Year 8 Update

Learning About Learning and Active Listening 

Week 6 had a Wellbeing focus on our first Study Skills session. Ms Whelan was kind enough to facilitate the session with a focus on the stages of learning and active listening. 

Stages of Learning: 

1. Encode 

Paying attention to new information being taught. 

2. Store 

Keeping that information in your memory for later use. 

3. Retrieve 

Withdrawing information when needed, for example in a test. 

Active listening is an important skill which connects with the encode stage of learning. It is an important skill which:  

• Demonstrates attentiveness and interest. 
• Promotes a positive learning environment. 
• Helps in retaining and understanding new information. 
• Encourages open-mindedness and reduces interruptions. 

Students participated in an activity which involved them carefully following the guidelines of active listening. Students were provided with the guide word ‘build’ to easily remember the key facets of active listening.  

Body Language 

Understanding 

(No) Interrupting 

Look them in the eye 

Don’t judge 

This guideline has been useful for both students and teachers to refer to, ensuring successful learning habits and academic experience. 

I look forward to session 2 this week focusing on active reading. 

Joy Ashwell Callaway

Year 8 Coordinator