Rationale
Domain 2: Classroom Environment KSA 6. "Teachers create and maintain environments that are conducive to student learning". One of the aspects of High school redesign we are focusing on is to create a positive, safe and welcoming environment for students. Such an environment is obviously conducive to student learning. |
Reflection
As part of High School Redesign in the province of Alberta St. Joseph high school as created the St. Luke’s pod which runs like a school within a school. Four core teachers are responsible for 92 students every morning all year. I asked a group of our students to create a video showing us what being in the “pod” means to them. The result was a video that exceeded my expectations. The creation of “family” was our intent with this group of students. Because of this positive environment, truancy and behavioural issues are minimal with no need for the administration to step in. Our students are just that: OUR students. |
Learning Spaces
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Relevance
The Literature Review of Learning Spaces uses peer reviewed articles to discuss how the use of classroom space can contribute to environments that are supportive to student learning (Domain 2 KSA 6). Discussion of how spaces can create community and collaboration, enhance student engagement and encourage inquiry through a shift from traditional classrooms towards flexible spaces. It is only logical that the spaces in which the creation of knowledge takes place changes from the traditional into ones that are more conducive to 21st century learning. Reflection This year we have incorporated flexible learning spaces into our "pod" of grade 10 students. Students have the opportunity to work collaboratively in and between classes. We have learned that proximity between classrooms and between teachers is important because it allows us to share responsibility for all students supporting each other in The changes and the implementation of new curriculum and High School Redesign in Alberta warrant a shift from the “traditional” way of educating students. |