Course Profile   Mathematics of Personal Finance, Grade 11, College Preparation, Catholic and Public

 

Unit 7:  Managing Your Money

Time:  17 hours

 

Activity 7.1 | Activity 7.2 | Activity 7.3 | Activity 7.4 | Activity 7.5

Description

The impact of various factors on household budgeting is examined. Students investigate types of retailing (retail store, catalogue, Internet, etc.) and explore the alternatives to make a purchase decision. Currency conversions are analysed and the impact of foreign exchange rates on the purchases and/or travel plans of the consumer is considered. This leads to an examination of credit card/debit card features and the short-term and long-term effects of carrying credit card debt. Students apply this information, together with the income potential expected from their chosen career path, to design and justify budgets for a variety of family groupings. A variety of technological tools, including spreadsheets and the Internet facilitate explorations in this area.

 

Activity

Time

Expectations

Assessment

Tasks

1. Wide World of Money

225 min

PFV.04, PF4.07,

CGE5a

Knowledge/ Understanding

Application

Calculate currency exchange; currency exchange as a factor in investment decisions

2. The Informed Consumer

225 min

PFV.04, PF4.06,

CGE5a, CGE4f

Thinking/Inquiry/ Problem Solving

Communication

Compare types of retail selling and sales incentives in the context of making a household purchase

3. A Credit Concern

150 min

CIV.03, CI3.11, CI3.12,

CGE7b

Thinking/Inquiry/ Problem Solving
Communication

Examine credit card/debit card features; analyse the effects of delayed payment on credit card debt

4. Building a Budget

150 min

PFV.03, PF3.01, PF3.02, PF3.03,

CGE2b, CGE2c, CGE3c

Application
Communication

Prepare and analyse a budget for a given case study using a standard budget framework

5. The Cost of Living

225 min

PFV.01, PFV.02, PFV.03, PFV.04, PFV.05, PF3.04,

CGE2b, CGE2c, CGE3c, CGE5e

All Achievement Chart Categories

Design a personal budget based on individual career paths and portfolio information; analyse the effect of life changes on the budget

 

Activity 7.1:  The Wide World of Money

Time:  225 minutes

Description

Students investigate the need for currency exchange and the mathematics of currency conversions. Skills are extended with use of Internet to analyse the purchasing power of the Canadian dollar.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Personal Finance Decisions

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

CGE5a - a collaborative contributor who works effectively as an interdependent team member.

Overall Expectations

PFV.04 - demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions involving life situations.

Specific Expectations

PF4.07 - compare the value of the Canadian dollar with the values of foreign currencies over a period of time and identify possible effects on purchasing and travel decisions.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

·         Demonstrate facility in operations with rates, ratios, and proportions

·         Judge the reasonableness of solutions

·         Computer skills needed to obtain information from Internet sites

·         Time required to review the basics of stock market purchases (i.e., What does buying a stock mean? How are stocks purchased? What are stock prices based on?).

Planning Notes

·         Provide up-to-date currency conversion charts and stock market information from the business section of newspaper.

·         The following time frame is suggested:

·         Introduce currency exchange and study the mathematics of currency conversions. Newspaper clipping of current currency exchange rates will need to be provided (75 minutes)

·         Activity 1 – Assess student knowledge using websites pertaining to foreign exchange rates and currency conversions. (75 minutes)

·         Activity 2 - Use knowledge of currency exchange to make decisions regarding which stock exchange to use to make stock purchases and to assess the best investment value (75 minutes)

·         Reserve computer time (150 minutes) to provide access to Internet.

·         Selectively place students in pairs.

·         Test websites to be used in activities (see Resources).

Teaching/Learning Strategies

Teacher Facilitation

·         Begin a class discussion on the importance of currency conversion. Include in the discussion the following topics:

·         Why exchange money to a foreign currency?

·         Where can we find currency exchange rates?

·         What are the names of currencies in different countries?

·         What is the meaning of exchange rates given in newspaper (e.g., $1 U.S. = $1.5293 Can)?

·         Why do currency exchange rates change every day?

·         What is the difference between buying and selling rates

·         Teachers may choose to have students visit shopping websites from other countries and compare the cost of common items (e.g., CDs, groceries, etc.). This activity will establish a reason for carrying out currency conversions.

·         Provide a lesson using the concept of ratios and proportions to solve currency conversion problems. Include in the lesson the conversion of Canadian dollars to foreign currencies as well as the amount of Canadian dollars received from selling a certain amount of foreign currency. Use a newspaper clipping for current exchange rates.

Follow-up Activity

The teacher should supplement the lesson with textbook exercises on:

·         conversions among foreign currencies

·         calculating the rate of exchange given corresponding currency amounts

Teacher Facilitation

·         Activity 1 has students use a recommended Internet website to obtain current currency exchange rates.

·         The teacher needs to explain the meaning of the different columns in the website.

·         With the use of these rates, students convert a fixed amount of Canadian currency into the corresponding foreign currency for any five countries the students choose.

·         Students then convert fixed amounts of foreign currencies supplied to them into Canadian dollars.

·         A second website containing a currency converter verifies all pencil-and-paper calculations done.

·         A third website provides students with visual representations of a variety of foreign currencies.

·         Students also analyse and interpret the graphs given in the website relating fluctuations in the exchange rate over a period of time for the five countries selected in the activity.

·         Computer facilities need to be provided.

·         Alternate websites may be provided by the teacher.

Student Activity 1

Students use this activity to review currency conversions. An Internet website is provided to locate current currency exchange rates, to verify currency conversion calculations, and to view the appearance of foreign currencies and graphs of fluctuations in currency exchange rates over a period of time.

1.   Choose five countries of interest and record them in the chart below. Using the website
www.travlang.com/money/, enter the exchange rate between the countries you have chosen and
Canada in the appropriate column.

2.   Convert $125 Canadian into the appropriate foreign currency. Show all of your calculations below the table. Record the amounts in the chart below.

Country

Exchange Rate

Amount of foreign currency for $125 Canadian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.   Verify your currency conversions by using the Currency Converter located on the website www.travlang.com/money/.

4.   Convert each of the fixed foreign currency amounts to Canadian dollars. Use the website www.travlang.com/money/ to record exchange rates. Show all of your calculations below the table.

Amount of foreign Currency

Exchange Rate

Amount in Canadian dollars

30 British pounds

 

 

40,000 Spanish pesetas

 

 

200 U.S. dollars

 

 

50 French francs

 

 

250,000 Italian lira

 

 

5.   Verify your currency conversions by using the Currency Converter located on the website www.travlang.com/money/.

6.   Use the website www.travlang.com/money/ to:

a)   observe the appearance of the foreign currencies of the countries you selected;

b)   examine the graphs relating the fluctuations in the exchange rates during a specified period of time. Explain why there would be fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Choose one graph and provide a summary of factors that may have influenced currency exchange rate fluctuations.

7.   How might knowledge of currency exchange rates and fluctuations in exchange rates influence your travel decisions? Of the five countries investigated in question 1, which do you think would be the best travel value monetarily? Explain your choice.

Teacher Facilitation

Lead a class discussion regarding the difference between buy and sell rates of U.S. currency. Consider the situation in which money is lost when Canadian funds are converted to U.S. funds; a purchase is made; and the remaining U.S. funds are then converted back to Canadian currency. Additionally, a discussion of the incentives in particular countries of spending U.S. or Canadian money as opposed to domestic currency (i.e., value of U.S./Canadian dollar as compared to local currency).

·         In Activity 2, students extend their knowledge of currency exchange in a stock market application that involves comparing foreign and domestic stock markets to determine the best investment value. Note: it is not the intention of this activity to prepare students to make sound stock market investments, but merely to compare stock purchase prices on different stock exchanges.

·         Sample companies that trade on both Canadian and foreign stock markets are provided (the teacher may supplement this list with other examples).

·         Further stock information may be obtained either through newspaper sources or from the Internet. Similarly, current currency exchange information can be obtained on the Internet or may be provided by the teacher.

·         A lesson on how to interpret stock share prices is required.

·         A class discussion on the value of investing in ethical funds is recommended.

·         Students may work in partners or small groups to complete this activity.

·         Each group should prepare a written report to summarize their recommendations. The written report rubric (see Appendix B) should be reviewed prior to beginning the activity.

·         As an extension, teachers may consider implementing a longer-term stock market study: “give” student groups $5000.00 CAD and have them “invest” in Canadian, American and other foreign markets. They may then track their investments over the course of the semester, reporting their final profits (or losses) in Canadian dollars.

Student Activity 2

You have recently been hired as a financial advisor at a local bank. One of your clients is interested in investing several thousand dollars in the stock market. She has researched several companies that trade on both the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). She has determined the four companies in which she wishes to invest. She wants you to determine how to get the best value for her Canadian money. Should she trade exclusively on the TSE; the NYSE; or a combination of both? Use the Internet, or stock exchange information provided, to complete this activity.

1.   Complete the following chart to organize your information. Include all of your conversion calculations in your written report.

Company

Price per Share On TSE
(CAD)

Price per Share on NYSE
(USD)

NYSE Price Converted to CAD

Decision

Nortel Networks (NT)

 

 

 

 

General Motors (GM)

 

 

 

 

Daimler-Chrysler
(DCX)

 

 

 

 

Sears

(S) – NYSE
(SCC) – TSE

 

 

 

 

2.   Based on the information obtained, what recommendations would you make to your client?  Justify your recommendations with mathematical reasoning.

3.   Are there any other factors that should be considered before your client invests? (e.g., Are there differences in commission rates or other service charges between the two stock exchanges. Will exchange rate fluctuations affect her long-term investment?) Are these factors significant enough to affect your recommendations?

4.   Would your recommendations have been valid in:

a)   the early 1990s when the exchange rate between Canada and the US was $1.00 CAD for
$0.86 U.S.D?

b)   the early 1970s when the exchange rate was $1.10 U.S. for $1.00 CAD?

5.   In your research, you have come across a company that trades on more than one exchange:

Disney:  trades on both the New York and French Stock Exchanges

a)   Complete the following table for this company. Show all of your calculations in your written report.

Company

Price per share on New York Stock Exchange (USD)

New York Stock Exchange Price Converted to CAD

Price per share on French stock exchange (Fr)

French price converted to CAD

Disney/Euro Disney

 

 

 

 

b)   What recommendation would you make if your client was interested in investing in this company?

6.   Are there any other companies that you have found in your research that trade on more than one stock exchange? If so, provide a comparison table for your client (similar to the tables used).

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

·         Knowledge/Understanding skills can be assessed in a quiz on currency conversions; by student conferencing to determine understanding of exchange rates and how to calculate them; and within Internet activities (accuracy of currency conversions).

·         Thinking/Inquiry/Problem-solving, Communication and Application skills can be assessed within the written reports using criteria outlined in Appendix B.

·         Initiative, teamwork, and work habits can be assessed in group work sessions. The students’ ability to work independently can be assessed by monitoring the extent to which they independently retrieve and interpret stock market information.

Accommodations

Provide extra time to complete Internet activities, if necessary.

Resources

Business section of newspaper (currency/stock market information)

Internet website pertaining to currency conversions; the appearance of foreign currency and the exchange rate fluctuation graphs www.travlang.com/money/

New York Stock Exchange: http://www.nyse.com/

Toronto Stock Exchange: http://www.tse.com/

French Stock Exchange:  http://www.tdd.lt/slnews/Stock_Exchanges/Stock.Exchanges.html

Appendices

Appendix B – Written Report Rubric

Activity 7.2:  The Informed Consumer

Time:  150 minutes

Description

Students identify advantages and disadvantages of various techniques of selling and types of sales incentives. Students choose a common retail item and compare purchasing costs and buying incentives for several modes of selling. Students independently summarize their findings and mathematically justify their recommendations for the purchase in a written report.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Personal Finance Decisions

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

CGE5a - a collaborative contributor who works effectively as an interdependent team member;

CGE4f - a self-directed responsible life-long learner who applies effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving and resource management skills.

Overall Expectations

PFV.04 - demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions involving life situations.

Specific Expectations

PF4.06 - identify the advantages and disadvantages to the purchaser of various types of selling (e.g., Retail store, catalogue, telemarketing, multi-level marketing, Internet) and techniques of selling (the use of loss leaders, the use of incentives, such as coupons).

Prior Knowledge & Skills

·         Calculate sales tax

·         Currency conversions/applications of exchange rates

·         Construct and analyse data in charts, tables, and graphs

Planning Notes

·         Students use the Internet to research on-line shopping. It may be necessary to reserve computer lab time for a minimum of 75 minutes.

·         A variety of retail sales flyers and catalogues should also be provided to the students for comparison of common retail items (ensure these are appropriate for the items being researched).

·         Since Internet shopping research will likely involve U.S. (or other foreign) pricing, students need to have completed the section on currency conversions prior to this activity.

·         If spreadsheet software is to be used, a review lesson may be necessary.

Teaching Learning Strategies

Teacher Facilitation

·         As a whole class, brainstorm to elicit student knowledge of the various types of sales incentives (e.g., coupons, scratch and save, points, delayed payment plans).

