The Mac.Rob Learner Model: Parent Resources
We are currently in the process of developing resources for parents to support students in applying the Mac.Rob Learner Model based on the feedback we received in recent parent consultation sessions.
In these sessions parents provided feedback that they wanted to see the way that the Learner Model can assist with different scenarios they experience with their children including:
Student is sacrificing their sleep schedule in order to study
Student is spending a lot of time studying but does not feel like they are improving
Student does not have a study schedule and often has to “cram” the night before an assessment
Student feels like they don’t know how to ask for help or support from a teacher when they don’t understand something
We will be adding responses to these scenarios (and others) to the Learner Model website in the coming weeks.
As a preview, here is an example of how parents can refer to the Learner Model when addressing situations where their child is sacrificing their sleep schedule in order to study:
The principle of wellbeing is at the centre of the Learner Model because it is foundational to developing good learning habits.
Getting good sleep is essential for wellbeing and for learning because, at a neurological level, sleep helps to reset the chemicals in our brains that allow it to be in a more positive and focused state. Sleep is also essential for the brain to be able to transfer newly learnt information and skills into permanent storage.
This means that when students sacrifice their sleep in order to study, they actually compromise their learning capacity and wellbeing.
Getting good sleep means to sleep for the appropriate duration and quality. Having an open chat with your children about their sleep habits and encouraging them to prioritise sleeping well can help students to develop a more adaptive sleep schedule.
When you talk about sleep with your children, you may wish to draw on the information provided in the Learner Model strategy, “Foundations of Mental Health”. This strategy provides the following advice to students about sleep:
“In order to optimise sleep, we should ensure that we get 8-10 hours of sleep every night. Ideally, we should maintain a consistent sleep routine, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends and during school holidays. We should only use our beds for sleeping, and not for studying. By doing this we learn to associate our beds with sleep and relaxation. We should also remove all devices from our bedroom at night. Other strategies for good sleep include developing a good sleep hygiene routine. This involves spending at least 30 minutes preparing for sleep before going to bed by engaging in an activity that promotes calmness.
For example you could:
Do a relaxation exercise, such as a guided meditation (you can find these online with a quick Google)
Write a short journal entry. This can help you to prevent racing thoughts before bedtime
Listen to relaxing music
Read quietly
Have a warm milky drink (but nothing caffeinated!)”
The Learner Model website has also recently been updated to include a Google Translate function.
We look forward to seeing how this resource continues to develop and support student learning at Mac.Rob!
Samuel Crocket | Assistant Principal