Academic Buoyancy – Jennifer Oaten
Ducklings’ feathers help them float not just by repelling water but by trapping air. This trapping of air between the feathers and the skin adds to the duck’s natural buoyancy. Ducks also produce oil which coats their feathers, making them water-resistant. Without it, the feathers would absorb water, making them significantly heavier and less buoyant. It would be like you swimming with your clothes on.
So what is academic buoyancy?
Academic buoyancy, just like the buoyancy of a duckling, is a balancing act and a key component of a student’s capacity to thrive at school. It is defined as a students’ ability to overcome setbacks and challenges typical of school life. The construct of academic buoyancy was first presented by Australian academics Andrew Martin and Herbert Marsh in 2008. It refers to the ability of students to successfully deal with academic challenges such as failing a subject, missing an assignment deadline, completing assessments or exams, catching up after an absence from school, or an unexpected change of teacher.
Why is it important?
Academic buoyancy is key in determining a student’s capacity to thrive. Academically buoyant students can successfully handle everyday academic challenges, difficulties and setbacks. They also demonstrate higher motivation, engagement, wellbeing, achievement, and they value and enjoy school more.
Students who are unable to overcome the everyday stresses of school life may experience underachievement and disengagement, which limits their ability to reach their full potential. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that all students have the capacity to navigate the day-to-day challenges of academic life.
We must understand how to boost academic buoyancy among girls; otherwise, we risk leaving their potential unfulfilled.
How can we develop academic buoyancy?
Researchers from the University of Sydney and the University of Oxford have investigated how to help students develop their academic buoyancy. They refer to Martin and Marsh’s model as the 5Cs. If we can help students develop these areas, it will help them manage the everyday challenges at school. This model is proactive rather than reactive and focusses on developing:
- Composure – students managing everyday anxieties by removing the fear of failure. Your best is all that is needed.
- Confidence – students believing in themselves and developing a ‘yet’ attitude, I am unable to do this yet.
- Co-ordination – students manage workloads and avoid procrastination. It encourages starting early, not leaving the hard task till last and managing your study environment to minimise distractions.
- Commitment – students show persistence with academic studies and a growth mindset underpinned by positive thoughts. ‘Grit’, which is the combination of passion and persistence, is needed.
- Control – students own and are in charge of their learning. Regular constructive feedback leads to improvement and development instead of comparisons to others
Many of our students will need academic buoyancy in the coming weeks as our Years 10 – 12 students begin their Semester 1 examinations. Boosting academic buoyancy may help our young women overcome some of the barriers females face after leaving school, including gender gaps and biases in some fields.
Developing academic buoyancy at school will assist our young women to display strength and buoyancy in life beyond school and live out my belief that anything is possible!
- Featured
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
From the President – September 2024
Welcome to the September edition of the Old Girls’ Association Blog. This month, we celebrate the inaugural Mercy Awards, recognising the incredible contributions from Fatima Horta and Roslind Witham our worthy award winners. Their dedication to the College community and advocacy work highlights the true essence of mercy values.
Sisterhood Networking Series – An Evening with Sandra Boyle
We hosted an inspiring Sisterhood Networking Session with Sandra Boyle, a pioneer in mediation and negotiation. Sandra shared her incredible journey from one of few women in a law cohort to becoming a leading figure in Australian law. The evening was filled with invaluable insights, camaraderie, and inspiration.
Save the Date – Golden Girls Luncheon
The annual Golden Girls’ Luncheon is set for 7 November 2024 at Santa Maria College! A special event for alumnae who graduated in 1974 or earlier, it’s a day to reconnect, laugh, and relive cherished memories. Official invitations will arrive soon, so mark your calendars and get ready for a day of joy and nostalgia.
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