·         Arrange students in small groups to analyse the pros and cons of a specific type of sales incentive.

·         Circulate amongst the groups to offer guidance and suggestions.

·         Following this group activity, the groups present their findings to the class. The teacher supplements any information missed by student groups.

Student Activity 1

The students work in small groups to analyse the pros and cons of a specific type of sales incentive discussed in class. The students focus on the financial aspects (long-term and short-term) of each incentive type.

Teacher Facilitation

·         This topic leads into a whole-class brainstorming session on the various types of retail selling (e.g., retail store, catalogue, telemarketing, Internet) and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

·         Following this discussion, arrange students into pairs or small groups to complete student Activity 2.

·         Various retail flyers and catalogues should be provided for price comparisons.

·         Computer time will also be required to research the Internet shopping option.

·         Teachers may choose a retail item suitable for their class to be researched and may opt to alter the information to be researched accordingly.

·         Students submit a letter to their parents summarizing their findings. Provide a rubric in advance (see Appendix B).

·         The teacher may also choose to have students share their findings through oral presentations (see Appendix A for oral presentation rubric).

·         An extension activity is provided and teachers may choose to assess this based on the written report rubric (Appendix B).

Student Activity 2

Your family wants to purchase a new refrigerator for the home. You have been asked to research the various types of retail selling to determine the best option for your family. You have decided to limit your research to retail stores (specialty and big box), catalogue shopping, and the Internet.

1.   Use a spreadsheet to complete the following chart:

 

Item Cost

Delivery/ Shipping Costs

Sales Tax

Exchange Rate (if applicable)

Duty Charge

Total Purchase Cost in CAD$

Delivery Time

Warranty Offered

Method of Payment Available

Level of Convenience (low, med, high)

Sales Incentives Offered

Retail Stores:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catalogue/ Mail-order

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.   Construct an appropriate graph to compare total purchase costs of each of the retail selling methods.

3.   Describe the other factors that may influence your purchase decision.

4.   In a letter to your parents/guardians explain your recommendation for the refrigerator purchase. Justify your purchase decision based on sound mathematical reasoning and analyse all factors you considered in making your decision. Include the spreadsheet and graph to support your recommendation.

Extension

Would your recommendation change for lower-ticket items (e.g., clothing, books)? Repeat your analysis for a lower-priced item of your choice and make a mathematically justified recommendation for this item.

Follow-up Discussion

Lead a class discussion regarding the influence of media on purchase decisions and the pros and cons to the consumer of advertising techniques used to promote products. Students should consider the possible conflict between consumerism and personal values (i.e.,  The use of underpaid labour in third world factories).

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement:

·         Knowledge/Understanding components can be assessed based on the organization of information within the spreadsheet and the use of appropriate formulas to generate spreadsheet values.

·         Thinking/Inquiry/Problem-solving and Application skills can be assessed within the letter to the parents/guardians based on the reasoning used, the graphs provided, and the selection of mathematical tools used to justify purchase decision.

·         Communication skills can be assessed in Activity 1 using the Oral presentation rubric (Appendix A) and within the letter and/or oral presentation in Activity 2 using the appropriate rubric
(Appendices A, B).

·         Teamwork and initiative can be assessed in the group work components. Organization can be assessed within the written report. (See Appendix C for rubric)

Resources

Retail flyers and catalogues

Internet shopping site addresses

Appendices

Appendix A – Oral Presentation Rubric

Appendix B – Written Report Rubric

Appendix C – Learning Skills Rubric

 

Activity 7.3:  A Credit Concern

Time:  225 minutes

Description

Students study and compare the features of various credit and debit cards. The effects of delayed and minimum payments on credit card balances are investigated with the use of spreadsheets.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Personal Finance Decisions

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

CGE7b - a responsible citizen who accepts accountability for one’s own actions.

Overall Expectations

CIV.03 - demonstrate an understanding of the effect on investment and borrowing of compounding interest.

Specific Expectations

CI3.11 - determine, through investigation, the features of various credit and debit cards;

CI3.12 - demonstrate, using technology, the effects of delayed payment on a credit card balance, on the basis of current credit card rates and regulations.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

·         Facility in operations with percent

·         Judge the reasonableness of solutions

·         Facility with computer spreadsheet software

Planning Notes

·         Provide debit card information from various local banks (if Internet access will not be available).

·         Provide various anonymous credit card

·         Reserve computer time (75-150 minutes).

·         If spreadsheet programs have not been used previously, a lesson on spreadsheet software may be required.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

Teacher Facilitation

·         Lead a class discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of using debit cards (e.g., availability of debit machines; bank charges for use; decreased need to carry cash; time-savings when doing banking; effects on bank teller jobs; etc.). The discussion should be supplemented with information regarding the fees that local banks impose for using debit cards (e.g., number of bank card transactions that are allowed; charges for using other bank machines, etc.).

·         To complete Activity 1, the teacher should provide students with debit card information from a variety of local banks.

·         Working in partners, have students complete a summary information table for debit cards from various local institutions.

·         Solutions can be collected and assessed for knowledge/understanding and communication.

Student Activity 1:  Analysing Debit Cards

1.   Use the information provided to complete the following information table. For consistency, use information that pertains to student or youth savings accounts.

Bank Card

Service Charges to Use

Fees for Using Other Bank Machines

Incentives Offered

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.   Suppose you have the following transaction record for one month:

·         your student savings account has a balance of $512.29

·         you make five bank machine withdrawals of $10.00 each from your own bank’s ATM.

·         you make three bank machine withdrawals of $20.00 each from another bank’s ATM.

·         you make two deposits: one of $85.00 and one of $105.24 using your bank’s ATM.

·         you make 10 direct payment purchases that total $215.64 at various local stores

Use the debit card information from question 1 to calculate the charges that will be applied to your account this month, and the closing balance of your savings account at the end of the month? Which banking institution offers the best rates for your banking habits this month. Show all of your calculations for each debit card researched.

3.   Compare the advantages and disadvantages of carrying cash versus using debit cards.

Teacher Facilitation

·         This discussion of debit card use leads into a discussion of an alternative form of payment that is provided by credit cards.

·         As a whole class, brainstorm a list of the various credit cards available

·         Lead a class discussion to elicit the advantages and disadvantages of credit cards.

·         Using prepared overhead transparencies of sample credit card statements, lead students through an analysis of information found on credit statements.

·         Organize students in pairs and distribute sample credit card statements to each group (alternately, students may work in partners to find the necessary information on the Internet).

·         Students are to complete a table analysing the features of various credit card types, using the sample credit card statements or Internet information.

·         Following this activity, the results should be discussed on a whole-class basis. Discussion points to consider include: benefits to the credit card company in providing credit; the importance of verifying transaction information, and factors to consider when choosing a credit card. Additionally, it may be appropriate to discuss the consequences to the consumer of the excessive use of credit cards to make purchases that are beyond what they can afford.

Student Activity 2: Comparing Credit Cards

1.   Use the Internet, or credit card statements provided, to complete the following table:

 

Credit Card

Where Can it be Used?

User Fee

Incentives to use

Annual Interest Rate

Daily Interest Rate

Minimum Payment Calculation

How can bills be paid?

Is Cash Advance Offered?

Options if Lost?

Visa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MasterCard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Express

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.   Which credit card do you think offers the best features for the consumer? Do you think consumers should have more than one credit card? Explain your answer.

Teacher Facilitation

·         Upon completion of Activity 2, emphasize the following in a class discussion:

·         the advantages/disadvantages of credit and debit cards.

·         the features of different credit cards.

·         the benefits of credit card use to credit card companies.

·         the verifying of correct transaction information.

·         the consequences for non-payment of credit cards.

·         Before proceeding to Activity 3, provide opportunities for students to practise calculating interest charges on credit card balances. Note: that for past-due bills, interest may be charged retroactively on all purchases from the date they were posted to the credit card (using the daily interest rate).

·         Teaching time must be spent developing the formulas that will be used in the spreadsheets.

·         The written report rubric (Appendix B) should be reviewed prior to beginning the activity.

·         All or part of the activity may be assessed using an oral presentation. (see Appendix A for rubric)

Student Activity 3:  Credit Card Debt

You have a credit card balance of $513.24 for a stereo you purchased on February 3rd. The payment is due at the first of every month. The credit card company charges an annual interest rate of 17.5%, and calculates minimum payment amounts as $10.00 or 3% of the balance, whichever is higher. The interest charges are calculated retroactively to the purchase date using the daily interest rate. You are unable to pay the balance off in full at this time and are considering three different payment options:

i)    paying the minimum payment amount until the balance is paid in full

ii)   paying the minimum payment amount for 6 months and then paying the balance in full

iii)   paying $75.00 each month until the balance is paid in full

1.   Create three different spreadsheets, using the format shown below to illustrate the scenarios described above. Develop formulas for the appropriate cells of the spreadsheet to complete the required calculations. Show sample calculations for each spreadsheet in your written report.

 

Month of Payment

Amount Due ($)

Due Date

Payment Made ($)

Balance After Payment

Interest Rate per Day (%)

Total Interest Charged ($)

New Balance ($)

1

500

Mar. 1

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This activity assumes no other purchases are made on this credit card

Note that the “New Balance” becomes the “Amount Due” in the next line

General Questions

1.   If the stereo had cost $1000.00, what effect would this price change have on the amount of interest paid and the time required to pay off the bill, under each of these payment plans?

2.   Suppose your local bank is offering fixed-rate personal loans (minimum $1000.00) at a rate of 10% per year. Would it be to your advantage to take out a loan to pay off your credit card debt? Show calculations to support your answer.

Teaching Option: For students requiring additional direction use the following guided questions.

Scenario 1

1.   What is the balance due after 4 months? 6 months?

2.   How much time is required to pay off this bill, using this payment method?

3.   What is the total cost of using a credit card to purchase the stereo if you follow this payment method?

Scenario 2

1.   What is the total cost of using a credit card to purchase the stereo if you follow this payment plan?

Scenario 3

1.   What is the total cost of using a credit card to purchase the stereo if you follow this payment plan?

2.   Will this payment plan cost you more or less than Scenario 2? What is the cost difference between Scenarios 2 and 3?

Follow-up Skills

Teacher should supplement these activities with a variety of paper-and-pencil type questions involving the effects of delayed payment and minimum payments on credit card balances.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

·         Knowledge/Understanding can be assessed in pencil-and-paper tasks and quizzes on interest calculations and delayed payment effects.

·         If directed questions in the teaching option box are not utilized, students may be assessed for Thinking/Inquiry based on their analysis of the delayed payment scenarios.

·         Communication can be assessed within the written and oral reports using the criteria outlined in Appendices A and B.

·         Application can be assessed based on the formulas used to produce the spreadsheets and on the ability to create workable spreadsheets.

·         Initiative and teamwork, can be assessed in the group work components.

·         Organization can be assessed within the written and oral reports (see Appendix C for rubrics).

Accommodations

·         Provide students having difficulty with a prepared spreadsheet.

·         Allow extra time to complete written reports when warranted by the individual student’s IEP.

Resources

Choices and Decisions – Taking Charge of Your Financial Life (a resource available from VISA – see www.visa.com)

Appendices

Appendix A – Oral Report Rubric

Appendix B – Written Report Rubric

Appendix C – Learning Skills Rubric

 

Activity 7.4:  Building a Budget

Time:  195 minutes

Description

This activity introduces students to the use of budgets as an organizational and analytical tool for household finances. Students work in small groups to complete a budget analysis for an assigned case study. Students use provided financial information and estimated living costs for the assigned scenario and, using appropriate mathematical forms such as charts, graphs, spreadsheets and calculations, explain and justify the budgets generated.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Personal Finance Decisions

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

CGE2b - an effective communicator who reads, understands and uses written material effectively;

CGE2c - an effective communicator who presents information and ideas clearly and honestly and with sensitivity to others;

CGE3c - a reflective and creative thinker who thinks reflectively and creatively to evaluate situations and solve problems.

Overall Expectations

PFV.03 - design effective personal and household budgets for individuals and families described in case studies.

Specific Expectations

PF3.01 - describe and estimate the living costs involved for different family groupings (e.g., A family of four, including two young children; a single young person; a single parent with one child);

PF3.02 - design a budget suitable for a family described in a given case study, reflecting the current costs of common items (e.g., interest rates, utility rates, rents), using technology (e.g., Spreadsheets, budgeting software, the Internet);

PF3.03 - explain and justify budgets, using appropriate mathematical forms (e.g., Written explanations, charts, tables, graphs, calculations).

Prior Knowledge & Skills

·         Construct and analyse graphical representations of data

·         Make reasonable estimates

·         Calculate percentages

·         Construct and analyse charts, tables and spreadsheets

Planning Notes

·         Prepare an appropriate number of case studies for student groups (see Appendix for examples) with scenarios that are realistic for your class.

·         Prepare “actual” values to correspond to each case study. These values should be realistic for your region.

·         Provide students with a budget framework to guide work on activity (see Appendix for sample)

·         Reserve computer facilities to allow students to use appropriate software to construct spreadsheets, graphs, charts, etc.

