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Course Profile   Advanced Learning Strategies: Skills for Success after Secondary School (GLS4O/GLE4O/GLE3), Grade 12, Open, Public

 

Course Overview

Policy Document:  The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12,
                                    Guidance and Career Education, 2000.

Prerequisite:  For GLS4O – Career Studies, Grade 10 Open

For GLE4O and GLE3O – Recommendation of principal

Course Description

This course improves students’ learning skills, preparing them to make successful transitions to work and postsecondary education and become independent, lifelong learners. Students will learn how to assess their learning abilities and use critical reading, time management, and other techniques for promoting effective learning. In addition, they will investigate learning requirements for employment and postsecondary education or training and develop plans for learning after secondary school.

Course Notes

The focus of Guidance and Career Education courses from Grades 9 through 12 is specific to the decisions that students are currently making and to the particular context of the course.

 

Course

Course Code

Focus

Learning Strategies

GLE1O

GLE2O

Strategies for success in school

Goal setting, decision making and planning for learning in school

Career Studies

GLC2O

Consolidation and application of the skills and knowledge required to continue learning and to make career/life decisions

Goal setting, decision-making (course selection) and planning based tentative postsecondary plans

Leadership and Peer Support

GPP3O

Development and use of leadership and support knowledge and skills for use in specific, experiential contexts

Goal setting, decision making and planning is focused on identified needs for leadership and support

Designing Your Future

GWL3O

Designed to provide students with a comprehensive opportunity to explore the world of work, their own specific individual interests and characteristics and to make postsecondary decisions based on these

Advanced Learning Strategies

GLS4O

GLE3O

GLE4O

Focuses on the skills and strategies for learning and how they relate to school, to a postsecondary destination and to transition and change

Goal setting, decision making and planning for postsecondary learning and the on-going development of life long learning skills

 

In the Advanced Learning Strategies course, students refine their postsecondary plan based on a specific destination (workplace or postsecondary education) and begin to implement pieces of this plan.

All Guidance and Career Education courses encourage application of learning and career exploration in real contexts, e.g., community involvement, work experience, cooperative education, volunteering, job shadowing, school-work transition programs, apprenticeship programs, internships, mentoring.

The Grade 12 Advanced Learning Strategies: Skills for Success After Secondary School course is designed to prepare students for success in their postsecondary destinations. This profile is designed to help these students consolidate their learning skills and develop an appropriate plan for transition to life after high school. It is a timetabled opportunity to help students get ready for their postsecondary destination. It is often selected as an elective by exceptional students. This course may be modified to suit the needs of students who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP). The modified course is identified by the code GLE4O. Advanced Learning Strategies may also be adapted for Grade 11 students who have an IEP; in this case the course code GLE3O should be used. Students may obtain a credit for each of GLE3O and GLE4O. Concepts critical to a modified program include Learning Skills, Self-Advocacy Skills, and planning for postsecondary work and/or education.

The Grade 12 Advanced Learning Strategies Course may also be used as a related course for Cooperative Education and it may also serve as a course for ESL students.

Guiding Questions

The course profile is framed by two guiding questions:

1.   How do I become a self-directed lifelong learner?

2.   How can I successfully manage transitions in my life?

It is important that the teacher explicitly connect all teaching and learning activities in the course to the two guiding questions so that students understand the purpose of the course. The guiding questions should be continually highlighted, e.g., posted in the classroom to focus the goals of the course.

Key Learning Areas

To provide a framework for the teacher and students, this course profile has been structured around six key learning areas. Ongoing growth of knowledge and skills in each of the six key learning areas is essential to the development of a self-directed, lifelong learner who can successfully manage transitions in life. The overall and specific expectations of the course align with the six key learning areas.

Guiding Questions

·         How do I become a self-directed lifelong learner?

·         How can I successfully manage transitions in my life?

Key Learning Areas

Overall Expectations

1.   Understanding and using thinking and learning skills and strategies

LSV.01 - demonstrate an understanding of theories related to individual learning processes and to the ways the brain stores and recalls information;

LSV.02 - demonstrate the effective use of learning and thinking skills and strategies;

PKV.02 - identify the learning skills and strategies they need to improve to ensure success in selected postsecondary settings.

