Academic Care Update: ‘Some good old-fashioned Pen to Paper’

The internet abounds with memes reminding me of my advancing age. I wonder if you’ve seen the ‘You know you’re old when’ images? Some of the favourites include photos of cassette tapes, videos, telephones with cords and buttons, and even just kids playing on a street. As a teacher, I distinctly resonate with images of chalk boards, overhead projectors, and large TVs being rolled out on a trolley. We had one computer in primary school, ten in high school, and research was conducted by scanning well used copies of Encyclopedia Britannica.

Whilst innovations such as laptops, iPads, the internet and AI, have revolutionised and helped in the development of teaching and learning, there is something to be said for getting back to pen and paper. In fact, much of the literature supports such an approach, particularly when considering retention and the problems of multi-tasking.

Multi-tasking has become part and parcel of daily life, and is a necessary evil when making dinner, looking after the kids and catching up on family news. However, within the academic environment it is more problematic. Over the past fifty years, numerous studies have pointed to the impact multi-tasking has upon the efficacy of learning and studying. When focussed towards a single task, say the writing of an English speech, the brain’s resources are able to review information, before understanding and encoding within the memory. Once a secondary task is added, encoding is disrupted which reduces the quality and quantity of information stored (Pashler, 1994.) As attentional resources are finite, dividing our attention likely leads to performance detriment in both speed of task completion, quality of output, and depth of encoding.

So, what does this mean for our girls? My encouragement is for you to review your daughter’s current study environment and consider whether changes need to be made to enhance the quality of her study time. Think about where her phone is stored during study sessions – could it remain in a communal spot away from reach? Review the tasks set for the session – is a laptop needed, or could it be done with a series of texts and a workbook? What about music – we know that a silent environment, or classical music is best for focus and retention. Technology is helpful, and often necessary, so by working together you will be able to set reasonable goals, and create an effective study environment for your child.

In the same vein, Year 7 and Year 9 girls completed a technology free study session this week in Academic Care. With busy assessment schedules at present, it provided an opportunity for girls to get ahead in their work, and complete any pressing tasks. The girls were expected to plan their study session, having been given time earlier in the week to set some goals, and write down what they needed to ensure an effective session. It was pleasing to see the girls taking to this with diligence and enthusiasm.

Year 8 students were treated to a presentation on the responsible use of social media by Marianna Carlino, Director of eLearning. She outlined a variety of areas in which responsible and safe online interactions could take place. The benefits of social media were highlighted, such as staying connected with friends and family, accessing information quickly, and fostering positive community engagement. The importance of thinking before posting, spreading kindness, and sharing content that reflects personal values was also emphasised. Additionally, the risks associated with social media were explored, including cyberbullying and privacy concerns, with Marianna providing practical advice to the students on conflict resolution, privacy settings, and the importance of offline activities for mental well-being. The aim of the presentation was to equip students with the knowledge and tools to navigate social media safely and positively. Again, I was pleased to see them interacting in an honest, open and positive manner during this important session.

With a busy few weeks coming up, it’s a good chance to check in with your daughter, and review where she is up to with her assessment program and required class work.

– David Posker-Hill
Academic Care Coordinator