Teaching & Learning
Education propels change. Stay up to date on the latest educational developments near you and around the world from preschool to post-grad. Here, you'll find out why equitable quality education is essential for fostering healthy and resilient societies.
Scientists document the secret language of sperm whales
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Sperm whales, the majestic titans of the ocean, have long captivated researchers with their complex vocalizations. Recent research revealed a stunning discovery: these marine creatures have a sophisticated communication system, similar to a "phonetic Read More...
Rowing against the current: Botswana’s women safari guides inspire and empower
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the calm of Botswana's Okavango Delta, where the morning sun creates a golden glow on the water's surface, an amazing metamorphosis is occurring. Women are taking the lead in changing an industry that was formerly thought of as a man's domain: guiding Read More...
Restitution of Asante Kingdom treasures: US museum returns stolen artifacts after 150 years
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a historic event, the Asante kingdom of Ghana welcomed the return of seven royal treasures seized by British colonial forces 150 years ago and kept at the Fowler Museum at the University of California, Los Angeles since the 1960s. This is a significant Read More...
Keeping homes cool in hot, dry climates—lessons from ancient civilizations
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM As global temperatures rise and power outages become more common, particularly during severe heat waves, current building designs become increasingly vulnerable. Glass façades, sealed windows, and dependency on air conditioning render most modern Read More...
Students drop social media: how a weeklong detox improves self-esteem and body image
A new study from York University in Toronto, Canada sheds light on the substantial consequences of social media detox on people's self-esteem and body image. The study, led by psychology professor Jennifer Mills, included 66 female undergraduate students and sought to investigate the consequences Read More...
Helping young people of color navigate the music industry with Carnegie Hall's The B-Side
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the iconic setting of Carnegie Hall, a remarkable initiative is taking shape, one that seeks to bridge the stark gap between the industry's diverse musical talent and its predominantly white leadership. The B-Side, a program specifically developed to Read More...
Belong is an intergenerational housing solution to combat loneliness among older adults
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM As society faces the challenges of an aging population, new housing concepts are emerging that promise to address one of the most important issues of older adults: loneliness. One such option is intergenerational housing, which combines senior living Read More...
New Jersey takes a stand: a landmark law against book bans in libraries
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM New Jersey is making news as the latest state to prohibit book restrictions in public and school libraries. Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation on Monday, December 9 that prohibits censorship while also protecting libraries from legal and criminal Read More...
Turning grief into hope with a video game that helps children cope with loss
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Children and young people are finding consolation for their deepest wounds in the most unlikely of places: a virtual island surrounded by tranquil digital seas. Apart of Me is a video game meant to help young people manage grief and is quietly changing how we Read More...
California introduces groundbreaking Southeast Asian curriculum in schools
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM California launched the nation's first Southeast Asian Studies Model Curriculum, allowing students to learn about the rich histories and accomplishments of Hmong, Vietnamese, and Cambodian Americans. While the lessons are not required, K-12 instructors Read More...