April 2017 1
Edition 34 April 2017
April 2017 2
PRACE has had a wonderful first term with 24 different classes running,
including our new courses Train the Trainer iPads for Seniors and
Community Connections. The Community Connections class
successfully ran the PRACE Harmony Day celebrations.
A big thank you for the wonderful cupcakes.
Our independent school, PRACE College, also began this year with
around 30 students on track to completing a level of VCAL by the end of
the year. Make sure you visit the Merrilands Community Centre on a
Wednesday for a latte or hot chocolate made by VCAL students. The
money they make through selling coffees and other fundraising activities
will contribute to the students’ business they have started, with the majority of funds going to
support those affected by typhoon Pablo.
Congratulations to the English language students receiving a full certificate today at the PRACE
morning tea:
Preliminary - Mei Zoe, Tien Anh Vuong and Yi Lin,
Level 1 - Khadiga Chol and Mingfeng Zhao
Level 2 - Wen Zhang and Loubana Alaychi
As more results come in from teaching staff for English classes finishing at the end of term 1 I'm sure
we will be congratulating many more of our hard working students.
I'd also like to say a special thank you to more than 21 of our volunteers who have supported
students and teachers throughout the term.
Finally, we are now taking enrolments for the next term for the following courses so don't forget to
tell your family and friends for sign up yourself for some new skills development:
Introduction to Community and Events Volunteering at Thomastown Neighbourhood House
Certificate III in Education Support
Computer Essentials
Certificates in Spoken and Written English (Preliminary to Level 3)
Early Childhood Education and Care (Cert III and Diploma delivery by Education Institute)
Leisure and Health (delivered by Education Institute)
Enjoy the break and I look forward to seeing you next term
Libby Barker
PRACE Executive Officer
Message from the Executive Officer
April 2017 3
On Wednesday 29th
March, the Preliminary English class celebrated their end of
course with an Australia theme party. Students learnt about the importance of
dot paintings for Indigenous people. They then watched a You Tube clip
showing an Aboriginal artist creating artwork using this technique, before
attempting their own creative masterpieces. As part of the session the class was
divided into teams to play an interactive Jeopardy style game revising topics
they had studied as part of their course. Needless to say the competition was
fierce as each team tried to get the highest score and beat their classmates.
Finally students enjoyed a morning tea of
typical Australian party foods which they
all brought in to share. Aussie Aussie
Aussie Oi Oi Oi !!!
April 2017 4
Easter: many strands in the fabric of this festival
People sometimes get a bit stroppy about
Easter, complaining that it makes no sense
because how can a religious observance of
the crucifixion story have anything to do with
rabbits and chocolate eggs? And why doesn’t
it fall on the same days each year?
Easy! Easter is actually a classic multicultural
festival, tying together several strands of
stories from at least three cultures.
Let’s start with the oldest story first. Jesus
Christ and his crew were preparing for
Passover (because they were Jewish before
they became the first Christians), but there is
some debate about whether the Last Supper
was actually a Passover Seder - a special, very
ritualised meal - or perhaps a group dinner
the night before Passover.
Either way, after dinner they took a walk and
Judas betrayed Jesus who was arrested, tried
and crucified (a common and barbaric
punishment in those days).
Passover is a seven or eight-day festival
celebrated in the early spring, from the 15th
through the 22nd of the Hebrew month
of Nissan (April 10–18, 2017). It
commemorates the emancipation of
the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. In
Hebrew it is known as Pesach (which means
“to pass over”), because God passed over the
Jewish homes when killing the Egyptian
firstborn on the very first Passover eve. The
Egyptian babies were killed by God to force
the Pharaoh to free the Israelites.
The date of the month of Nissan, and
therefore the date of Passover, is determined
by the lunar cycle, so that’s one reason the
date of Easter changes, given that Jesus was
arrested and crucified during Passover.
The second strand of course is the Christian
belief that Jesus Christ died on the cross but
was resurrected three days later. So Christians
have a day of mourning on Good Friday to
commemorate his death – and eat Hot Cross
Buns, which bear the symbol of the crucifix.