·         If spreadsheets have not been used in previous activities, a lesson on the use of spreadsheet/ budgeting software may be necessary.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

Teacher Facilitation

·         Have students brainstorm in groups to list the major categories for income and expenses that will form the budget framework. (Note: the sample budget framework provided in the appendix is only a guide and should be altered to suit the needs of the class). Students could design the budget framework themselves and the design could be used to assess problem-solving.

·         Arrange students into small groups and distribute a case study to each group.

·         Students should organize the financial information for their case on a spreadsheet (computer facilities will need to be available).

·         Have students explain how they may have had to modify their original budget to incorporate the information provided in the case studies.

·         Teachers circulate among the groups to help students make realistic estimations of some expenses. Sample household utility bills may also be available to help students to estimate living costs.

·         In the interest of time, it is recommended that students submit one written report per group. Similarly, if oral presentations are to be utilized, one presentation per group is sufficient.

Student Activity 1

Students use the information in their case study to fill in the budget framework provided. This information is best organized using a spreadsheet or budgeting software. Based on an analysis of the budget, each group completes a written report and shares their analysis with the class in the form of an oral presentation.

Instructions for students:

1.   Read over the case study assigned to your group. The case studies incorporate a considerable amount of information. The assessment of your work will focus on the best use of the information provided since there is more than one way to use it.

2.   As a group, determine realistic values to complete the budget framework provided. The budget information should be organized using a spreadsheet or budgeting software. Be prepared to explain and justify how you arrived at your values.

3.   Use the spreadsheet to determine the total income as compared to the total expenses.

4.   If there is a budget deficit (i.e., expenses are greater than income), decide amongst your group how the budget could be adjusted. Consider how discretionary items (e.g., cable TV, entertainment) could be altered to produce a more acceptable budget.

5.   Based on the information you have budgeted for, calculate the percentage of total income spent on:

·         Housing (rent/mortgage/taxes/insurances)

·         Food

·         Savings

·         Utilities (phone, cable, hydro, heat, etc.)

·         Vehicle costs (payments/gas/insurance)

·         Child Care

·         Entertainment

·         Charitable Donations

·         Other

6.   Complete a written report to summarize the budget for your case study. Include in your report clear justifications for the values chosen by your group. Your report should also include suitable graphs to compare relevant information from your budget. Evaluate the financial situation for the family described in your case. Make recommendations that could improve the family’s financial future. Refer to the written report rubric when preparing your report.

7.   Organize your information into an effective oral presentation. Assign each group member to an equal portion of the oral presentation. Refer to the oral presentation rubric when preparing your report.

Teacher Facilitation

·         Students should present their findings to the class in the form of a formal oral report. Rubrics for the oral presentation and written report should be reviewed with the students in advance.

·         Class discussion of each case enhances the learning experience.

·         Following the presentations, distribute the actual income/expense solutions to each group. Teachers should model these “actual” values to reflect realistic local living expenses.

·         Groups are to re-convene and compare their budgeted information with the actual values. They are to assess the validity of their budgets and determine the areas that had unrealistic estimates.

·         A written report is to submitted and should be evaluated using a rubric (see Appendix B). This activity provides some further insight prior to completing Activity 7.5.

Student Activity 2

Your teacher will distribute the actual income/expenses for your case. Within your group, compare your budgeted values with these actual values.

1.   Add a column to your spreadsheet entitled “actual values” and fill in the information supplied by your teacher.

2.   Add another column entitled “difference from budgeted values” and calculate the differences.

3.   In which areas were your budgeted values within 10% of the actual values? Show your calculations to justify your answer. Indicate these areas on your spreadsheet by using shading or borders.

4.   In which areas were your budgeted values more than 10% off the actual values? Show your calculations to justify your answer. Show these areas on your spreadsheet with different shading or borders than in spreadsheet 2.

5.   Write a summary report to explain any differences between your budget and the actual values. What changes would you make in your estimations next time?

6.   Re-assess the financial situation of the family in your case study based on the actual values provided. Make any recommendations for financial improvements based on these actual values.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

·         A short paper-and-pencil test (approximately 45 minutes) can be utilized to assess desired categories of the Achievement Chart. The test should allow students to design and analyse a budget for a given case scenario. Basic calculations, estimations, fund allocation, partitioning and recommendations for financial planning can be incorporated in the design of the test.

·         Problem-solving can be assessed based on the organization and design used by students in the development of the budget framework (if this was not provided by the teacher)

·         Thinking/Inquiry/Problem-solving and Application can be assessed based on the graphs, and justification used in the written and oral reports (see Appendices A and B).

·         Communication skills can be assessed within the written report and oral presentation using the criteria outlined in Appendices A and B.

·         Teamwork, initiative, and organization can be assessed within the group work sessions, using the learning skills rubric (Appendix C).

Accommodations

·         Group students with reading/writing difficulties with others who can provide help

·         Allow extra time when warranted by the individual student’s IEP

·         Allow students with difficulties in oral communication to practice their presentations with teacher feedback

Appendices

Appendix A – Oral Report Rubric

Appendix B – Written Report Rubric

Appendix C – Learning Skills Rubric

Budget Framework

Case Studies


Appendix

Sample Case Studies

 

Case 1:  Married/Double Income

Julio and Theresa have been married for two years and have recently purchased their first home, a 1500 square foot bungalow, for $150 000.00. They had a down payment of $20 000.00 and mortgaged the rest. They have a 10-year term mortgage (amortized over 30 years) at 8.5% per annum. They make mortgage payments twice a month. The home is heated with natural gas and they have subscribed to cable television. The taxes on the home are calculated at a rate of 2% of the value of the home. The taxes are divided into four equal payments per year. They have homeowners insurance that covers the contents and replacement cost of the home. Julio is a computer technician making $38 500/year. His salary is paid weekly and his net pay is 70% of his gross salary. He also pays benefits that amount to $150 per month. Theresa is an assembly plant worker who makes $22/hour and generally works a 40-hour regular work-week plus six hours overtime, for which she is paid at a rate of time and a half. She is paid weekly and her total deductions are 40% of her gross pay. Julio has student loan payments of $250/month and has 12 payments left. They also have a credit card debt of $3000.00, which they are paying off at a rate of $200/month. They are paying a credit card interest rate of 18% per annum. They have agreed that until the credit card is paid off, they will not use it. They have one car that is paid for and a second small car that they have just leased for $300/month. The combined insurance cost for the cars is $1500.00 per year, which they pay monthly. There is a one-time service charge of $35.00 for choosing this payment option. They have not started any retirement investments yet and have $2000.00 in their savings account. Once a week, Julio and Theresa go out to dinner and a movie. Once a year, they vacation for one week in Florida. They have no children, but would like to start a family in the next year or so.

