Kaizen

Sometimes students think that ‘study skills‘ is just something
you need to be concerned with when


you are at school. This is not the case at all. For example, most
jobs will require learning and training,


certification and assessment. Planning, managing workload and
good time management skills will


also be essential when students leave school.


One of the many ways our school supports the development of
independent learning skills is through


providing access to the online study skills and well-being
site: www.studysamurai.com. It is a good


idea for students to choose different units to work on over time
(maybe try a new unit each fortnight?)


so they can develop their understanding of these important skills
and reflect on the areas they need to


work on. This specialist resource complements the skill
development that takes place in our


classrooms.


The study skills tip for this month is taken from the unit that
looks at the reflection process after a test


is returned to students. One of the concepts outlined in this
unit is that of ‘kaizen’. The word Kaizen


itself is derived from two different Japanese words, ‘kai’ and
‘zen’. KAI, meaning: to change or modify;


and ZEN, meaning: to improve. Small constant changes can make a
huge difference to students’


results. Only by reflecting on the way they learn and making
changes can students improve the way


they approach their work for school. The Study Samurai Library is
a great tool to assist in this


process.