The problem with this scenario is that there is no such thing as multitasking. Multitasking is a myth that has been promoted by society to make people feel productive and efficient. Multitasking involves engaging in two tasks simultaneously. It is only possible if two conditions are met: 

1. at least one of the tasks is so well learned as to be automatic, meaning no focus or thought is necessary to engage in the task (ie walking or eating)
2. they involve different types of brain processing. 

For example, your daughter may be able to read effectively while listening to music because reading comprehension and processing instrumental music engage different parts of the brain. However, her ability to retain the information that she is reading while listening to music with lyrics declines significantly because both tasks rely on the language centre of the brain.

So what does this mean if your daughter tells you that she is multitasking? Unfortunately, it means that what she is doing isn't really multitasking. Despite appearances, she simply can't talk on the phone, read an email, send an instant message, and watch YouTube videos all at the same time. What she is doing is serial tasking.  Rather than engaging in simultaneous tasks, she is merely shifting from one task to another to another in rapid succession.  For example, she switches from using her mobile phone to working on a document on her computer screen to chatting with a peer on Microsoft Teams in the belief that she is doing them simultaneously.

Research from the American Psychological Association describes how this kind of multitasking is neither effective nor efficient. These findings have demonstrated that when your daughter shifts her focus from one task to another, that transition is neither fast nor smooth. Instead, there is a lag time during which her brain must remove itself from the initial task and then move onto the new task. This shift, though it feels instantaneous, takes time. 

Single tasking or mono tasking, which is focusing only on one task at a time, is a much more effective strategy to use when preparing for upcoming assessment. Single tasking starts with looking for ways to maximise your daughter’s ability to focus and minimise her potential distractions. The first step is to find your daughter a quiet space to work. Your first thought might be her bedroom, but, though quiet, it may offer your daughter even more distractions when she gets tired, bored, or stuck. A study or communal space, if available, is a better option. Help her to get comfortable and organised. She should ideally sit in a chair that is comfortable, but not too comfortable! Her workspace should allow her to focus on completing what is required of her.

Most importantly, have her put away distracting technology. This means no mobile phones; just having them in sight will be a distraction and the pings and vibrations that emanate from them are a significant barrier to focus. Close all irrelevant windows on her laptop, especially those related to social media. Even minimised windows are a temptation and will be a constant distraction. Allow her to focus on just one task at a time – this will be of the greatest benefit to her at the end of the term.
 

Year 11 Exam Block

I would like to wish the Year 11 students all the very best as they commence their Unit 1 exams next Tuesday. These examinations will give students the opportunity to demonstrate their learning from the past 12 weeks.
 

Year 7 & 9 NAPLAN Online

Students in Year 7 and Year 9 will commence NAPLAN Online testing next week. The students have participated in practice sessions in Term 1 and are familiar with the online platform.

The dates for NAPLAN testing are as follows: