Are distractions stopping your child from achieving the marks they deserve?
John Rodgers
Deputy Principal — Pastoral Care
As we settle into the latest round of remote learning, some would say we do so with a level of fatigue that can sap enthusiasm to get the best out of our learning. This may be true to some extent, but I believe — if used properly — remote learning can also allow individuals to get the best out of themselves, allowing them to focus solely on the task at hand without the common classroom distractions around them.
Freedom from these common classroom distraction can however be quickly replaced by other household distractions — distractions that can do harm to our learning without us even knowing.
Perhaps the biggest distraction that we are faced with is the distraction of being easily contacted. According to studies, our access to mobile phones or messages on our computers are potentially robbing us of 20% of our grades. Studies indicate that those who consider themselves as multitasking are really kidding themselves. The experts say the combined interruption, or the brain drain of preparing for a potential interruption, can turn a grade of 80% into a grade of 62%. Is it really worth turning an A into a C because we need to instantly respond to a friend’s message?
Reports also indicate that students attempting to concentrate on work while multitasking are really engaged in shallower, less flexible thinking. Combined with what could be termed ‘surface skimming learning’, the time to complete tasks takes longer while fatigue sets in quicker as the brain needs to switch between tasks. Most importantly, several studies have shown that information learned while partially distracted is often quickly forgotten, so the learning is shallow.
I am sure if you talk to your children about this, they will ask you ‘what do you know?’. They may even suggest that this is something their generation is used to doing and therefore it doesn’t have an effect on them as it does older people. However, there is no scientific truth to that. The College (and experts in the field) are not making it up just to be the fun police. It is well known that the brain has its fundamental biological limits. Being able to properly learn while multitasking is one of these limits. This was part of the reason behind the College's decision to no longer allow phones in the classroom. This policy is not unique to MLMC and it has been embraced by education across the state.
You may even be told by your child that you are old and out of touch, or if they don’t keep in contact with friends the second a message comes in then they will be cut out of the group. There is an element of truth to this, so may I suggest the conversation should be that your children explain to their friendship groups that their going offline is not a slight on their friendship, but instead a decision to focus on their studies. If friends know they are offline and working, then they will not be judged for not instantly liking a post. Hopefully, if all students are turning off distractions there will be no need justify why they are not online. Or, perhaps you could have a conversation with the parents of your child’s friends, helping to establish better study habits across their friendship group.
Of course, the home environment offers a wider range of distractions. Recently the College was informed that PlayStation and other gaming devices were becoming a cause for concern. Please be aware that this may be taking place in your home while students should be engaged in class. Peer pressure is strong and the lure of having a game with friends online is strong. If you have such devices in your home, it may be time for the hard conversation with your child, to set boundaries on when it is an appropriate time to game. Hard conversations and decisions now may save a whole lot of disappointment later.
One tactic is to change our environment, to move temptation further away: shut down the distraction by silencing your phone, taking the PlayStation controller. Have the study area of the home purely for study, free of other devices. It is a lot easier to stay on task when you’re not continuously fending off mental cravings.
Remote learning will never be the College’s preferred way of teaching, but when faced with these difficult times, our staff are extending their skills to ensure what we provide is the best quality we can provide. Please assist us by removing distractions in your home that may be making learning up to 20% harder.
Counselling team update
Tina Tasiopoulos, Amy Bartlett, Anna Napoli, Tony Trevitt
Counselling and Wellbeing team
Life has changed for all of us over recent months. In talking with students and families there have been mixed responses to these changes, some have been able to embrace change, many have found it challenging and some have described it as difficult or uncomfortable. No matter your situation, please remember the College's Counselling and Wellbeing team are here to support and work together with you. We are flexible, offering use of telehealth/video conferencing, phone, or email. You can find more details about our service, availability and how to make an appointment on the College website under ‘News and Events — Coronavirus Information’, or email the team counsellingwellbeingteam@mlmc.vic.edu.au
More information about our team and resources are provided in the attached files.
For students
With the return to remote learning for all students please remember:
- Be kind to yourselves
- Keep connected — reach out to friends and family
- Look after your body — eat regular meals and go for a walk or exercise daily
- Sleep — try to get 8-10 hours, it’s so important for your mood and helps with concentration and study
- Keep to a routine — stick to the school timetable but remember to take regular movement breaks
- If you need help or are worried about a friend, talk to someone you trust and ask for help.
The following resources provide additional information and support which is youth specific:
Kids Helpline: 13 11 14 or kidshelpline.com.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36 or beyondblue.org.au
headspace: headspace.org.au
For parents
Please remember:
- We know this is not a normal or easy situation and if you are working from home with young people acknowledge it is hard and will be a juggling act
- Concern and worry (yours and theirs) are a normal response in the face of uncertainty
- It’s OK to adjust your expectations or relax things for a while for both you and your young person
- You are going to be on top of each other for a while and get on each other's nerves, take short breaks or moments for yourself, make a cup of tea, step outside for a few minutes or phone a friend for a break
- You have the chance to be a role model for your young person. They can see how you cope and will follow your lead
- Reach out for support when needed from family, friends or professionals.
The following organisations offer a wealth of information and support for families:
Parentline: 13 22 89 8am to midnight, seven days
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36 or beyondblue.org.au
The Parents Website: theparentswebsite.com.au
