Champions of Students

Concept-Based LearningJanuary 22-24, 2019

Parent-Trustee Forums

Champions of Students

Today - Quick Overview

• What is happening with curriculum in AB?

• What is concept-based learning?

• How does the new concept-based curriculum differ from current curriculum?

• How are we preparing for the implementation of the new curriculum?

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WHY New Curriculum?

• Current curriculum is 8-30 years old

• Meet the demands of living in today's world

• Increased need to place a greater emphasis on 21st century competencies and literacy and numeracy across subjects and grades.

• Permeation of First Nation, Metis and Inuit ways of knowing, history and foundational knowledge and Francophone perspective

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The Guiding Framework

https://education.alberta.ca/curriculum-development/whats-new/everyone/frequently-asked-questions/

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What has happened thus far?

• New curriculum development has begun in Alberta

• Development led by Curriculum Working Groups

• Working groups comprised of AB Ed leads, district and ATA-nominated teachers, some interest groups

• Early introductions and scope and sequence released for public review last spring

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What’s happening next?

• Draft K-4 outcomes are complete and will be reviewed by the review groups

• Signed-off by minister in Dec 2018 of K-4 outcomes

• Draft K-4 implementation has been accepted

• No implementation date provided yet

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What does the new K-4 curriculum look like?

• Divided into 6 subject areas: Math, LA (and FLA), Social Studies, Science, Fine Arts, Wellness

• Fine Arts – includes Visual Arts, Drama, Dance, and Music

• Wellness – includes Physical Education, Health and Human Sexuality

• These curricular groupings can be reorganized when taught, as long as outcomes are covered

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Conceptual Learning in Action

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• Features a three-dimensional design, with “conceptual understanding” as the third dimension (facts and skills still needed)

• When students understand, they are able to better retain and transfer their learning (Lanning, 2013).k to add text

Concept-Based Paradigm: Curriculum

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Here’s What’s Different - Paradigm Shift

• This will result in fewer outcomes, to allow for deeper inquiry into fewer topics

• Foundational knowledge will need to be acquired but the focus will move from surface memorization to wider application and higher-order processing

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Exemplar: 3D Curriculum

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Concepts transfer over time.

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How I Show My Learning=Personal Choice

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Benefits of Concept-Based Learning?

• Allows students to transfer their understanding and to see the patterns and connections at the conceptual level

• Students retain factual knowledge longer

• Students move away from “doing” skills to understanding the “why” and the “how”

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Topics vs Concepts

Topics Concepts

Dinosaurs Extinction

Adaptation

Government Roles

Structure

Power

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Topic v/ Concept

Topic Concept are:

Frames a set of facts Timeless

Related to specific people, places, situations or things

1-2 words or short phrases

Topics relate to specific factual examples

Universal

e.g. Canada's response to political influence from China

e.g. Habitat

Topics DO NOT transfer Concepts DO transfer

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Topic or Concept?

• Patterns

• Freedom

• Picasso: Art & Influence

• Ecosystems in the Amazon Forest

• System

• Stampeders Win the Grey Cup

• Value

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Concept-Based Learning

As the video is playing, please take time to write down any new learning or language for you.

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Role of Parents/Guardians

Parents will need support to understand the shift to a concept-based curriculum as it differs from what they have experienced.

The role of parent/guardians continues to be the active support and encouragement of their child.

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How Can Parents Help Their Children be Successful in a Concept-Based Learning Environment?

What other ways can you as a parent encourage concept-based learning?

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Next Steps:

• K-4 Field Testing in Pilot Schools- September 2019

• Grades 5-9 Curriculum Writing- Currently in progress

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• Feedback sheets (green)

• New Curriculum Session was videotaped at yesterday’s session and will be posted on the website.

Additional Information…

Closing Prayer

All:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord God, you fill us with every spiritual gift and make us holy. Continue to open our hearts and our minds to your presence and love that we may recognize our calling and dedicate ourselves in service to you. May we always be eager to do what is good at all times and in all circumstances.

Pour out your Spirit of wisdom and strength upon our children and all of the students in our Catholic schools. Root them deeply in your Word and in the truth of your abiding love and presence. Help them trust in your goodness and be filled with your peace that they may be resilient and rise above any challenge they may face. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.