Issue No - The King's School

DIRECTOR OF STUDIES
Curriculum Matters
Academic Tips No. 5
Why do I need to study
Over the last few years, I have spent some of my
‗spare‘ time reading and researching about the
Battle of Fromelles (July 19-20, 1916) where
Australians fought for the first time on the Western
Front and suffered the worst casualties in a single
day – 5,533 casualties! Why study this event What
do we learn from it Why do we remember it We
were fortunate on the first day of this term to have
Lambis Englezos address the School about his
thoughts as to why we remember, not glorify, the
actions of soldiers in war – Lambis was
instrumental in researching and locating the ‗lost
diggers‘ of Fromelles, buried at Pheasant Wood in
Fromelles by the Germans and where last year over
200 were reburied with dignity in the new
Commonwealth War Grave. This included the
identification and reburial of Lt Robert Burns
(whose memorial lies in the heart of the School)
lost at the Battle of Fromelles.
For me, as a teacher and a parent, it arouses interest
and philosophical questions which after nearly 100
years gives some kind of closure. To study is a
lifelong pursuit - but what interest does this have
for our students at school today It is probably
more like this…
Well, here I am again. My History teacher is
speaking to the class and I have some stuff written
down. Does any of it make sense My biggest
problem is writing legibly. Writing so I can read it
is the important thing. Organising my notes and
making sure that each event and issue is on each
paper could help reduce the infamous "eh... what
was this for again"
Let‘s have a look at how this may be improved –
not just for History but for all subjects. In some
courses, the best way to study is to re-write the note
immediately after taking them. It sounds crazy but
trust me, it will stick in your mind a lot more.
Another important factor in effective note-taking is
sifting through all of the unimportant stuff the
teacher throws out there. There are key words you
should listen for and write down including, but not
limited to: names, dates, places, and importance to
the subject. Finally, it is important to read the
assigned reading before coming to class. This is
because if you read before class you will have a
better grasp of what the teacher is speaking about
when the time comes.
Why study
To put it simply, the reason we need to study is
because studying is planned learning that can
enrich your life and can help you achieve whatever
goals you have. The more you know, the more you
can do. We learn what we want to know via our
senses (mostly seeing [visual] and hearing [aural].
The most important thing about studying is your
attitude.
If you do want to learn, think positively.
You have to be alert and focused to get the most
out of every situation.
You need to be able to plan ahead and anticipate
deadlines – don‘t leave everything to the last
minute.
Top Study Tips
1. What do you want to know INFORMATION
2. Why do you need to know it MOTIVATION
3. What do you need to do APPLICATION
4. Why do you need to do it INSPIRATION
5. How can I remember it REITERATION
Here‘s my suggestion: make a copy of these
questions and terms and keep a copy of them where
your son studies. When he gets stuck, start at the
top. When he has finished his work, check to see if
he has applied the first four questions. Sometimes it
is worthwhile working with someone or in a group
for Question 5 to really confirm that one –
accountability!
Everyone gets stuck studying at some time.
Sometimes it has nothing to do with the ability to
organise content. That‘s why we all need to stop
and rethink as sometimes we just get lost in the
information.
Why not give it a go
National Assessment Program
Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)
Year 7 and 9 students will be sitting these tests
from Tuesday to Thursday, 10-12 May.
Additional information about the National
Assessment Program can be found at:
http://www.naplan.edu.au/verve/_resources/NAPL
AN_2011_Parents_Brochure.pdf
These forms are available from Mrs Williams in the
ESS Department contacting her on 9683 8550.
The King's Herald Page 8 Issue No. 5 – 6 May 2011