Teaching and Learning

The Science of Learning

The first day of Term 2 saw the Barker community inspired by the words and wisdom of neuroscientist, educator, and author Dr Jared Cooney Horvath.

In presentations that ran across the day Jared integrated the science of learning with relevant practical advice, capturing each of the different audiences of staff, students and parents.

Staff Professional Learning - The Foundations of Learning and the Learning Trajectory.

In two highly engaging presentations, Jared delivered the latest educationally relevant brain and behavioural research on which to apply learning principles for integration into daily practice. What became evident, was that the science of learning can be fascinating and understanding how the brain works is highly beneficial to teaching. Some key takeaways from the presentation were: • Transfer of knowledge is not automatic. Facts always precede skills. Knowledge needs to be learnt in different contexts and then tweaked when placed in new situations. • Learning follows a trajectory from surface learning to deeper learning to the ability to transfer and adapt learning to novel setting. » For learning to move from surface to deep, knowledge needs to be experienced THREE times with SLEEP in between to allow it to allow memories to form. » Repetition, exposure to knowledge in different contexts and active retrieval are important to making learning long term. The science of learning offers the why. We now look forward to an ongoing investigation of this research through our 2021 professional learning program, exploring how to apply these concepts in our own context with a particular focus on embedding strategies that improve memory and retrieval.

Student Session - Surviving Studying

450 students from the Secondary School enrolled for the optional study skills session. It was well worth the investment of time for our students as Dr Cooney Horvath simply and clearly demonstrated the science of learning through practical challenges before linking this to effective study advice. Study tips included: • Multitasking is impossible • Focus is key » Study should be done in short, sharp bursts » Frequency is more effective than quantity

Eg 25 minutes on, 5 minutes off x 2 or 3 or 4 • Deep study notes enhance learning » Write key words, link concepts, make lists • Make recall active and accurate » Flash-cards, fill in the blanks, practice quizzes are effective • Spacing study is more effective in committing learning to memory than cramming Barker Institute Community Forum - A Tour Through the Teenage Brain

250 parents joined the forum in Leslie Hall and took great interest as they gained an insight into the workings of the teenage brain. Topics of discussion included the differences between adult and teenage brains, emotional regulation, the importance of sleep and the difference in sleep patterns along with Q&A time. Participants throughout the day thoroughly enjoyed the learning opportunity and were very grateful for the energy and extended time that Jared gave to the Barker community.

Sarah Clifton Director of Professional Learning