PSI Tutor: Academic Mentor

Self-expression is something that we do a lot of during tutor and homework help activities. Many people are willing to share their creative expressions of self discovery, social commentary and environmental appreciation. During our study sessions here in Cairns we draw on the forms of others to aid in finding ideas, brainstorming for what we want to say, creating memory aids, and helping with understanding complex topics like statistics and conceptual theories, or simply spelling and multiplication. This may involve drawing, sculpture, dance, poetry, painting or other expressive mediums.

KickArts and JUTE are two lively resources available to Cairns residents here in tropical northern Australia. The Gallery is free, and right now! Flight - a series of pieces by local artists is on view and up for auction(including my sister’s!). It’s an engaging experience to be able to take in how others express themselves, interpret the world and give meaning and purpose to their lives.

Cognitive and experiential psychology perhaps delved deeper, than other psych disciplines, into the use of self-expression to enhance learning and personal development. Mnemonics are a delightful technique for creating mental networks to recall information or definitions. A symbol or picture is chosen that has personal meaning for the person wanting to memorise information, and a mental “link” is created with the word or concept. The play involved in developing ones own personal meaning for school and uni curriculum actively engages a person in the learning process.

I now keep an old diary in my bag to pen moments, words and other scribbles that are just bursting to be set free. The mobile camera is great for recording visual stimuli that I can use to write with later. And if I can organise myself I will have a sketch pad on hand around town too.