Latest news with #AustralianEducationResearchOrganisation
The Age
4 days ago
- Science
- The Age
In the age of AI, our kid's writing skills are more important than ever
In an era of accelerating technological advancements – including the rapid evolution of AI, and the fleeting, transitory nature of thought and communication – the ancient act of writing remains one of the most powerful skills we have to shape thought, build understanding, sharpen reasoning, and express ourselves meaningfully as human beings. However, the release of the Australian Education Research Organisation's (AERO) decade-long NAPLAN study has revealed a troubling reality – Australian children's writing skills are at a record low, with many year 9 students performing at a primary school level. Writing is an essential life skill for all, but it is especially crucial for children as they develop the tools needed to navigate challenges, articulate their thoughts clearly, and shape a purposeful, fulfilling life. Its importance lies not merely in communication, but in cognition. Structured writing reflects synthesised, deliberate thought and is essential for deep learning and the cognitive benefits of interleaving – where knowledge is continuously connected, reinforced, and refined over time, most importantly as output and not just input. Writing is a foundational and essential mental process that constructs, organises, and reveals the development and sophistication of our thinking. If our children cannot write at an appropriate level, we are limiting their ability to think critically, solve problems, and engage meaningfully in learning. In a commendable response to the issue, AERO has launched the School Writing Instruction Framework (SWIF), a professional learning program designed to support explicit and systematic teaching of writing across all subject areas. Handwriting supports brain plasticity and may even delay cognitive decline in older age. This renewed call to prioritise writing is a vital reminder of its enduring importance in learning and life. In an overcrowded curriculum, where competing demands pull schools in many directions, a deliberate reset that centres on writing is not only innovative but also transformative. But it's not AERO's job alone. The NAPLAN analysis is a wake-up call for all of us to support our young people – to help them develop strong writing skills so they can think clearly, communicate authentically, and face the complexities of the world with confidence and agency.
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Science
- Sydney Morning Herald
In the age of AI, our kid's writing skills are more important than ever
In an era of accelerating technological advancements – including the rapid evolution of AI, and the fleeting, transitory nature of thought and communication – the ancient act of writing remains one of the most powerful skills we have to shape thought, build understanding, sharpen reasoning, and express ourselves meaningfully as human beings. However, the release of the Australian Education Research Organisation's (AERO) decade-long NAPLAN study has revealed a troubling reality – Australian children's writing skills are at a record low, with many year 9 students performing at a primary school level. Writing is an essential life skill for all, but it is especially crucial for children as they develop the tools needed to navigate challenges, articulate their thoughts clearly, and shape a purposeful, fulfilling life. Its importance lies not merely in communication, but in cognition. Structured writing reflects synthesised, deliberate thought and is essential for deep learning and the cognitive benefits of interleaving – where knowledge is continuously connected, reinforced, and refined over time, most importantly as output and not just input. Writing is a foundational and essential mental process that constructs, organises, and reveals the development and sophistication of our thinking. If our children cannot write at an appropriate level, we are limiting their ability to think critically, solve problems, and engage meaningfully in learning. In a commendable response to the issue, AERO has launched the School Writing Instruction Framework (SWIF), a professional learning program designed to support explicit and systematic teaching of writing across all subject areas. Handwriting supports brain plasticity and may even delay cognitive decline in older age. This renewed call to prioritise writing is a vital reminder of its enduring importance in learning and life. In an overcrowded curriculum, where competing demands pull schools in many directions, a deliberate reset that centres on writing is not only innovative but also transformative. But it's not AERO's job alone. The NAPLAN analysis is a wake-up call for all of us to support our young people – to help them develop strong writing skills so they can think clearly, communicate authentically, and face the complexities of the world with confidence and agency.