Case 2:  Married/Double Income with Children

Lisa and Mohammed have been married for 10 years. Lisa is a respiratory therapist making $50 000.00 per year. Lisa is paid biweekly and her net pay is 65% of her gross salary. She does not receive benefits. Mohammed is a police officer making $55 000.00 per year. He is also paid biweekly and his total deductions are 40% of his gross pay (included in these deductions are his benefits). They have just moved to a new city and have decided to rent, rather than buy a house. They rent a 3-bedroom home and pay $1200 per month. They are responsible for paying all utilities and insurance on the contents of the house. They do not pay the property taxes on the house. The house has electric heat, cable television and two phone lines to accommodate their Internet connection. They have three children, ages seven, four, and one. The two younger children are in daycare, which costs $30.00 per day per child. They drive a two year-old mini-van with payments of $300.00 per month. The insurance costs $800.00 per year, which they pay monthly. They have a family membership at the local gym and enjoy swimming and working out. They pay monthly for their membership. They do not carry a credit card balance, preferring to pay off their bills when they are due. This month’s credit card bill is $1500.00. They are also trying to save for their children’s education and contribute $200.00 per month, in total, to an RESP. With three children, their social life is limited to a play, once a month, at the community theatre, which costs $25.00 per ticket, and the occasional dinner out. On Friday’s, they order pizza and videos to enjoy with their children. They are saving money to purchase a house and currently have $5000.00 in their savings account. They would like to buy a house by the end of the year. The family attends Mass regularly at
St. Mary’s church and contributes $10 to the weekly collection.


Appendix  (Continued)

 

Case 3:  Single

Keisha is a secretary at a local construction company. She makes $12.00 per hour and usually works 37 hours per week. She does not work overtime. She is paid weekly and her deductions amount to 25% of her gross pay. She just bought her parents’ old car for $2000.00. She pays them $150.00 per month and pays $500.00 per year for insurance. Her insurance payments are made monthly. Keisha still lives at home, and pays $300 per month rent to her parents. She also contributes $50.00 per week for groceries. Keisha goes out for lunch three times a week with her co-workers and eats out with friends every Saturday evening. She has decided to return to college part-time, in the evening, to earn a diploma in Social Work. Her tuition costs $500 per semester and her books cost $250 per semester. She has recently purchased a computer and printer for $2300.00 and makes monthly payments to the computer store. The computer store had a sales incentive offering equal monthly payments with no interest or service charges. Keisha carries a credit-card balance of $1500.00 and makes payments of $100.00 per month. She is being charged an annual interest rate of 18%. Keisha makes contributions of $25.00 per week to an RRSP and donates 2% of her net monthly earnings to sponsor a child in a third-world country. She is saving for a dream vacation to Europe.

Sample Budget Framework

 

Budgeted Amount Per Month ($)

Actual Amount Per Month ($)

Savings/Investments:

 

 

Income:

 

 

Main Job

 

 

Other Sources

 

 

Total Income

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

Rent/mortgage

 

 

Property taxes

 

 

Electricity

 

 

Heat

 

 

Home Insurance

 

 

Telephone

 

 

Cable Television

 

 

Groceries

 

 

Car payments

 

 

Gas

 

 

Car Insurance

 

 

Car repairs/maintenance

 

 

Life Insurance

 

 

Day Care

 

 

Tuition Fees

 

 

Student Loans

 

 

Other educational costs

 

 

Membership fees

 

 

Dining out

 

 

Other Entertainment Costs

 

 

Credit Card Payments

 

 

Charitable Donations

 

 

Total Expenses

 

 

Balance (Income – Expenses)

 

 

 


Activity 7.5:  Summative Assessment: The Cost of Living

Time:  225 minutes

Description

Students extend their knowledge of budgets introduced in Activity 7.4 by designing a personal budget based on their chosen career path. Using a template, spreadsheets, charts, and tables, they design a budget that reflects the information in their portfolio, as well as details provided in a “Life Scenario”. Using spreadsheets, students study the impact of changes to a budget using “Unexpected Changes” scenarios. They share their experiences during oral presentations, while general knowledge and impressions are to be summarized using a journal entry.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Designing Budgets

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

CGE2b - an effective communicator who reads, understands and uses written materials effectively;

CGE2c - an effective communicator who presents information and ideas clearly and honestly and with sensitivity to others;

CGE3c - a reflective and creative thinker who thinks reflectively and creatively to evaluate situations and solve problems;

CGE5e - collaborative contributor who respects the rights, responsibilities and contributions of others.

Overall Expectations

PFV.01 - demonstrate an understanding of the costs involved in owning and operating a vehicle;

PFV.02 - determine, through investigation, the relative costs of renting an apartment and buying a house;

PFV.03 - design effective personal and household budgets for individuals and families described in case studies;

PFV.04 - demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions involving life situations;

PFV.05 - apply decision-making in the investigation of career opportunities.

Specific Expectations

PF3.04 - determine the effect on an overall budget of changing one component, using a spreadsheet or budgeting software;

In addition - the outcomes of all specific personal financial decision expectations are utilized in this summative activity.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

·         Development and use of spreadsheets

·         Knowledge of the basic elements of a personal budget

·         Knowledge of accommodation and vehicle cost calculations

Planning Notes

·         Students will work individually using their portfolio information.

·         Assign “Life Scenarios” to each student (see Appendices).

·         Match “Unexpected Changes” to the appropriate “Life Scenario” (i.e., if a homeowner, do not give a change related to an apartment).

·         Provide access to computers (spreadsheets or budgeting software).

Teaching/Learning Strategies

Teacher Facilitation

·         Activity 1 reinforces and extends students’ knowledge of the elements of a personal budget.

·         Students develop a budget template for use in the remaining activities. It should reflect all the necessary basic elements (housing, food, utilities, savings, transportation, etc.) and any other elements that are applicable to the students. The template used in Activity 7.4 may be used and altered as required.

Student Activity 1

The students develop a template for a basic personal budget based on the examples provided in previous case studies. This template will be modified in Activity 2 to meet the criteria of the assigned scenarios.

Teacher Facilitation

·         Activity 2 makes the concept of budgets more personal and students are to use their own “career” information to develop individual budgets.

·         In order to make this activity more realistic, “Life Scenarios” are used to direct the students in formulating their budgets. Sample “Life Scenarios” are provided in the Appendix but should be expanded and modified to suit the needs of the individual class. Teachers may choose to put these “Life Scenarios” on index cards and have students randomly draw their scenario.