This is followed on Easter Sunday with a day of
celebration (and the eating of chocolate eggs
and other goodies) to mark his return from
the dead.
The third strand of the story gives us the
name “Easter”. The Great Mother Goddess of
the Saxon people in Northern Europe in
ancient times was called Eastre, from the
ancient word for spring. She was also known
as Eostre or Oestra, The spelling is variable
April 2017 5
because many of the groups who worshipped her were pre-literate, so her story wasn’t written
down until later. Eastre was a fertility goddess of spring and the dawn. She owned a rabbit in the
moon which loved eggs and she is sometimes depicted as having the head of a hare.
Similar Goddesses were known by other names in ancient cultures around the Mediterranean,
and were celebrated in the springtime. You’ll notice a similarity in their names. Some were:
Ashtoreth from ancient Israel; Astarte from ancient Greece; Ishtar from Assyria; and Ostara a
Norse Goddess of fertility.
Eastre celebrations were held on the first full moon after the Spring Equinox (21st March in the
Northern Hemisphere) and started at dawn with prayers to Eastre to assure abundant crops. Eggs
were eaten and exchanged as talismans. Symbolising rebirth through the beginning of Spring,
Eastre was full of growth and passion of new life.
From her name we get the word “east” (because that’s where dawn breaks) and the name for the
female hormone estrogen.
So even though Australians have Easter in Autumn, we are still celebrating those same concepts
of renewal, growth, hope and freedom. We just need to find more local aspects to incorporate
into our celebrations!
Similar Goddesses were known by other names in ancient cultures around the Mediterranean,
and were celebrated in the springtime. You’ll notice a similarity in their names. Some were:
Ashtoreth from ancient Israel; Astarte from ancient Greece; Ishtar from Assyria; and Ostara a
Norse Goddess of fertility.
Eastre celebrations were held on the first full
moon after the Spring Equinox (21st March in
the Northern Hemisphere) and started at dawn
with prayers to Eastre to assure abundant crops.
Eggs were eaten and exchanged as talismans.
Symbolising rebirth through the beginning of
Spring, Eastre was full of growth and passion of
new life.
From her name we get the word “east” (because
that’s where dawn breaks) and the name for the
female hormone estrogen.
So even though Australians have Easter in
Autumn, we are still celebrating those same
concepts of renewal, growth, hope and freedom.
We just need to find more local aspects to
incorporate into our celebrations!
Easter: many strands in the fabric of this festival .. Cont’d
April 2017 6
PRACE plant hunters
By Catherine Davison
The Certificate in Spoken and Written English Level 4 class visited Poynton's Nursery in
Essendon recently. This class has recently taken responsibility for the garden at PRACE and as
part of their class work they have been researching edible plants, exotic weeds which are used
by people for medicinal purposes and vegetables. The students spent a couple of hours looking
at plants. They especially liked the Kitchen Garden section of the nursery. Reading the
plant labels was terrific for extending their language skills and the students took lots of notes
along the way. One student, Mina, was a risk taker (another topic covered recently in class) and
ordered the Tumeric flavoured latte at the nursery cafe.
We came home with some varieties of mint and a handful of very sour crab apples - the
expression "so sour it sets my teeth on edge" was ringing in our ears!
April 2017 7
WORLD CELEBRATIONS FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL
April is a very important and special month for celebrations with different nationalities and religions
from all around the world.
1-Apr-17 Holy Saturday - Orthodox
On Holy Saturday the Orthodox Church commemorates the burial of Christ and his descent into
Hades.
1-Apr-17 Kha b-Nisan - Assyrian New Year
Assyrians celebrate this day as their national festival.
1-Apr-17 Brigadoon -The Bundanoon Highland Gathering
Brigadoon in 2017 marks the 40th anniversary of the highland gathering. With 20 pipe bands,
highland games, the tartan warriors, dancers, stalls and clan representatives, this is the largest
event of its kind in Australia.
