Teacher Advice
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ICAS Prep: Tips and Tricks
We’re now in the lead up to ICAS Assessments, which begin in just over 2 months. Preparing for the assessments helps your child put their best foot forward on the day. We will be posting a series of tips for the six different papers over the coming weeks, including a special post on the use… Continue reading
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Artificial Intelligence in Education
AI, particularly generative AI, has flooded the learning space. While some AI tools are undeniably useful, others may be questionable. Even as the NCEA itself is rolling out AI tools to assist with exam marking, and adapt learning materials to suit learner needs and preferences, questions remain about the ability of AI to be used… Continue reading
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Sleep and nutrition for studying and exams
End of year exams are upon us, and for many students it is a stressful time. In addition to wanting to do well in preparation for the future, students also often want to please their parents and meet expectations of success. If your child is working hard to revise during the exam period, they are… Continue reading
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Reducing cognitive load for better learning
In this post, we continue our discussion on cognitive load theory (CLT) and its influence on education. We recommend you read our introduction to the theory if you are unfamiliar with this idea. Cognitive overload causes As discussed in our previous post introducing the theory of CLT, students utilize pre-existing knowledge from their long-term memory… Continue reading
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Introduction to cognitive load theory
Sometimes hard work alone is not enough to help a child learn effectively. Educational research helps parents (and professionals like us here at Focus Education) adapt our efforts in strategic ways that are proven to help a child succeed in their learning. Cognitive load theory is one such piece of research. First proposed by Professor… Continue reading
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Using ICAS Results to help your child succeed
The ICAS sitting period is coming to a close, and results for ICAS assessments have started to be released. Digital Technologies and English results are now available online, with prospective medal winners being finalized soon. A significant aspect of the ICAS assessments is the detailed report they give on your child’s strengths and weaknesses in… Continue reading
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ICAS In Depth: Mathematics
Welcome to our final post in the series as we look in-depth at each of the six assessments offered by ICAS, in order of sitting dates. This week, I recruited one of our Maths educators, Doris, to give expert feedback on the ICAS Mathematics assessment. What is ICAS Mathematics? This assessment looks at a student’s… Continue reading
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ICAS In Depth: Spelling Bee
Our fifth in-depth look at the ICAS assessments is here! ICAS Spelling Bee is a unique assessment offered the same week as ICAS Science. But what benefits does this assessment offer and how can your child be successful in it? What is ICAS Spelling Bee? This assessment tests a student’s ability to spell words correctly… Continue reading
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ICAS In Depth: Science
Welcome to our fourth in the series as we look in depth at each of the 6 assessments offered by ICAS, in order of paper sitting dates. This week, we look at the highlights and details of the ICAS Science assessment. What is ICAS Science? This assessment looks at a student’s ability to use scientific… Continue reading
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Is rote memorization important for your child’s future?
From the beginning, we ask our children to memorize letters, shapes, numbers, and words. Historically, rote memorization has played a dominant role in education, with children spending many hours and years doing drills for things like facts, spelling, and mental arithmetic. But in recent years, the emphasis has shifted to prioritize more critical thinking and… Continue reading