Adrian Harrison, Acting Director of Academics
Which type of note-taking is better for learning: laptop or pen and paper?
An interesting article was published last week on the benefits of different types of note taking for students. The research indicates that traditional pen-and-paper note-taking often leads to better learning outcomes compared to using laptops. Handwriting notes requires more cognitive processing, as individuals must listen, digest, and summarise information. This enhances understanding and memory retention. In contrast, typing notes on a laptop can lead to transcribing lectures verbatim without sufficient mental engagement, resulting in shallower processing.
Additionally, laptops can introduce distractions, such as internet browsing and social media, further hindering learning. Therefore, while laptops offer convenience and speed, pen-and-paper note-taking is generally more effective for learning. Whilst this focused at higher education it is still applicable to our context. At Cranbrook we promote the use of pen and paper writing within all subject areas. Whilst external examinations in both the IB Diploma and HSC are predominantly conducted using pen and paper this is not our sole reason for continuing to use them in class. This research supports those findings that physical writing continues to have benefits to learning outcomes.
NAPLAN Testing for Years 7 and 9: Important Information for Students and Parents
As we approach the NAPLAN testing period, I would like to provide you with important information regarding the assessments for our Year 7 and 9 students.
NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national proficiency standards. NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process. It does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance, but it can provide school’s and families with more information about students’ educational progress.
Testing Schedule
This year’s NAPLAN will be conducted on Wednesday the 12th and Thursday the 13th of March. It will be conducted entirely online. This allows for more precise assessment of student abilities and faster delivery of results. Students will complete four tests across the following areas:
- Reading
- Writing
- Conventions of Language (spelling, grammar, and punctuation)
- Numeracy
Should you have any questions please reach out to Mr Stephen Henriques our Director of Curriculum, shenriques@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au.
Adrian Harrison
Acting Director of Academics