The Wrigley sponsered research found that after fourteen weeks of chewing gum in maths classes and during homework, participants achieved higher scores in a standardised maths test and higher final grades than participants who did not chew gum during those sessions
The study builds on previous research, also sponsored by Wrigley, that showed that chewing gum reduces salivary cortisol (a measure of stress), improves alertness and improves performance on multi-tasking activities. This study however, shows that that chewing gum is effective in real life classroom settings.
The research, led by Craig A. Johnston, Ph.D., from the Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, was presented at the "Late Breaking" Poster Session on Wednesday, April 22 at the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) Scientific Sessions and Annual Meeting at EB2009.
Also see: Why it might be a good sign that students are staring out of the window.