2.   Using research and inquiry skills

EOV.01 - demonstrate the ability to use research/inquiry and information management strategies effectively to locate, analyse, organize, and communicate information related to postsecondary learning.

3.   Conducting self analysis

LSV.03 - describe personal factors that may interfere with learning and thinking and identify strategies to reduce negative impacts;

PKV.01 - produce an analysis of their learning behaviour, identifying their learning strengths and needs and the ways in which they learn best;

PKV.02 - identify the learning skills and strategies they need to improve to ensure success in selected postsecondary settings;

PKV.04 - explain the positive and negative impacts of personal factors on achievement.

Key Learning Areas

Overall Expectations

4.   Identifying, evaluating and selecting options based on self analysis and research

EOV.02 - demonstrate knowledge of selected fields of work and of trends related to work in order to make decisions about postsecondary learning;

EOV.03 - demonstrate knowledge of a variety of postsecondary education and training opportunities and assess them on the basis of personal criteria;

EOV.04 - identify and describe the learning environments and resources available to support learning in postsecondary education/training and work contexts.

5.   Developing and adjusting personal plans for ongoing change and transition

LSV.04 - produce a personal plan for maximizing their learning while in secondary school and in subsequent years;

EOV.04 - identify and describe the learning environments and resources available to support learning in postsecondary education/training and work contexts.

6.   Understanding and using personal management and transition management skills

PKV.03 - evaluate their personal management skills, habits, and characteristics that contribute to success in education/training and work after high school and demonstrate the ability to use these effectively;

PKV.04 - explain the positive and negative impacts of personal factors on achievement;

TCV.01 - identify the strategies required to manage transitions from secondary school to postsecondary destinations effectively;

TCV.02 - produce an evaluation of their own transition management skills and identify those requiring improvement;

TCV.03 - demonstrate the effective use of decision making, goal-setting and action-planning strategies to prepare for their transition to their first postsecondary destination.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

Inquiry Process

In this course, teaching should not only convey the knowledge and skills of the subject but also provide students with a process for effective learning that they can use throughout their lives. The “continuous inquiry process”, outlined in the Guidance and Career Education curriculum policy, is a critical lifelong learning strategy. Using the inquiry process helps students learn how to define and investigate critical questions and issues and to synthesize and communicate the results of their investigation.

A Self-Directed Learning Process

It is important that students in guidance and career education courses “learn by doing” and have opportunities to practise being self-directed learners. Self-directed learners use purposeful and intentional strategies and ways of thinking to help themselves learn. Self-directed learners:

1)   are aware of the skills and strategies they use to learn and understand when and how to use them;

2)   monitor their demonstrations of learning and self-assess based on specific criteria;

3)   solve problems they encounter in their learning;

4)   set goals for improvement and follow through on these, making adjustments as needed.

In this course, this is presented as a cyclical learning process. (See A Self-Directed Learning Process, Course Overview, Appendix 1.)

Portfolios

Portfolios help make this learning process concrete. They require students to collect evidence or proof of their learning so that they can consider what they have learned, determine how well they did and what they need to do next. The portfolio process is a significant tool for teaching students the steps in the learning process described above and in Course Overview, Appendix 1 – A Self-Directed Learning Process.

It is recommended that students collect evidence of their learning in this course in a portfolio organized according to the Key Learning Areas. Any assignment, assessment or demonstration of learning may be put in the portfolio. By doing this, students not only practise the steps of the learning process but also compile evidence of learning required for this course profile’s suggested final 30% evaluation component.

Instructional Strategies

In this course, learning expectations are met through a variety of instructional strategies:

Direct Instruction

·         direct teaching

·         demonstration

·         explicit teaching of thinking skills and strategies

·         explicit teaching of self-assessment and reflection

Interactive Learning

·         small group co-operative learning

·         small group discussion

·         interviewing

Indirect Instruction

·         guided teacher and student directed inquiry

·         individual and group research

·         reflective discussion

Experiential Learning

·         simulation, role-playing

·         community-based learning experiences, e.g., field trips, job shadowing

 

It is important for students to have multiple opportunities to practise their learning. The teaching/learning process, therefore, includes modeling or demonstration of the concept, guided practice, and independent practice prior to summative evaluation.

Teaching and learning activities include:

·         choice, where possible, in student tasks and assignments;

·         the use of graphic organizers, e.g., Venn diagrams, mind maps, tables;

·         opportunities to use information technologies;

·         opportunities for students to use their learning preferences, e.g., learning styles/multiple intelligences to learn and demonstrate learning;

·         opportunities to apply learning in new contexts;

·         opportunities to reflect on learning, to self-assess and to determine next steps.

Units:  Titles and Time

 

Introduction to the Guiding Questions and Key Learning Areas

 

Unit 1

What Do I Know?

20 hours

Unit 2

How Can I Maximize My Potential for Learning?

22 hours

Unit 3

How Can I Plan Ahead?

30 hours

*Unit 4

How Can I Put My Plan into Action?

28 hours

Final 30% Evaluation Component – Part A: Summarizing My Learning

– Part B: Learning to Change

10 hours

* This unit is fully developed in this Course Profile.

Unit Overviews

Unit 1:  What Do I Know?

Time:  20 hours

Unit Description

By the end of this unit, students develop a Learner Profile which consolidates the skills, habits and characteristics that have helped them get to this point. The learner profile should be presented as actively as possible, e.g., a talk show format during which students interview each other about their profiles, and present an analysis of their own thinking and learning supported by specific personal examples.

Unit 1 begins with a brief exploration of the two major themes of the course: managing transitions and self-directed lifelong learning. Students arrive at a definition of the term ‘transition’, e.g., the process people go through when they need to make a change. Students discuss briefly some aspects of successful transition management using examples from lives of people they know or see in the media. Students determine that they are in the midst of a transition to a postsecondary destination and that this course is designed to help them manage that transition.

Teachers introduce students to the two guiding questions for the course and the six key learning areas. The presentation of the framework to students helps them connect course work to the guiding questions and the six key learning areas. The teacher also outlines how the six key learning areas are addressed in the final summative evaluation for the course.

A key transition management skill is the ability to take stock. The bulk of Unit 1 is spent on the development of the learner profile. The students consolidate what they know so far about their thinking, learning and personal management strategies. Students demonstrate application of the knowledge in their daily lives with a view to transferring the knowledge and skills to life beyond secondary school. The learner profile includes a look at barriers to successful learning, thinking and personal management and some strategies they have used to overcome these barriers.

Students approach this course from varied backgrounds. Teachers need to gather diagnostic information on student knowledge and use of thinking skills, learning strategies, self-analysis, and personal management skills and determine the amount of time to spend on Unit 1 concepts accordingly. Since Grade 10 Career Studies is the prerequisite course, teachers may assume students have some prior knowledge and application of personal management and self-analysis skills. As well, the Teacher-Adviser Program and the Annual Education Plan process have provided students with opportunities to learn how to set goals and plan for their accomplishment.

Unit 1 Activities focus on:

·         Key Learning Area 1 – Understanding and Using Thinking and Learning Skills and Strategies

·         Key Learning Area 3 – Conducting Self Analysis

·         Key Learning Area 6 – Understanding and Applying Personal Management and Transition Skills

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus

1

TCV.01, TC1.01, TC1.02, TC1.04

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/Inquiry

What is a transition? What are some transitions that people experience? What is this course about? How will this course help me?

Students:

·         examine some examples of transitions to arrive at a definition of the term transitions;

·         determine that they are in the midst of a personal transition to a postsecondary destination;

·         understand the focus of the course, how it relates to transitions through discussion of the two guiding questions and six key learning areas and how this understanding will be reflected in the final evaluation.

2

LSV.01, LSV.02, PKV.01, LS1.01, LS1.03, LS2.01, LS2.05, LS2.07, LS3.03, PK1.01, PK1.02, PK1.03, PK2.02

Knowledge/ Understanding Communication Thinking/Inquiry Application

What skills, habits and characteristics do I currently have that have helped me get to this point in my life?

Students:

·         summarize what they know about their own learning preferences and strengths, e.g., learning styles, multiple intelligences, use of learning skills and strategies.

3

PKV.03, PK2.02, PK2.03

Knowledge/ Understanding Communication Thinking/Inquiry Application

What do I know about personal management strategies and which ones do I use effectively?

Students:

·         examine a variety of personal management strategies;

·         determine which ones they currently use to achieve their goals.

4

LSV.03, LS3.01, LS3.03

Knowledge/ Understanding Application Communication

What are some barriers to learning and which barriers affect me?

Students:

·         examine a variety of barriers to learning;

·         determine any barriers that apply to themselves;

·         outline strategies that may reduce the impact of these barriers.

5

PKV.01, LS2.06, LS3.01, LS3.07, PK1.01, PK1.02, PK2.02, EO1.08, TC1.04

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication

What do I know about myself as a learner?

Students:

·         develop and present their own learner profile that describes and documents their learning strengths, use of learning skills and strategies, use of personal management strategies and strategies for dealing with barriers;

·         provide documentation that includes examples and anecdotes from their lives with specific references to the use of skills, habits and characteristics that have contributed to successful transitions.

 

Unit 2:  How Can I Maximize My Potential for Learning?

Time:  22 hours

Unit Description

By the end of this unit, students will have completed a research project related to aspects of learning and factors that influence learning. Students use the information gained from their research to set goals for their own learning, and apply these in a personal context.

Students expand their knowledge of the research/inquiry process and apply the skills required for self-directed life-long learning. Students research a variety of topics to practise and refine their research/inquiry skills and to gain an understanding of thinking and learning skills and strategies, motivation, stress management and the brain. Students use print, Internet and other media, e.g., interview, e-mail as sources for research.

In this unit, students practise being self-directed learners. Students have opportunities to determine a focus for learning, participate in learning experiences, apply this learning in new situations, assess the results and determine next steps.

Unit 2 Activities focus on:

·         Key Learning Area 1 – Understanding and Using Thinking and Learning Skills and Strategies

·         Key Learning Area 2 – Using Research and Inquiry Skills

·         Key Learning Area 3 – Conducting Self Analysis

·         Key Learning Area 6 – Understanding and Using Personal Management and Transition Management Skills

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus

1

LSV.01, EOV.01, LS1.02, LS2.02, LS2.03 LS2.04, LS3.02, PK2.04 PK2.06, EO1.04, EO1.08

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry

What do I know about the brain and learning?

Students:

·         review the research process:

·         Step 1 Preparing for Research

·         Step 2 Accessing Information

·         Step 3 Processing Information

·         Step 4 Transferring Learning

 

·         research (using print and Internet sources) and summarize information about how we learn, e.g., motivation, impact of stress on learning, information processing, storage, retrieval.

2

EOV.01, LS2.04, PK2.03, PK2.08, EO1.08, LS2.02, LS2.03

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Application Communication

What can I find out about how others manage their time and resources to maximize their learning and effectiveness?

Students:

·         conduct e-mail, direct interviews and research print and Internet resources;

·         synthesize and summarize this information.

3

PKV.02, PKV.04, PK1.01, PK1.02, PK2.01, PK2.02, PK2.06, LS1.02, LS3.05, LS3.07

Thinking/ Inquiry Application

How can I use the information from our research to impact my own learning and effectiveness?

Students:

·         examine their learner profiles and analyse their learning skills and personal management skills in terms of the researched information;

·         do a gap analysis to determine areas in which they can be more effective;

·         determine need for support and self advocacy.

4

PKV.03, LSV.02, PK1.03, PK2.05, PK2.07, PK2.08, LS2.02, LS2.05, LS2.07, EO3.02, LS3.07, EO1.08

Thinking/ Inquiry Application Communication

How can I apply what I have learned to become a self-directed, lifelong learner?