2-Apr-17 Palm Sunday- Orthodox
On the Sunday before the Feast of Great and Holy Pascha and at the beginning of the Orthodox
Holy Week, the Orthodox Church celebrates one of its most joyous feasts of the year.
5-Apr-17 Ramanavami- Hindu
This Hindu festival celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, hero of the religious epic poem, ‘The
Ramayana’. The day involves the telling of stories and attending temples.
9-Apr-17 Palm Sunday- Christian
The final Sunday before Easter Sunday, marks the beginning of (Christian) Holy Week.
10-Apr-17 Pesach - Passover (begins at sundown on 10 April to 18 April)- Jewish
Passover is one of the most important Jewish festivals. It commemorates the liberation by Moses
of the Jewish people from slavery.
11-Apr-17 Hanuman Jayanti- Hindu
This day is a Hindu celebration of Hanuman who was an embodiment of Lord Rama. Devotion
and selfless work are encouraged.
11-Apr-17 Theravada New Year- Buddhist
New Year Buddhist festival.
13-Apr-17 Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday)- Christian
Holy Thursday is the day that Christ celebrated the Last Supper with his disciples, four days after
his entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
13-Apr-17 Songkran - Thai New Year (to 15 April)
Songkran, the Thai New Year and Water Festival, is one of Thailand's oldest and favourite
festivals. Thai communities across Australia celebrate this festival with food, crafts and
entertainment.
April 2017 8
14-Apr-17 Good Friday- Christian
This is a solemn Christian remembrance of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Hot cross
buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday.
14-Apr-17 Holy Friday - Orthodox
On Holy Friday the Orthodox Church commemorates the death of Christ on the Cross.
14-Apr-17 Baisakhi or Vaisakhi- Sikh
Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is an ancient harvest festival which marks the beginning of a
new solar year and harvest season. Baisakhi also marks the founding of the Khalsa in the 17th
century, which is the collective body of all baptised Sikhs.
14-Apr-17 Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year)
Bengal Marks the first day of the Bangla Calendar
16-Apr-17 Easter Sunday- Christian
Easter commemorates the resurrection (return to life) of Jesus Christ following his death by
crucifixion. It is the most significant event of the Christian calendar.
16-Apr-17 Pascha (Easter Sunday)- Orthodox
Many Orthodox Christians in Australia celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday,
also known as Pascha.
17-Apr-17 Easter Monday – Christian
In addition to its religious significance, Easter in Australia is enjoyed as a four-day holiday
weekend starting on Good Friday and ending on Easter Monday. This long weekend is an
opportunity to take a holiday or get together with family and friends.
20-Apr-17 First Day of Ridvan (begins at sundown on 19 April) - Baha'i
This Baha'i commemoration is of the 12-day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that he
was God's messenger for this age. Work is suspended on days 1, 9 and 12 of the festival.
23-Apr-17 Yom HaShoah - Holocaust Remembrance Day (begins at sundown on 23rd)- Jewish
This day remembers the six million Jews killed by the Nazis between 1933 and 1945. It is
observed by many people of Jewish and other faiths.
25-Apr-17 Anzac Day- Australia
Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important dates of national commemoration. It marks the
anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during
the First World War (1914-18), at Gallipoli. Dawn services at war memorials honour the sacrifice
of those who died in war. Marches and reunions are held during the day.
28-Apr-17 Ninth Day of Ridvan (begins at sundown on 28 April)- Baha'i
This Baha'i commemoration is of the 12-day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that he
was God's messenger for this age. Work is suspended on days 1, 9 and 12 of the festival.
April 2017 9
14TH APRIL
EASTER EGG HUNT &
FAMILY PICNIC AT
WERRIBEE PARK
TIME: 9.30am – 3pm Cadbury will again share the joy of Easter with Victorian
families at the annual Werribee Park Easter Egg Hunt
and Family Picnic, raising much needed funds for The
Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal. Since
2001, all proceeds raised at the event have gone to the
Good Friday Appeal that benefits children and families
at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital.
In its 17th year, the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt and
Family Picnic will take place on Good Friday at The
Werribee Mansion, K Road, Werribee (enter via Gate 2)
in conjunction with Parks Victoria.
Children aged 3 to
12 can take part in
one of the many
egg hunts
throughout the day
Kids can make
Easter gifts at the
Arts and Crafts tent
Visit the carnival
area complete with
pony rides, face
painting and sack
races
The LARGEST
Easter egg hunt in
Australia with live
performers and
prizes
Supporting The
Royal Children’s
Hospital Good
Friday Appeal
$15 / TICKET
3 AND UNDER FREE
April 2017 10
April 22nd
Global awareness of concepts for climate
change.
Gather with your community for this years
Environmental + Climate Literacy Teach-In, or
another project focused on education.
For more information or to donate, purchase
a t-shirt or to register an event, log on to
www.earthday.org
Pentridge Festival
8th-9th April. Pentridge Prison.
20 years since its closure in 1997.
Transformed for the 2 day event, includes a variety
of local music, cuisines, food trucks plus market
stalls. An array of beverages along with non-
alcoholic for the juniors.
Free tours though bookings essential to avoid
disappointment. Suits all ages.
Earth Day
Arbor Day April 28th
Become a member and receive 10 free
trees.
Shop at our Tree Nursery and see our
work in action!
Log on to www.arborday.org
A non-profit conservation and educa-
tional organization with a million mem-
bers, donors and partners supporting
these programs to make our world
greener and healthier!
April 2017 11
MELBOURNE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL 2017
This year will be the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Melbourne Food & Wine
festival which will run from 31 March to 9 April.
The Melbourne Food & Wine festival shines a global spotlight on Victoria’s world-class
food and wine industries.
More than 250,000 food and wine lovers are expected to gather across the state for
this special 25th celebration of great food and excellent wine.
Things to see this year include the augural House of Food & Wine, tucked down a
Melbourne laneway, and the banks of the Yarra transformed into a foodie playground
at River Graze.
April 2017 12
The annual Melbourne Didgeridoo and Cultural Festival is a family friendly, not-for-profit event to explore and
celebrate Aboriginal culture and one of the oldest wind instruments on the planet – the yidaki (didgeridoo).
Melbourne celebrates the didge at an annual event called the Didgeridoo and Cultural Festival.
Whether you are an enthusiast of the earthy melodious rhythms of the didgeridoo, or want to learn more about the
Aboriginal culture, this festival is not to be missed. Bring the whole family and enjoy a day out with the first peoples
of Australia.
The festival is all about celebrating the Aboriginal culture through musical and dance performances, art,
storytelling and bush tucker among other things. You can also participate in didgeridoo workshops and get your first
lesson on playing this beautiful instrument.
The festival showcases the didgeridoo and Aboriginal culture through music, song, dance, art and storytelling.
Players and musicians from both indigenous and non-indigenous communities come together to celebrate this
unique Australian instrument.
Each year our festival recognises both traditional and contemporary playing styles, including recent contemporary
styles emerging with fusions of didgeridoo, guitar, violin, Japanese flute (shakuhachi) and dance-loops, to name just
a few. There will be plenty of activities for the kids and a great variety of food vendors and stalls,
including free didgeridoo workshops!
WHERE: Finn Reserve, Lower Templestowe
WHEN: Sunday 2 April from 1pm to 9pm
TICKET PRICES:
Family: (2 adults & 2 kids) $25.00
Adults $15.00
Kids/Concession: $5
April 2017 13
Anzac biscuits The army biscuit, also known as an Anzac wafer or Anzac tile, essentially has a long shelf life, hard tack biscuit, eaten as a substitute for bread. Unlike bread, though, the biscuits were very, very hard. Some soldiers preferred to grind them up and eat as porridge. Now days the popular Anzac biscuit is a traditional, eggless sweet biscuit. Early recipes did not include coconut. To avoid World War III, try our basic recipe with a crowd pleasing twist.
150g (1 cup) plain flour
90g (1 cup) rolled oats
85g (1 cup) desiccated coconut
100g (1/2 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar
55g (1/4 cup) caster sugar
125g butter
2 tablespoons golden syrup
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
Preheat oven to 160°C. Line 2 baking trays with
non-stick baking paper.
Combine flour, oats, coconut and combined sugar in a large bowl.
Stir the butter, golden syrup and water in a small saucepan over medium heat
until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the bicarbonate of soda.
Add to the oat mixture and stir until well combined.
Roll level tablespoonful's of the oat mixture into balls and place, about 5cm
apart, on the prepared trays. Flatten until about 1cm thick. Bake, swapping trays
halfway through cooking, for 15 minutes or until light golden.
Set aside for 10 minutes to cool slightly before transferring to wire racks to cool
completely.
INGREDIENTS
April 2017 14
ANZAC DAY CLASH
Anzac Day Clash. The Anzac Day clash is an annual Australian rules
football match between Collingwood and Essendon, held on Anzac
Day 25 April at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
This game is often considered the biggest match of the AFL season outside of the finals, sometimes drawing bigger crowds than all but the Grand Final, and often selling out in advance.
April 2017 15
INGREDIENTS
60ml (1/4 cup) fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt flakes
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
60ml (1/4 cup) iced water
70g (1/2 cup) cornflour
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons Chinese five spice
300g barramundi fillets, cut into
1cm-thick slices
300g frozen green prawn cutlets, tails intact, thawed
1 large squid hood, cleaned, cut into rings
Sunflower oil, to deep fry
Combine lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the white pepper in a serving bowl.
Set aside to develop the flavours.
Meanwhile, stir the water and 2 tablespoons of cornflour in a bowl until the mixture forms a paste.
Combine remaining cornflour, remaining salt, pepper and five spice in a bowl.
Dip fish, prawns and squid into cornflour paste, then into the spice mixture to coat. Shake off excess.
Add oil to a wok to reach a depth of 10cm. Heat to 180°C over medium-high heat.
Cook one-quarter of the seafood for 1-2 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a plate lined with paper
towel, repeat, in 3 more batches, reheating the oil between batches.
Place seafood on plates. serve with the lemon mixture.
Salt & Pepper Seafood
Good Friday is a time for fresh seafood, good friends and great wine.
METHOD
April 2017 16
Barbecued Swordfish with Salsa Verde
100ml extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, crushed
6 (about 150g each) swordfish steaks
1 cup (firmly packed) fresh continental
parsley leaves
1/2 cup (firmly packed) fresh mint
leaves
1/2 cup (firmly packed) fresh basil
leaves
4 anchovies, drained
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Olive oil, to grease
Lemon wedges to serve
Combine 1 tablespoon of the extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice, and half of the garlic in a
large shallow glass or ceramic dish. Add the fish and season with salt and pepper. Turn to coat
the fish in the lemon mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 10 minutes to marinate.
Place the parsley, mint, basil, anchovies, lemon rind and remaining garlic in the food processor
and process until coarsely chopped. Add the mustard, remaining extra virgin olive oil and
lemon juice, and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Brush a barbecue grill or chargrill with the oil to grease. Preheat on high. Drain the swordfish.
Cook the swordfish, basting with reserved marinade, for 2 minutes each side for medium or
until cooked to your liking.
Divide swordfish among serving plates and drizzle over salsa verde. Serve with lemon wedges.
INGREDIENTS
Good Friday is a time for fresh seafood, good friends and great wine
April 2017 17
INGREDIENTS
200g dark chocolate, chopped
200g butter, chopped
1 1/4 cups (275g) brown sugar
3 Free Range Eggs, lightly whisked
3/4 cup (110g) plain flour
1/3 cup (35g) cocoa powder
1/4 cup (60g) sour cream
CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
150g dark chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatine
3 Free Range Eggs
1 1/2 cups (375ml) thickened cream
150g milk chocolate, chopped
150g white chocolate, chopped
CHOCOLATE SAUCE
1/4 cup (60ml) thickened cream
50g dark chocolate
2 teaspoons brown sugar
Layered chocolate mousse cakes
Preheat oven to 160°C. Grease and line a 20cm x 30cm slice pan with baking paper, allowing the 2 long sides to
overhang.
To make the brownie, combine the chocolate and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 5
minutes or until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth.
Add the sugar and egg and stir to combine. Add the flour and cocoa, stirring until just combined. Add the sour
cream, stirring, until just combined. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a skewer
inserted into the centre comes out clean. Set aside in the pan to cool completely.
Turn the brownie onto a clean work surface. Use a 6cm-diameter round pastry cutter to cut six discs from the
brownie. Place brownie discs on a baking tray. Cut six 10cm x 30cm rectangles of baking paper. Lightly grease
the paper with cooking oil spray. Using brownie disc as the base, wrap the baking paper, greased-side facing
in, around the brownie making a tall collar. Secure with a staple.
To make the first layer of mousse, melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering
water. Meanwhile, stir 1 tbs boiling water with ½ tsp of the gelatin in a small bowl until gelatin dissolves. Add
to the melted chocolate and stir to combine. Separate one egg. Place the egg white in a medium bowl. Add
egg yolk to chocolate mixture and stir to combine.
Use an electric mixer to whisk ½ cup (125ml) of the cream until soft peaks form. Add to the chocolate mixture
and stir to combine. Use a clean electric mixer to whisk the egg white until soft peaks form. Gently fold into
the chocolate mixture until just combined. Divide evenly among the prepared baking paper moulds. Place in
the fridge for 20 minutes to set.
Make the second layer of mousse, repeat steps 5 and 6 with the milk chocolate. Pour over the chilled dark
chocolate mousse layer and place in the fridge for 20 minutes to set.
To make the white layer of mousse, repeat steps 5 and 6 with the white chocolate. Pour over the milk chocolate
mousse layer and place in the fridge for 6 hours or until completely set.
To make the chocolate sauce, combine the cream, chocolate and sugar in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook,
stirring, for 3 minutes or until chocolate melts and sauce thickens slightly. Set aside to cool.
Remove the paper collars from the mousses. Serve with chocolate sauce and chocolate curls.
April 2017 18
Good Reads: try PRACE Page Turner series
A chance encounter at a conference with a teacher from Ireland shed light on just how global the
popularity of PRACE’s PageTurners books. When Irish teacher heard we were from PRACE her first
comment was: “Oh, you’re the people who publish PageTurners – my students in Ireland love those
books!”
PageTurners are short, readable stories for adults learning to read. The books are published by PRACE
and designed by experienced teachers to show beginners that reading can be fun. The books are
sometimes funny, sometimes irreverent, and always on topics of interest to adults.
From humble beginnings at PRACE, PageTurners have become popular internationally, in Canada and
the USA as well as Australia and NZ.
The PageTurners team is made up of Anne Dunn, Chris Malakar, Moira Hanrahan (who does the
wonderful drawings), Michael Chalk who does the website and all the tech stuff, and Libby Barker who
oversees the project.
“We were tired of trying to find fun, interesting but easy-to-read stories for our students, so we created
our own series to suit “completely beginner” adult readers,” said Anne.
Although the stories are written in simple language, they aren’t baby books so they capture the interest
of older readers. The books are illustrated with entertaining cartoons and supported with extra
materials on the PRACE website.
One of the books which might be of interest to readers this month is the story of Simpson and his
donkey (Series 5 Book4). This well-known Australian tale is typical of the PageTurners style – a complex
story presented in simple language, with supporting
materials online.
For more information about PageTurners, visit
www.prace.vic.edu.au
April 2017 19
Research Roundup
Harnessing ADHD for
business success
We often hear ADHD talked about as a
negative, but German researchers have found
it can be a positive, especially for
entrepreneurs.
Although we often hear that the symptoms of
ADHD – poor concentration, hyperactivity and
a lack of self-regulation – seem to lower
performance, the researchers from the
Technical University of Munich found that
people with ADHD were willing to embrace
new experiences and demonstrated passion
and persistence – all vital traits for
entrepreneurs.
The research found that impulsiveness, often
seen as a flaw, allowed people with ADHD to
act under unforeseen circumstances without
become anxious or paralysed by fear. In
situations where others might feel highly
stressed, those with ADHD reported feeling at
ease and stimulated.
On the downside, they did struggle with
boredom when faced with some essential
business tasks, such as book-keeping.
Another “flaw” is hyperfocus – the unusual
level of concentration people with ADHD show
when they are really interested in a task. This
allows them to develop expertise and gain a
competitive advantage in their field.
People with ADHD often have a physical
restlessness and this, combined with their
hyperfocus, means they can work intensely for
long periods. This intensity comes and goes
during the day, which can be a problem in a
traditional workplace, but in their own
business they can set their own hours.
As a result, the researchers have suggested we
should reassess some of our assumptions
about productivity and entrepreneurship.
Coffee and chocolate – a match
made in heaven
Deep down, we always knew it, but science is proving that cocoa and caffeine are indeed the best marriage ever. Clarkson University researcher Ali Boolani examined the effects of brewed cocoa consumption on attention, motivation to perform cognitive work and feelings of anxiety, energy and fatigue.
In the study, some lucky “guinea pigs” drank brewed cocoa, cocoa with caffeine, caffeine without cocoa, and a placebo with neither caffeine nor cocoa. Then they were asked to do tests to evaluate both cognitive tasks and mood.
"It was a really fun study," said Boolani. "Cocoa increases cerebral blood flow, which increases cognition and attention. Caffeine alone can increase anxiety. This particular project found that cocoa lessens caffeine's anxiety-producing effects -- a good reason to drink mocha lattes!"
Before you envy the test subjects too much, bear in mind they had to work for the warm drinks. For example, they were asked to watch as letters flashed across a screen and note when an "X" appeared after an "A." They also had to point out when odd numbers appeared sequentially, and they were required to do subtraction.
"The results of the tests are definitely promising and show that cocoa and caffeine are good choices for students and anyone else who needs to improve sustained attention," says Boolani.
Clarkson University researcher Ali Boolani (above) recently completed a
study that explores the powers of cocoa and caffeine. Credit: Ting-Li Wang,
Clarkson University
April 2017 20
Research Roundup
Peers, more than teachers, inspire us
to learn
'Why do I have to learn this?' It's a common question among
students, but new research suggests students perform much
better academically when the answer is provided by their
peers rather than their teachers.
According to Michigan State University researcher Professor
Cary Roseth, teachers are good at was getting across cold
facts, while the peers seem to be tapping into an
identification process during courses.
"In other words, as a student, I can identify with my peers
and imagine myself using the course material in the same
way they do,” said Professor Roseth. “This gives the material
meaning and a sense of purpose that goes beyond
memorization. When I hear a peer's story, it connects to the
story I am telling myself about who I want to be in the
future."
Energy drinks mask
alcohol's effects,
increase injury risk
People who mix highly caffeinated energy
drinks with their alcoholic beverages may
be at increased risk for injury, according to a
review in the March issue of the Journal of
Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.
The lead researcher, Audra Roemer, said
the stimulant effects of caffeine mask the
result that most people get when they
drink.
"Usually when you're drinking alcohol, you
get tired and you go home. Energy drinks
mask that, so people may underestimate
how intoxicated they are, end up staying
out later, consume more alcohol, and
engage in risky behaviour and more
hazardous drinking practices," said Ms
Roemer.
Why pandas are black and white
The scientists who uncovered why zebras have black and white stripes (to repel
biting flies) have suggested an answer to this question in their research paper,
which was published in the March edition of the journal Behavioral Ecology.
The researchers found that the giant panda's distinctive black-and-white mark-
ings have two functions: camouflage and communication. They say that most of
the panda -- its face, neck, belly, rump -- is white to help it hide in snowy habi-
tats. The arms and legs are black, helping it to hide in shade.
The researchers believe that this dual colouring stems from the panda’s poor diet of bamboo and inability to digest a
broader variety of plants. This means it can never store enough fat to become dormant during the winter, as many
bears do. So it has to be active year-round, traveling across long distances and habitat types that range from snowy
mountains to tropical forests.
The markings on its head, however, are not used to hide from predators, but rather to communicate. Dark ears may
help convey a sense of ferocity; a warning to predators. Their dark eye patches may help them recognise each other
or signal aggression toward panda competitors.
April 2017 21
'Fitbits' to track elephant sleep in the wild
Some behavioural studies indicate that elephants sleep approximately 4 hours
in zoos, however the curiosity is how much do they sleep in their natural
environment? A study was conducted by researchers from University of the
Witwatersrand, who have used activity data loggers and “Fitbit” to study the
sleeping patterns of elephants in the wild.
The researchers have found that the wild elephants could sleep while standing
up or laying down. Understanding the patterns of sleep of elephants is
important for us to understand the animals themselves and discover new
information that may assist with better management and conservation
strategies.
April 2017 22
HOW TO INCREASE
CONCENTRATION WHILE STUDYINg
“Preparing” Part 1
1. Eliminating distractions as much as possible while studying is the best start. Choose a
place that is the most comfortable for you, also having a clean organized stress free
area will help eliminate potential distractions.
2. Experiment different areas. Whether you prefer to study with or without music, in
groups or studying solo.
3. Environment preferences are also essential as some either study in quiet, (such as a
private room or a library) while others thrive better in a background noise area. Your
ability to concentrate and be productive in different environments will reveal itself
rather quickly.
4. Gathering your study materials such as textbooks, highlighters, a small bin or anything
else you will need to concentrate so you don’t disrupt yourself by getting up and
down. Include little food snacks and a drink while your in the zone.
5. Sticking to a routine allows you to build studying time into a habit and knowing your
energy levels through the day is an also a key factor as it will distinguish the times you
are more energetic. This will
help your ability to focus and
concentrate on your work.
April 2017 23
“Maintaining” Part 2
1. Study Methods are effective as they help you stay concentrated while studying.
Every person studies different, so finding a method that suits you will maintain focus
and increase your chances at staying on task and absorbing what your reviewing.
For example: making note cards or drawings.
2. Practicing mental concentration strategies improves your concentration and pa-
tience while studying. Simple, effective strategies bring back your wandering mind,
when your thoughts lose track on your studies, say to yourself “This is now”, and fo-
cus back on your study material. As you do this over & over, you get better & better.
The number of times you break concentration should be less & less. And after prac-
ticing some of these strategies, you’ll probably begin to see improvement within
days.
3. Setting goals change your studying experience from having to “get through”, the sub-
ject and continually succeeding in progressing with your study session. Set goals for
yourself with something like “I will study 1-3 by 4.30 and take a break”. This trans-
form a study session from a large daunting task, to a smaller one.
HOW TO INCREASE
CONCENTRATION WHILE STUDYINg
April 2017 24
April 2017 25
FIND THE EGGS.
start
April 2017 26
BOOKS NEEDED! If anyone has any books that they would like to Donate to PRACE, for much need-
ed student resources, please hand them into reception. There is a permanent ta-
ble located in the lunch area. All books are placed on this table for sale. Prices for
books are 50 cents a book or 3 books for $1.00, payments are also paid to recep-
tion. The office is opened from 9am – 5pm.
April 2017 27
Answers to crossword
Easter Fun Facts
When taking a bite into a chocolate bunny, 76% of people prefer to bite off the
ears first. 5% eat the feet first and 4% eat the tail first.
Adults prefer milk chocolate (65%) over dark chocolate (27%).
86% would prefer having chocolate bunnies instead of a live rabbit.
The first chocolate eggs were made in Germany in the 19th.
In the old days pretzels were associated with Easter because the twists of the
pretzel were thought to resemble arms crossing in prayer.
The exchange of eggs for Easter dates back to a pre-Christian springtime custom
in which eggs were given as a symbol of rebirth.
April 2017 28
Address: 35 Sturdee Street
Reservoir VIC 3073
Telephone: (03) 94626077
Email: [email protected]
Web: prace.vic.edu.au
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