·         Budgets should be designed using spreadsheet or budgeting software as they will be used and modified in part 3 of Activity 7.5.

·         Travel brochures should be made available to students (alternately, they may choose to research travel destinations on the Internet).

Student Activity 2:

Using spreadsheets the students are to develop a personal budget, based on the template from Activity 1 that includes their portfolio information and the assigned scenario.

1.   You will receive a “Life Scenario” indicating the parameters (marital status, earnings of spouse, college loans, number of children) for developing your personal budget.

2.   You are to calculate/estimate your total monthly income, based on the information provided.

3.   Information from Unit 5 (accommodation) and Unit 6 (vehicle costs) is to be re-examined and placed in the budget.

4.   You should determine a realistic amount for your savings/investments.

5.   Other costs are to be calculated/estimated based on realistic information (estimates of local utilities, information from parents, Internet).

6.   The overall budget should be calculated using a spreadsheet, and adjusted, as needed, to avoid a deficit situation.

7.   It has been decided that a portion of the money remaining at the end of the month will be used towards a vacation. This vacation will be as simple or as extravagant as your budget will allow. Choose three destinations (two must be in another country) that can be accommodated by your budget. Prepare a cost analysis of this vacation (including transportation, accommodation, entertainment, etc.) in Canadian funds. How long will it take you to save for this vacation? What percentage of your discretionary income will be spent in each case? Which destination will you choose? Why?

8.   A copy of the budget and travel cost analysis is to be included in the your portfolio.

Teacher Facilitation

·         Activity 3 demonstrates how certain factors can affect budgeting by providing students with “Unexpected Changes” (scenario cards) that must be factored into their budgets. Samples of “Unexpected Changes” are provided in the Appendix but should be expanded and modified to suit the needs of the class. The actual monetary value of some of these changes can be estimated based on local factors. Teachers may choose to put these “Unexpected Changes” on index cards to be randomly drawn by students.

·         The impact of these changes can best be illustrated by having individual students present their case history. By sharing their experiences, students can learn about a variety of real-life situations that can affect one’s budget. The journal questions can be adapted to particular class concerns.

·         Students will each receive one “Unexpected Change” scenario, which will provide information about a real-life situation that affects one’s budget. Students must modify their personal budget to reflect this change and then share their experience and knowledge with the class.

Student Activity 3

1.   You will receive an “Unexpected Change” scenario.

2.   Using the budget developed in Activity 2, modify your personal budget to reflect the change. This may mean repartitioning the funds, moving money from savings, etc.

3.   Will this “Unexpected Change” affect your ability to afford the vacation planned for in Activity 2? Explain.

4.   You are to include a copy of your modified budget in your portfolio.

5.   You are to present your scenarios and budgets. Oral presentations, focus on the variety and impact of these changes on personal budgets in general.

6.   You should record your own views regarding personal budgets and the various challenges in a journal by addressing various concerns. For example,

a)   What impact does an “unexpected” change have on one’s budget?

b)   How might one prepare for the unexpected challenges to one’s budget?

c)   Given the outcome of your personal budget, comment on your impressions of your choice of career and the lifestyle it can provide. Will you now consider other career opportunities or are you satisfied with your career choice?

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

·         Knowledge/Understanding can be assessed within the budgets produced (i.e., partitioning of funds and the adjustments made based on the “unexpected changes”). Individual conferencing can also be used to assess the understanding of realistic budget values. Students may demonstrate their knowledge of resource partitioning by completing a budget in a quiz format.

·         Communication can be assessed in oral presentations and journals using rubrics.

·         The design of the budget to allow appropriate partitioning of funds can be used to assess Problem-solving skills.

·         Application can be assessed by the ability of students to incorporate the given changes into the personal budget in Activity 3 (i.e., Which budget factors need to adjusted; accuracy of adjustments).

·         Organization, initiative, work habits, and independence could be assessed during all the activities using the learning skills rubric (Appendix C).

·         Opportunities for teamwork can be assessed throughout, by monitoring the sharing of individual approaches and ideas. Peer evaluations may also be utilized to assess teamwork.

Accommodations

·         Group students with reading or writing difficulties with other students who will be able to help them.

·         Alter case studies as necessary to accommodate students.

·         Allow extra time when warranted by the individual student’s IEPs.

·         Allow students with difficulties in oral communication to practice their presentations with teacher feedback.

Appendices

Appendix A Oral Report Rubric

Appendix B – Written Report Rubric

Appendix C – Learning Skills Rubric

“Life Scenarios”

“Unexpected Changes”


Appendix

Sample Life Scenarios

 

Marital Status

Net Earnings of Spouse

Accommodation

College Loan

Number of Children

Single

 

Apartment

None

None

Single

 

small house

None

None

Married

none

small house

None

2

Married

$15 000/year

Apartment

$10 000 to be paid off in 10 years

2

Married

$20 000/year

House

$10 000 to be paid off in 10 years

1

Married

none

House

None

3

Married

$30 000/year

House

None

3

 

 

 

 

Appendix

Sample “Unexpected” Changes Scenarios

 

Category

Change

Apartment

rent increase of 2% per year

House

need new roof

House

need new furnace

Car

need new transmission

Car

need new exhaust system

Job

6-month lay-off with 15% of pay

Job

promotion with an increase of 10% in pay

Spouse

promotion with an increase of 10% in pay

Spouse

parental leave – receive 55% of pay for 1 year


Appendix A

Oral Presentation Rubric

(Adapted from the Grade 10 Mathematics Applied: Catholic Course Profile)

Category

Level 1

(50 – 59%)

Level 2

(60 – 69%)

Level 3

(70 – 79%)

Level 4

(80 – 100%)

Knowledge/ Understanding

- understanding of concepts

 

- ability to perform algorithms

- demonstrates a limited understanding of concepts

 

- limited ability to perform algorithms

- demonstrates some understanding of concepts

 

- performs algorithms with some ability

- demonstrates a considerable understanding of concepts

 

- regularly performs algorithms with considerable accuracy

- demonstrates a thorough understanding of concepts

 

- consistently and accurately performs algorithms with a high degree of accuracy

Thinking/
Inquiry/
Problem-solving

- logical and organized presentation of argument

- presents arguments with limited logic and organization

- presents arguments with some logic and organization

- presents arguments with considerable logic and organization

- presents arguments with consistent logic and organization

Communication

- use of mathematical terms

 

- response to questions

- limited use of appropriate mathematical terminology

 

- can respond effectively to a limited number of class questions

- inconsistent use of appropriate mathematical terminology

 

- can respond effectively to some class questions

- regular use of appropriate mathematical terminology

 

- can respond effectively to a considerable number of class questions

- consistent use of appropriate mathematical terminology

 

- can respond effectively to class questions

Application

- generalization

- limited generalization of mathematical relationships

- generalizes some mathematical relationships with prompting

- effectively generalizes mathematical relationships

- generalizes mathematical relationships beyond scope of task

Note: A student whose achievement is below level 1 (50%) has not met the expectations for this assignment or activity.


