Do Revision Questions First!

New research has shown that getting things wrong actually facilitates learning (Scientific American, 20^th October, 2009). Getting things wrong helps with memory and challenges the brain to learn.

Students want to get the best mark on their final exams, but they need to challenge themselves to achieve their best.

A lot of students make the mistake of writing volumes of study notes on each subject. This is a time consuming process and as the student is “copying” from another source, the amount of learning in this process is minimal.

I have been telling students this for years – but often the perfectionism in individuals or the need to get a full set of notes distracts from the actual learning of the new material. My advice is stop being so obsessed with notes and do practice questions.

The current research suggests that if we challenge ourselves to retrieve or generate answers we can actually improve our recall.

The simple example is to do VCE practice exams before you have completed all your coursework or your notes. I know from experience that those who get the highest marks in VCE have done the most practice questions, or written the most practice essays.

Students may even consider trying to do the revision questions at the end of the chapter before they begin to the study the chapter. Primary school teachers often give their students pre-tests on certain topics and this is a great way to help facilitate learning.

If students get the questions wrong in a self test before they actually study, the study process is going to be far more useful for recall.

So VCE students should do as many practice exams and test yourself as much as they can – even before they have fully learned or revised the material – their marks will show the results!

If you would like help with VCE study techniques and revision, you may wish to enrol in a VCE Study Coaching Program.

Reference:

Roediger, H. L & Finn, B. (2009).  Getting It Wrong: Surprising Tips on How to Learn. Scientific America.

Cupcake and a chat?

It is important to build a positive relationship with our children. Life is busy and we often run from one activity to the next. However, one of my clients recently started having a special time with their daughter – they called it “cup cake time!”  She took her to the local coffee shop and they enjoyed cup cakes together (and of course they talked!).

Cup cakes are popular at the moment with all ages – but the magic is in the one on one time. Sometimes it is hard to connect with young people (especially if they are teenagers), so below are a few conversation starters that may help.

• If your friends were cupcakes – what type of cakes would they be and why?
• If your friends were animals- what type of animals would they be and why?
• What is your favourite type of cupcake?
• How are the teachers going at your school – are the kids stressing them out?
• Talk about your child interests and activities.
• Talk about special times you have shared as a family.

The time spent one on one is important – not what you talk about! Young people need to know that adults care and are there to support them. If parents keep the lines of communication open with young people, they are more likely to come and talk when things get tough.

To be successful in VCE it is not only important to work hard but also to know how to study.

It helps to be organised and motivated. Clear and well defined goals are essential. And you have to know how to study!

Many students write out their notes and try to memorise them, but they are often distracted by the process of completing the notes, rather than learning effectively.

It is essential that students remain motivated and are capable of dealing with the stress and anxiety that the final years of school will bring.

School Psychology Services provides a focused VCE Coaching Program which involves 6 to 10 individual sessions with an Educational Psychologist. The aim is to help students perform to their full potential in VCE. Each program is tailored to the student’s educational needs and is specific to the subjects they are studying. Career and vocational planning is also available.

Leap Ahead of the rest!

Book your sessions today and leap ahead of the rest!

Stop the Bully!

Stop the Bully!

Bullying is common within our society. It occurs at school, at home and in the work place. It is the nasty part of human nature. Bullying is about power. In particular it is about the abuse of power.  Someone in a position of power seeks to control or influence another person.

Why do people bully?
Bullies are unhappy people. They try to influence others and cause others either emotional or physical pain. Why? – because they want others to suffer as much as they are and they want to have the illusion of feeling powerful.  We should feel sorry for bullies, as they are sad and unhappy people with limited capacity to understand human emotion.

What do we do?
We must stand up to the bully and stand firm. No one has power over another individual, unless that individual gives away their power.
It is hard to stand up for yourself and stand firm. You have to be confident and assertive and state your position. Some tips:

• Think about the issues yourself – writing down your thoughts and feelings can help. You are not going crazy, but you must remain in control of your own emotions.
• Try to stay positive – bullies can get you down, but try not to let them get to you.
• Try to ignore the people who harass you – walk away; refuse to engage in conversation with them.  You don’t have to respond to their rude statements or harassment.
• Be confident and assertive – use “I” statements.  “I don’t like the way you spoke to me”, or “I think your comments are inappropriate”.
• Stick up for your friends – you are stronger in a group. So always look out for your friends.
• Find someone to talk to – talk about your issue with a trusted friend or counsellor.

We must learn to deal with bullies – bullies are everywhere! We can’t avoid them, but be ready to learn from each situation. Each time you are bullied, you can learn a way to cope with it or deal with it better.

Feel sorry for the bullies – but whatever you do, don’t turn into a bully yourself!

While you may think that the bully is able to rise to high positions, in the end they are alone and very unhappy people.

Practice kindness and compassion, treat others with respect, and be kind.

Stop the bully, by being assertive, calm and respectful. Don’t let these unhappy people make your life as miserable as theirs!