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We've all seen it: some students just seem to grasp new concepts with ease, while others struggle. What's the secret? Increasingly, educators are finding answers within two key areas: teaching kids how to take control of their own learning, and understanding how the brain processes information. What if our students could actively manage their own learning rather than just passively receiving lessons? That's the essence of what experts call self-regulation. In a classroom context,…

Creativity is transforming the way students learn, and blending with science and technology to build sharper minds and deeper problem-solving skills and knowledge. The transition in education from STEM to STEAM signifies a profound shift in philosophy. The addition of the A (arts) in the STEAM acronym acknowledges the indispensable role of artistic and creative thought within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This evolution showcases how integrating the arts cultivates…

Living in a boarding community during adolescence not only teaches young people many life skills and encourages personal growth, but also fosters intercultural understanding. At Joan Ansett Hall, Toorak's Boarding House, students come from a range of diverse cultural backgrounds from all around the globe: the boarding house is a melting pot of traditions, languages, and perspectives. In this dynamic setting, our boarding school students navigate their academic journey and also undergo a…

How to work with neurodiverse women in the classroom I was recently asked the question by someone intrigued by the world of education, ‘What has changed the most in your role as a teacher over time?’ I found this question really interesting to reflect on and I am sure the answer I gave will resonate with other educators. Early on in my teaching career I would acknowledge different types of learners and learning styles in the classroom and over 20 years later, I am still differentiating. I am…

While it appears that we are now on the path to overcoming COVID-19, the disruption of the pandemic has caused many parents to revisit the question of education and schooling for their children. In looking to provide your children with the best chance to learn, grow and thrive, we must consider what these ideas mean to us in the post-COVID-19 world. The new school year is approaching, and 2021 is set to be a year shaped by a ‘new normal’. But the most pressing questions come from how that new…