Dean of Studies

Practice with Purpose

One of the interesting insights that has emerged from Ericsson’s 'Science of Expertise' is that we all follow similar patterns for any skill we learn, whether we learn as school students, or later in life as adults. The common pattern identified is that we start off with a general idea of what we want to do, then we proceed to receive or get some instruction from a teacher, coach, book or website. We then practice or are taught until we reach an acceptable level, and we let the skill or knowledge gained become automatic.

However, Ericsson claims that once you reach this satisfactory skill level, or automated level of performance, you actually stop improving. People often misunderstand this because they assume that the continued habit or performance is a form of practice and if they keep doing it they are bound to get better at it, slowly, but better nonetheless.

The research shows that generally speaking, once a person researches that level of 'acceptable' performance and automaticity, the additional years of 'practice' don’t lead to improvement. In fact, automated abilities gradually deteriorate in the absence of deliberate efforts to improve. Thus, the assumptions might include examples such as: someone driving for 20 years must be a better driver than someone driving for five years; a doctor practicing medicine or even a teacher that has been doing something the same way for a long period of time.

Ericsson has identified this phenomenon as ‘Naïve practice’ (just doing something repeatedly, and expecting that the repetition alone will improve one’s performance). Instead, the ideal approach according to Ericsson is to strive for, ‘Purposeful practice’, whereby the learning has well-defined or specific goals, is focused, involves feedback and requires the learner to move out of their comfort zone. The key strategy, whether it be practicing a skill, learning a new concept or revising through your notes, is to 'try differently' rather than 'try harder'. Part of the learning is to review your technique for learning or practice, and with the guidance of an expert teacher or coach, move in a different direction. The trust placed in the teacher or a coach is because they are someone who is familiar with the obstacles you’re likely to encounter and can suggest ways to overcome them.

An important reminder is that maintaining the focus and the effort required for purposeful practice is hard work, and it is generally not fun, and meaningful and positive feedback is one of the critical factors in maintaining the motivation to learn and improve. The feedback can be internal (such as the satisfaction of seeing yourself improve at something) or external (provided by others), but it makes a huge difference in whether a person will be able to maintain a consistent effort which is necessary to improve.

Host Families – Visiting students

In 2018, the College will continue to seek families to assist with hosting students that will visit and attend St Norbert College from Japan and Italy, and we are calling for expressions of interest in hosting. The opportunity to host these students will provide an amazing experience for them and for you as the host family. The feedback we receive indicates there is great value in becoming an, 'Aussie' host, which is heartwarming, and we encourage you to support these amazing experiences.

If you are considering becoming a host for a student please contact either Mr Anthony Godden (Japan Host Family) or Ms Diana Tersigni (Italy Host Family) at the College on 9350 5433 for further information.

Application for Special Examination Arrangements – ATAR Course Examinations 2018

Students (candidates) enrolled for WACE (ATAR) Examinations who have a permanent or temporary disability, illness and/or specific learning disability that could disadvantage them in demonstrating their knowledge, skills and understandings in standard assessments, may have their school apply to the School Curriculum and Standards Authority to sit ATAR course examinations under special arrangements. Applications can be made for the written and/or practical examinations. Please contact the College as soon as possible as the closing date for the receipt of applications is Thursday 5 April.

Important Assessment dates 2019

Please note the attached upcoming events for your diary and planning.

Mr R Dowling (Dean of Studies)