Helping Our Boys Overcome Study Challenges

At the parent-teacher interviews earlier this term, I spoke with one family who were delighted about the unexpected positive impact of their son's study of the stock market unit Year 10 Investing elective. Fifteen years from now, this student may or may not remember the significance of dividend yields, capital ratios, or ESG policies. However, he will almost certainly treasure the memory of discovering a shared interest with his grandfather, building their relationship over daily phone calls about their predictions for the gold price. This interaction reminded me that, as partners in your son's education, we are working towards the same goals but often don't know how to move forward to assist each other. Happy accidents are wonderful, but it would be better if we could be more deliberate in planning for these positive outcomes.

I was reminded of this when speaking with parents after the outstanding Mother's Day Liturgy. Numerous parents stated they wish to see their sons get more organised or study more effectively. However, they are often unsure what advice to give. Therefore, this week I wish to share our insights on three key study challenges we see the boys facing at school, in each area outlining where parents can be actively involved in assisting their sons. I hope there is something here that sparks a conversation at home, helping us work together to set each student up for success while still supporting them to maintain responsibility for their own learning.

ORGANISATION

We have moved into the section of the year where each subject is no longer new. Students have a clear understanding of the demands and expectations of each academic course. For the students who are doing well, this is a valuable time to assess routines and be proactive in seeking assistance to avoid problems. However, this is typically the period in which we see an increasing number of students realise the organisational routines that served them in the past may not be sufficient for the demands of their new subjects. This can lead to increased reports of stress and overwhelm. Examples of what this looks like to us in school each day is boys with files bursting at the seams with crumpled paper, random English study questions in the middle of a Mathematics workbook, pencil cases containing every item other than a usable writing instrument, and students with flat laptops during Period 2 because they forgot to charge their device overnight.

Areas for parent assistance include:
• Confirming student process for ensuring their device is fully charged each day, and assisting students with battery saving and display settings if possible.
• Asking students to show how they manage email communication, store important information, and clear items no longer required. Many students enjoy seeing how their parents and guardians manage their own inbox.
• Ask your son to show you their filing system for each subject. Where is their work from today? Where is the work they need to study for the next assessment? Where are their digital files?

ASSESSMENT AND CALENDAR PLANNING

Students will soon begin a significant period of assessments, particularly Year 10-12 students preparing in earnest for examination periods. At this point assessment dates are set, as are many schedules for winter sporting fixtures and other activities that sit adjacent to each student's academic load. This makes it an excellent time to work with students on their planning and time management.

A major area where students appreciate parental support is in construction of a study calendar. This should include:
• Assessment dates
• Allocated time to compete at home assignments
• Allocated time for revision and study
• Extracurricular commitments
• Free time / rest time

Best practice research in this area typically suggests that the fewer decisions each boy makes the better. Therefore, a study plan that clearly outlines what subject will be studied and when both assessment work and revision take place is crucial. Shared calendars in a visible area at home can be effective tools from which family members can hold each other accountable. For some students they can even remove guilt around rest time and free time when pressing assignments are due.

BUILDING HABITS AND ROUTINES FOR EFFECTIVE STUDY

Reducing the hurdles to starting study can have a significant positive impact on students who tend to procrastinate or can be easily distracted.

Parents can assist by helping their son set up a workspace free from distractions and in public view in the home. Having the charger already plugged in, the schedule visible and writing implements on hand and available can make study time more effective. We always recommend that dedicated study time includes extended 'phone-free' periods.

Recently, I enjoyed this Edutopia article which provides interesting analysis of some methods teachers use in class to assist students overwhelmed by large assignment tasks. Parents can help in particular with this aspect. "Students can plan backwards from the due date and create a calendar for each step, realising that some steps take longer than others. Many students like to add a little reward for hitting their personal project step deadlines, a habit-forming strategy that can boost the likelihood of completing a step or task".

Finally, for the students who already study and need to improve their efficiency, asking them to explain the Cornell note-taking system used in a number of senior subjects, assisting them with testing from their notes and study cards, or discussing how their work has been edited in response to teacher feedback can be effective ways to ensure each boy is studying smarter rather than harder.

As lifelong learners, we are each on our own pathway, pursuing our own individual betterment. My hope is that you find something useful in these summaries, and that they may spark a conversation about learning. These are often more valuable than the results of any particular assessment.

Mr Jean-Paul Papineau
Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning