Last
month, we implemented a pilot program for inquiry-based learning at the Grade 8
level. The provincial government recognizes inquiry as a way of
personalizing learning because it fosters the skills and competencies learners
need to succeed in the 21st century. We are very excited about giving
learners the opportunity to pursue their own interests, while they develop the
necessary skills to be life-long learners and responsible global citizens.
The
Grade 8s have had regular morning classes and have been using every afternoon
to explore the big idea, “What is our relationship with water?” Learners
have had the opportunity to work in small groups or individually. In this
collaborative, cross-curricular setting, subject-area teachers have taken on
advisory roles, observing learners and assessing the skills and competencies required
across all disciplines. These competencies include:
- Communication
- Critical
and Creative Thinking
- Personal
and Social Relationships
Learners
have been working at refining the big idea into their own more manageable
guiding questions. They are required to gather artifacts of learning that
demonstrate their progress including any research, and they must use digital
journals and portfolios. The March Report will include anecdotal comments
that will explain how learners have fulfilled the required competencies and
learning standards across all curricular areas.
We
invite you to help us continue to foster a culture of inquiry at St. Pat’s. Please
feel free to ask your son/daughter about his/her inquiry studies and encourage
him/her to continue to probe more deeply. On Tuesday, March 4th,
the learners will showcase the results of their inquiry in our gym and
science wing, from 6pm to 8pm. We invite parents
and community members to come and celebrate personalized learning at St. Pat’s
- mark your calendars!
