Whether reciting the alphabet or dissecting Shakespeare, many teachers pursue careers in education to realize the rewards of giving students skills they can independently use for the rest of their lives. In the course of one school day, an educator may act as tutor, entertainer, counselor and reassuring friend to effectively communicate with students. Some researchers are suggesting that hands-on approaches to teaching are instrumental in demonstrating information to students.

A study published in the October 16 issue of Science suggests that the success rates of New York State high school students on some standardized tests improves if the students have a teacher who was trained in Columbia University's Summer Research Program for Science Teachers.

In fact, students of Columbia-trained teachers generated a passing rate on Reagents science exams that was 10.1 percentage points higher that students with teachers who did not receive the training.

The Columbia program emphasizes the use of hands-on laboratory experience to stimulate student's interest and comprehension.

According to Dr Samuel Silverstein, the study's lead researcher, "This is a simple concept. It uses existing human and physical resources. In short, it works."

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 479,000 new teacher positions will be created by 2016.