Dean of Studies

Achieving ‘flow’ (Psychology of Optimal Experience)​

My study pathway when I reflect back on the end of secondary school and the start of university, was not clearly defined or set out, as my first preference (Law) at the University of Western Australia, required study in another faculty for one year, before applying. Unfortunately, my first year as an undergraduate focused more on the enjoyment of life beyond school, and despite a keen interest in the content of most units of study and some satisfying results, an honest appraisal would say that I had underperformed. My second year in the Faculty of Arts (Humanities) was even less satisfying as I had less enthusiasm for my course offerings. A pivotal decision at the end of that year was the decision to change my course to an area of greater interest in the Bachelor of Science (Human Movement and Exercise Science). This decision in hindsight proved to be a wise one as my enthusiasm, motivation and drive to do my best improved greatly. I can still recall the lecture in the Psychology of Sport course, where our Professor introduced the concept of ‘flow’, the key research conducted by the psychologist Mihalyi Csikszentmihalyi.

The study of flow or optimal experience has featured in elite sports performance and is often referred to as ‘being in the zone’, whereby the athlete is able to block out worries, fears and distractions and perceives a high degree of being mentally prepared and, ‘in-control’. However, ‘flow’ can easily be applied to achieving academic excellence, whether completing an examination or test, working on an assignment or committing to a period of study and revision. According to Csikszentmihalyi (2008, p.3):

“Contrary to what we usually believe, moments like these, the best moments in our lives, are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times – although such experiences can also be enjoyable, if we have worked hard to enjoy them. The best moments usually occur when a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile. Optimal experience is thus something that we make happen.”

When we commit to effort that is hard, yet achievable, our sense of self-worth and satisfaction increases and hence, we often see improved results. For many students, the course of study or career may not yet be clear or there may be thoughts about more changes to come, a willingness to commit to the immediate effort is required to practice the ability to generate optimal experience.

Recently, as part of Science Week, Miss Alysia Fogliani discussed her study pathway in Science at the University of Western Australia, and delivered a presentation on her Honours research in neuroscience, with reference to spinal cord injuries. The presentation highlighted Miss Fogliani’s enthusiasm for both scienctific research and teaching, and provides an example for students considering study pathways at university and beyond. Like many teachers at St Norbert College, Miss Fogliani’s ability to commit to her academic effort provides an example for students to continually seek their personal best, and the College appreciates all teachers that express their enthusiasm for their subject area, and willingness to make extra time to assist students. The reference for the research that Miss Fogliani was involved with can be viewed using the following link: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/np/2018/9828725/

Reference

Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2008). Flow. The psychology of optimal experience. First Harper Perennial, New York.

Hodgetts, S. I., Yoon, J. H., Fogliani, A., Akinpelu, E. A., Baron-Heeris, D., Houwers, I. G., ... & Duce, E. (2018). Cortical AAV-CNTF Gene Therapy Combined with Intraspinal Mesenchymal Precursor Cell Transplantation Promotes Functional and Morphological Outcomes after Spinal Cord Injury in Adult Rats. Neural Plasticity, 2018.

Seijo Visitors

The College has again had the privilege of hosting the student (exchange) visitors from Seijo Junior High School as part of their English study and cultural program. The students have enjoyed the opportunity to attend classes at St Norbert College, conduct activities with St Joseph’s Primary, be hosted by families from our College, as well as excursions to Kings Park and cycling around the Swan River. Immersions and cultural exchanges provide learning opportunities for all students, as they gather insights into life (as a student) in other countries, as well as develop interest in learning languages and about other cultures. We thank Mr Anthony Godden for his efforts with the Seijo Exchange and we wish Barry Groves and Robert Preston (Overseas Cultural Exchange Consultants) a speedy recovery from their unexpected health matters.

WACE Checker

The time is fast approaching for Year 12 students to complete all course requirements and commence the final preparations for course completion and Graduation. The WACE Checker https://wacechecker.scsa.wa.edu.au is an important online tool that students can use to track and update their WACE Graduation status. For students in other years, this resource may be used to set goals for academic achievement in preparation for the senior years.

How do I achieve the WACE Graduation? (see attached)

NAPLAN ONLINE – School Readiness Test

In 2019, St Norbert College will transition to the NAPLAN Online with the aim to provide better assessment, more precise results and faster turnaround of information, and will enable student results to be returned to the school within a few weeks rather than a few months. The College is required to assess the technical readiness for implementation of the new online assessment in order to conduct the national online assessment platform in a real-time classroom environment.

The School Readiness Test (SRT) will take place for all Year 7 students on Friday 31st August, between 11:15am and 12:45pm, by undertaking the online readiness tests using examples of the new NAPLAN Online questions. The SRT will consist of a Writing Test that will include reading and listening to the audio prompts, and an Omnibus Test that covers all other NAPLAN domains.

Students will have access via their devices although the College will also trial the use of the updated lockdown browser to ensure integrity of the test. The SRT has not been constructed to assess curriculum knowledge, but rather to provide students with an opportunity to experience the types of questions that will be included in the new online assessments.

Mr R Dowling (Dean of Studies)