good indicator of health, so what makes us think that he should change while in grade school? One tip: Allow a boy to use his "movement wiring" by allowing him to use his body as he learns to represent the topic.

· Games work: Their testosterone makes males are naturally competitive. If you want them to become suddenly engaged in something, make a game out of the lesson?it's just like flipping a switch on. Just look at sports talk shows with analysis such as "Pardon the Interruption;" each expert has a clock clicking down to make his point. Little gaming tricks like this works on the male brain. Tip: create clear rules - they help boys understand victory, and they add legitimacy to the lesson. Games also serve as an excellent method for male bonding, too.

· Make them laugh: Observe a group of males; whether young our old, they bust each other's chops. Not only is it okay, they enjoy it! Everyone has a positive chemical reaction with laughter; boys, however, often use humor as a form of communication, an asset with which most girls do not have a problem. Research has demonstrated that boys' emotions are processed initially in the more primitive parts of the brain and come more indirectly to the speech centers. That's why making a crude joke is easier for males to communicate sensitive feelings. Tip: Before starting homework or an assignment, ask a boy to consider what might be funny, weird or strange about it; his mind will be more focused on the topic afterwards.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg; if parents and teachers are serious about getting their boys off to a better start in life, I encourage active participation and education," Dixon says.

About Dr. Edmond J. Dixon

A pioneer in the field of cognitive-kinesthetics for learning, Edmond J. Dixon, Ph.D., is a human development specialist with more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, administrator, writer, researcher - and parent of boys. He is the founder of the KEEN Differentiated Learning Group, an organization dedicated to helping struggling learners, and the creator of KEEN 5X, a series of strategies for classroom engagement and learning that were have been used with more than 50,000 students and teachers. His previous books, "KEEN For Learning" and "Literacy Through Drama," have been used by educators to improve classroom learning. A dynamic and popular presenter, he has spoken throughout North America on education and human development topics. 

Scholarship application available for high school seniors interested in STEM degree.

The Quad-City Engineering and Science Council, or QCESC, has released its 2014 scholarship application at www.qcesc.org. Applications must be mailed by January 17, 2014. The scholarships will be awarded at its 52nd annual National Engineers Week banquet on February 20th. 

2014 will mark the 20th year of the QCESC awarding scholarships to encourage students majoring in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, related fields. Last year 11scholarships were awarded worth $18,000.

These scholarships are awarded based on academics, extracurricular activities (which include work and community service), and leadership experience. An essay on career goals and why the applicant is interested in a STEM-related field is also required. High school seniors from Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Whiteside counties in Illinois; and Clinton Louisa, Muscatine, and Scott counties in Iowa are eligible to apply.

2014 Scholarships Provided by QCESC Engineering College partners include :
• Iowa State University (2 x $1,000)
• University of Iowa (1 x $1,000)
• University of Illinois - Chicago (1 x $1,000)
• University of Wisconsin - Platteville (1 x $2,500)
• Western Illinois University - Quad Cities Campus (1 x $1,000)

The Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) is an umbrella organization representing 36 technical societies in the Quad City region with approximately 5,000 associated members. The QCESC is non-profit organized in 1963. Its mission is to Promote and support engineering, science, and technical professionals and associated societies in the Quad City Region and to also support and encourage students in the Quad City Region to study in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) related fields.

For more information or to download the scholarship form, visit us at www.qcesc.org .

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SAINT PAUL, MN (11/25/2013)(readMedia)-- Michael Ryan, son of Denny and Nan Ryan of Moline, IL, was inducted into the Bethel University Honors Program for the 2013-2014 school year. Bethel's Honors Program is a broad-based, liberal arts program that combines four all-honors classes, individual work with professors in two additional courses, and an ongoing program of social events, cultural activities, speakers, and forum presentations. Students must commit to two honors courses their freshman year and maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.3, rising to 3.4 by the end of their sophomore year.

Bethel University has been a leader and model in Christian higher education since 1871. Approximately 6,600 students from 49 states and 31 countries are enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs, including some online. Based in St. Paul, Minn., with additional seminary locations in San Diego and on the East Coast, Bethel offers rigorous bachelor's and advanced degrees in nearly 100 fields. For further information on Bethel University, go to www.bethel.edu.

TIFFIN, OH (11/21/2013)(readMedia)-- Melissa Herrera-Ortiz of Moline, Ill., a junior majoring in Chemistry, is a member of the Delta Sigma Chi sorority at Heidelberg University.

Delta Sigma Chi is one of five active sororities at Heidelberg. All fraternities and sororities are considered local, which has many benefits. Members of the "Delts" actively participate in community service on campus and in the community, including the American Heart Walk and 24-hour dance-a-thon for the American Heart Association.

Founded in 1850, Heidelberg offers 32 majors, 30 minors and 10 pre-professional programs, awarding the bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of music degrees, as well as master's degrees in education, counseling, business administration and music. Affiliated with the United Church of Christ, Heidelberg has been ranked for 26 consecutive years as one of the top colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report. For more information visit the web site at www.heidelberg.edu.