Message from Assistant Principal - Learning
Last Tuesday, our school had the privilege of welcoming Dr Justin Coulson, a renowned expert in child psychology and brain development. During the evening, he shared with parents about Digital Kids.
His visit provided an invaluable opportunity for our teachers to deepen their understanding of how the brain works, particularly in debunking common brain myths and exploring various aspects of brain development.
One of the fascinating insights Dr Coulson shared was about incidental memory—the kind of memory that helps us recall information without intentional effort. He explained that this type of memory peaks at around 12 years of age. This revelation was quite relatable, as many of us find ourselves frequently misplacing items like keys, while our younger children, can effortlessly remember where they last saw them.
For teachers, understanding the intricacies of brain function is crucial. It enables us to continually refine our teaching methods to ensure that every student can learn effectively. Each Monday morning, our teachers engage in professional learning sessions focused on specific techniques to support learning in the classroom. These sessions align with the rollout of our Catalyst practices, which aim to foster student engagement and enhance memory retention.
Dr Coulson talked about the idea that students need to forget in order to remember—a concept that highlights the significance of revisiting concepts regularly to help information stick in memory. To support this at home, we recommended that when students don't have homework, to spend 20-30 minutes each night reviewing content from the day or the previous week. This practice can significantly reinforce concepts and ideas, making them more likely to be retained in long-term memory.
As we continue to implement these insights and techniques, we are confident that our students will benefit. By understanding and leveraging the natural processes of brain development and memory, we can create a more effective and supportive learning environment for all. Stay tuned for more updates on our Catalyst practices and how we are enhancing our educational approach to support every student's journey to success.
"I just wanted to send a message to say a huge thank you to JPC for hosting the Justin Coulson event last night. My husband and I found it very helpful and insightful. Justin was engaging, and personable and sent us away with some real food for thought. Evenings like this are just what parents need".
Mr & Mrs Bramley
Mrs Kathleen Garvie
Assistant Principal -Learning
Kennedy and Ferré Houses