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Genazzano: A neuroscientific approach

Advancement in learning and teaching for improved student outcomes is at the heart of progressive education, according to Genazzano FCJ College. The school discusses how neuroscience is incorporated into its classrooms.

Looking through the lens of the brain, the ‘Science of Learning’ sheds light on the how and the why of learning, enabling us to find new meaning in some of the tried and true teaching practices, as well as some fresh approaches. It is a progressive field with much potential to transform teaching and learning.

The Genazzano Institute of Learning and Brain Sciences
This Institute is a new initiative that underpins Genazzano’s goals of promoting knowledge about the brain and learning for educators, students and the wider community.

The vision for the Institute has evolved and it is emerging as an exciting hub to champion educational neuroscience. While still in its infancy, the Institute has partnered with key industry and educational bodies and has already delivered some exciting projects, with more being planned.

To support teachers to collectively build knowledge and skills, Genazzano has embarked on a significant and comprehensive Science of Learning professional learning course for all teachers, to be undertaken over three years. The course focuses on the role of the brain in the learning process and supports teachers to interpret principles and consider how they can creatively use, embed or present the ideas in their own classrooms and contexts to achieve the desired learning outcomes.

“At Genazzano, we provide our teachers with the very latest research into the science of learning, imparting them with the tools to conduct their own research to become more skilled at fostering best learning practices for their students,” says Karen Jebb, Principal at Genazzano FCJ College.

A group of teachers commenced the professional development course in 2017 as a pilot project. Their enthusiasm for the program was universal, with a number of teachers stating that it is “the best professional learning program we have ever done”.

In 2018 the program was delivered to all teaching staff, along with additional professional learning opportunities through a project with the University of Melbourne.

“We have very skilled and passionate teachers at Genazzano and I want to give them the very best professional learning available, so they can continue to meet the learning needs of our students in this 21st Century,” Ms Jebb adds.

Own Your Own Learning
In order to assist students to develop better awareness of their own brains’ health and function, the College is introducing a number of strategies to engage students and provide learning opportunities.

Alongside various seminars and competitions, discussions have started organically in classrooms with many teachers sharing Science of Learning principles with students to explain learning strategies or involve them in classroom projects to test the principles in action.

“Find a love of learning. Discover what interests you. Be curious and try to want to know more,” says Year 12 student, Eleanor.

Student leaders have been appointed to work with the student body to promote an interest in neuroscience and education about the brain. Their initiatives include a campaign called Own Your Own Learning, which includes an extensive survey about student learning perceptions and practices, and a number of student-led lunchtime forums to discuss learning tips, choosing subjects and strategies for exam preparation. The forums have been well attended, with students saying they are interested in hearing from older peers who have first-hand knowledge of many of the experiences they are going through.

Engaging communities
With the support of partners including Deakin University, the Institute for Social Neuroscience, the University of Melbourne, Education Perfect, St Vincent’s Foundation and the Science of Learning Group, the Institute has already been able to deliver some great learning opportunities for students and the community. These include hosting community-based seminars on the brain and a nationwide competition open to all Australian students, called Explain the Brain, each year.

According to Catherine Brandon, Director of the Genazzano Institute of Learning and Brain Sciences, this is an emerging area. “A number of universities are looking at how we can better understand the science behind why and how we learn, to ensure the practices in the classroom are most effective for the students. What we’re doing at Genazzano is quite cutting edge,” she says.

What is the future of learning?
Looking ahead, the Institute plans to progress work with partners to explore the exciting educational potential of technology, such as virtual reality and brain-controlled apparatus. As Ms Jebb adds, “Learning is a wonderful journey that can be enhanced by regular and positive feedback, and if students can see a more tangible growth in their learning because there is a great understanding of how to learn, then there will be no limits of what can be achieved.”

To learn more about the Genazzano Institute of Learning and Brain Sciences, please click here.

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