Chew Gum for Better Test Grades?

Can chewing gum actually increase student performance? Dr. Kenneth Allen, a professor at New York University’s College of Dentistry, found this to be true when he allowed his students to chew gum in the classroom.


In a study to see if chewing helped test scores, half of Allen's 56 students chewed sugarless gum while studying while the other half did not. After three days of instruction, the gum-chewing group scored, on average, a half grade higher on a written test.

The rhythmic act of chewing stimulate the brain and helps the mind and body relax. For ADHD kids, chewing can reduce fidgety behavior.

While most classrooms ban gum, you can always toss a stick of gum at your youngster during the homework hours. Try it and see if it helps.