Appendix B

Written Report Rubric

(Adapted from the Grade 10 Mathematics Applied: Catholic Course Profile)

Category

Level 1

(50 – 59%)

Level 2

(60 – 69%)

Level 3

(70 – 79%)

Level 4

(80 – 100%)

Knowledge/ Understanding

- understanding of concepts

 

- ability to perform algorithms

 

 

 

 

- presentation of data in tables and graphs

- demonstrates limited understanding of concepts

 

- requires considerable help to perform simple mathematical algorithms

 

- tables and graphs present data limited accuracy

- demonstrates some understanding of concepts

 

- performs some simple mathematical algorithms with accuracy

 

- tables and graphs present data some accuracy

- demonstrates considerable understanding of concepts

 

- performs mathematical algorithms of some complexity with accuracy

 

- tables and graphs present data considerable accuracy

- demonstrates a thorough understanding of concepts

 

- performs complex mathematical algorithms with accuracy

 

- tables and graphs present data a high degree of accuracy

Thinking/Inquiry/ Problem-solving

- presentation of arguments using logic and organization

- presents arguments with limited logic and organization

- presents arguments with some logic and organization

- presents arguments with considerable logic and organization

- presents arguments with logic and organization

Communication

- use of appropriate mathematical terms

 

 

- drawing conclusions

- limited use of appropriate mathematical terminology

 

- makes limited appropriate conclusions

- some use of appropriate mathematical terminology

 

- makes some appropriate conclusions

- considerable use of appropriate mathematical terminology

 

- makes considerable appropriate conclusions

- consistent use of appropriate mathematical terminology

 

- makes effective conclusions

Application

- application of concepts or procedures

- applies concepts or procedures to problems seen in familiar settings in limited ways

- sometimes applies concepts to problems seen in familiar settings

- regularly applies concepts and procedures to problems seen in familiar settings

- consistently applies concepts and procedures to problems seen in familiar, and some unfamiliar settings

Note: A student whose achievement is below level 1 (50%) has not met the expectations for this assignment or activity.


Appendix C

Learning Skills Checklist

(Adapted from Grade 10 Mathematics Applied:  Catholic Course Profile)

Works Independently:  The student requires no supervision and is self-reliant

Needs Improvement

Satisfactory

Good

Excellent

- requires constant supervision to complete work

- requires moderate supervision to complete work

- requires minimal supervision to complete work

- completes work without supervision

- selects materials, resources and activities with considerable direction and assistance

- selects materials, resources and activities with some assistance

- selects materials, resources and activities with minimal assistance

- selects materials, resources and activities independently

- requires consistent encouragement and reinforcement to remain on task

- requires some encouragement to remain on task

- requires minimal encouragement to remain on task

- remains on task independently

- uses a variety of learning strategies with direction and assistance

- uses a variety of learning strategies when provided with some assistance

- uses a variety of learning strategies

- uses a variety of learning strategies independently and effectively

 

Work Habits/Homework: The student complete homework; demonstrates on-task behaviour and demonstrates appropriate classroom behaviour

Needs Improvement

Satisfactory

Good

Excellent

- often does not complete homework

- requires frequent reminders to complete homework

- regularly completes homework

- consistently and independently completes homework

- requires considerable supervision to follow instructions

- requires some supervision to follow instructions

- requires minimal supervision to follow instructions

- follows instructions without supervision

- has difficulty taking complete and/or accurate notes

- occasionally takes complete and/or accurate notes

- regularly takes complete and accurate notes

- takes accurate, detailed notes, often adding own information

- requires regular conferencing to complete work and demonstrate appropriate behaviour

- requires some reminders to complete work and demonstrate appropriate behaviour

- accepts responsibility for work completion and appropriate classroom behaviour

- accepts responsibility and consequences for work completion and classroom behaviour

 


Appendix C  (Continued)

 

Teamwork: The student contributes to the overall group effort by sharing information, developing ideas and show respect to team members

Needs Improvement

Satisfactory

Good

Excellent

- has difficulty working toward group goals

- occasionally works toward group goals

- usually works toward group goals

- consistently identifies group goals and works toward achieving them

- has difficulty following direction and shares little information

- occasionally follows direction and shares information with the group

- usually follows direction well and readily shares information with the group

- consistently follows direction well and readily shares useful information with the group

- rarely performs more than one role in the group

- occasionally performs more than one role in the group

- usually performs more than one role in the group

- consistently performs more than one role in the group

- rarely contributes  to the development of group ideas

- occasionally contributes to the development of group ideas

- usually contributes to the development of group ideas

- consistently contributes to the development of group ideas

 

Organization: The student is able to give structure or order to a task

Needs Improvement

Satisfactory

Good

Excellent

- requires considerable supervision to follow established routines

- requires some reminders to follow established routines

- follows established routines and has developed effective personal routines

- follows established and personal routines independently and successfully

- has difficulty meeting deadlines

- requires consistent reminders to meet deadlines

- regularly meets deadlines

- consistently meets deadlines

- rarely brings resources required for class

- occasionally brings resources required for class

- usually brings required resources to class

- consistently brings required resources to class

- has difficulty with time management

- requires help with time management strategies

- is able to develop and use time management strategies

- consistently able to develop and utilize time management strategies

 


Appendix C  (Continued)

 

Initiative: The student is a self-starter who immediately begins tasks, demonstrates leadership, promotes group dynamics, develops new ideas, offers assistance to others, is creative and enthusiastic, is confident, and accepts responsibility for own learning.

Needs Improvement

Satisfactory

Good

Excellent

- requires supervision to start and complete tasks

- occasionally requires supervision to start and complete tasks

- able to independently begin and complete tasks

- consistently and independently begins and complete tasks

- requires help to develop a plan of action and needs supervision to follow through with plan

- requires some supervision to develop and follow through with plan of action

- can develop and follow through with a plan of action

- consistently able to develop a plan of action and independently follows through with plan

- rarely takes on a leadership role within a group

- makes attempts to demonstrate leadership within a group

- regularly demonstrates leadership within a group

- consistently demonstrates leadership role within a group

- rarely volunteers creative ideas

- sometimes volunteers creative ideas

- regularly volunteers creative ideas

- consistently contributes creative ideas and promotes the sharing of ideas by other group members

 

 

 

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