Why students forget - and what you can do about it

Many parents become frustrated with their children when they forget and cannot remember things which they have been told or previously learnt. The ideas shared here come from an article by Youki Terada of the same name published in Edutopia.

Research has shown that without any reinforcement or connections to prior knowledge, information is quickly forgotten – roughly 56% in one hour, 66% after a day, and 75% after six days! So what can be done to preserve the hard work of teaching and learning?

When students learn a new piece of information, they make new connections in the brain. Two scientifically based ways to help them retain their learning is by making as many connections as possible – typically to other concepts, thus widening the ‘spiderweb’ of neural connections – but also accessing memory repeatedly over time.

The first strategy is:

Peer to peer explanations: When students explain what they’ve learned to peers, fading memories are reactivated, strengthened and consolidated. This also encourages active learning.

The spacing effect: Revisiting key ideas and having multiple opportunities to review learned material throughout the school year, enables students to perform better.

Frequent practice tests: Using low stakes and ungraded tests and quizzes, over time, also boosts long-term memory retention.

Interleaving concepts: Rather than grouping similar information together, mixing it up forces students to think on their feet and recall various strategies which results in deeper learning.

Combining texts with clear images: It is often easier to remember information when it is presented in different ways and many people find that a visual clue, or even a physical movement, assists with recall.

So even though forgetting starts as soon as learning happens, research shows that there are simple and effective strategies used in the classroom, which may also be something parents can utilise at home to make learning stick.

Recent events in Junior Years

Over the past week, many extra-curricula activities have taken place in the Junior Years. Please enjoy the summaries, reflections and photos from students who have participated in:

Year 3 – 6 Athletics

On Thursday 21 July the Year 3 – 6 students travelled by bus to the Victoria University Athletics Stadium to compete in the Athletics Carnival.

Throughout the day, students competed in the 100, 200, 400 and 800m sprint races around the running track.

In the field, students had the opportunity to try long jump, shot put and discus.

Many students were able to post times and distances, which enabled them to qualify for the opportunity to compete for the College at the Hoppers District Athletics on Thursday 11 August, which will also be held at VU Athletics Stadium. Good luck to all those competing and we look forward to hearing about some of you going onto the next stage!

Year 5 Camp to Sovereign Hill – Sandaru and Naysa

On Monday, Week 3 the Year 5’s went to Sovereign Hill to extend their knowledge about the Gold Rush and to have lots of fun with their friends.

On the first day, the Year 5’s went underground in the Red Hill Mine to learn about the second biggest gold nugget called the Welcome Nugget! The Year 5’s were given opportunities to pan and dig for gold in a small creek. They also enjoyed watching some 22 carat gold being poured and purified into 24 carat gold in the shape of a gold bar! Some even got the opportunity to hold the 24 carat gold bar.

The Year 5’s were split into roaming groups of nearly 20 students, to go and explore Sovereign Hill and buy some souvenirs. Each student was placed in a cabin group of friends to stay with, for the two nights at camp.

On the second and third day of camp, each class got to experience schooling in the olden days. The four classes were organised into the Ragged School, being the poorest, St Olympius and the Wesleyan Day School being middle class and St Peters being the upper class. The classes were taught with discipline and repetition and students got to use fountain pens and ink wells.

On the first night, the students experienced the Aura Light and Sound Show which was one of the main attractions of Sovereign Hill. The three-part show started with 3D movie-like experience about how gold was created in the formation of the universe and ended with an outdoor light show. On the second night, the students enjoyed a pantomime which they found very entertaining.

The students had a wonderful time at camp. A huge thanks to the efforts of all the Year 5 teachers and staff who made this happen and we are looking forward to using the knowledge we gained, as we continue our unit of inquiry in class.

Year 5 and 6 Hoop Time

An enthusiastic group of Year 5 and 6 students participated in Hoop Time at Eagle Stadium on Monday 1 August, under the coaching eye of Mr Simon Bradbury and Mr Luke Gallaher and with support from Elena Papakirikou (Year 9 student) and Mrs Effie Papakirikou.

Elena and her All Star boys were undefeated in all their preliminary games. They made the semi-final but lost by 1 point in the last few seconds of the match.

Mr Bradbury’s boys The Rookies were undefeated to the end, but they had no finals.

Mrs P’s mixed team, The Nets made it undefeated to the semis but due to the programme running behind, they didn’t get to play. All other teams tried their best and most of all, had fun!!!

Scout Scarf Day – August 1

Alfie was one of a few Good News scouts who wore their scarves to celebrate this important day.

Reflections from two Year 3 students on an excursion

Hello parents, teachers and students! In our inquiry, we have been learning about the importance of celebrations, culture and our identity. My favourite part has been learning about other people’s cultures and more things about their life. I also loved pyjama day because we celebrated friendship and raised awareness for children living in foster care. Anya K

On Monday the first of August, we went to the Jewish Museum of Melbourne at St Kilda. We learnt all about Jewish traditions, rituals and beliefs. In Christian Studies, we are comparing Judaism and Christianity. The museum helped us to learn more about the similarities and differences. My favourite part was going in a synagogue because the designs were very interesting.

Lay P

Extra Curricular