Students:

·         select an opportunity in which they can apply some of their learning skills/strategies and/or personal management skills. They self-assess their application and impact and based on this, determine their next steps (Some students may choose to apply skills/strategies in a subject area, volunteer experience, an extra-curricular activity, a part time job, etc.);

·         provide evidence of their learning and reflect on each stage of the learning process.

5

LSV.01, LSV.02, PKV.04, EO1.08, LS1.02, LS2.05, LS2.06, LS2.07, LS3.02, LS3.07, PK1.03, PK2.04

Communication

How can I explain what I have learned and how I learned it so that I can help others understand lifelong learning?

Students:

·         identify the skills, habits and characteristics used in Cluster 4;

·         identify the process they used so that their learning was self-directed and on-going;

·         draw from their experience and prior research to create a summary, e.g., a short report, presentation, documentary, pamphlet, radio phone-in show on life-long learning.

Unit 3:  How Can I Plan Ahead?

Time:  30 hours

Unit Description

By the end of this unit, students will have researched at least two postsecondary destinations. They use one of several decision-making models to select their preferred postsecondary destination and rank their alternate choices. Students consider their strengths, interests, and needs in this decision-making process.

Students explore their possible futures after secondary school. Students select occupations or fields of work of interest and investigate at least two. The amount of time spent on each focus area depends upon the extent of previous career planning by the students, e.g., have students determined a career focus through the Annual Education Plan process? Students explore the information they need to bring their career goals to fruition.

Students who are planning postsecondary education gather specific information on cost, housing options, financial assistance, available learning support services and vocabulary associated with the destination. Students bound for the workplace investigate possible employers, locations, application and selection procedures, salaries, opportunities for advancement and learning in the workplace, future training requirements and associated costs, housing implications and vocabulary specific to the destination. Students should arrange visits to a few education/work destinations as part of their research.

Unit 3 Activities focus on:

·         Key Learning Area 2 – Using Research and Inquiry Skills

·         Key Learning Area 4 – Identifying, Evaluating, and Selecting Options Based on Self Analysis and Research

·         Key Learning Area 5 – Developing and Adjusting Personal Plans for Ongoing Change and Transition

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus

1

EOV.01, EOV.02, PK2.08, EO1.05, EO2.01, EO2.02, EO2.03, EO3.01, EO3.02, LS2.02

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry

Given my skills, habits and characteristics, what occupations or fields of work are of interest to me?

Students:

·         investigate occupations in their areas of interest and determine the skills required for this occupation; consider trends and emerging work alternatives, and explain the reasons for these;

·         research the education or training required for these occupations and ways in which they might be required to learn ‘on the job’.

2

PKV.02, LSV.04, PK1.04, PK1.05, PK2.01, EO2.01, EO2.02, EO2.03, EO3.01, EO3.02, LS2.02, LS3.07

Knowledge/ Understanding Application

What skills and knowledge do I have that are required for my occupational choice? What skills and knowledge do I need to acquire?

Students:

·         compare skills that are required for success in school with those that are required for postsecondary work and learning;

·         target specific skills, habits and characteristics they need to improve, determine areas of their lives in which they use these, and create and implement a plan for improvement.

3

EOV.01, EOV.03, EOV.04, LS3.05, EO1.01, EO1.02, EO1.04, EO1.07, EO3.03, EO3.04, EO3.05, EO3.06, EO1.06, TC1.05, TC2.05

Thinking/ Inquiry

What might life after high school look like for me?

Students:

·         research key information needed to help them make decisions about their future after high school;

·         collect information, e.g., cost, housing options, salaries, opportunities for advancement on at least two postsecondary destinations;

·         create a PMI (Plus, Minus, Interesting) profile for each postsecondary option;

·         determine need for self advocacy.

4

EOV.03, TCV.03, LS3.04, LS3.07, EO1.02, EO1.03, EO1.08, TC1.05, TC2.01, TC2.02

Application Communication

How can I make a decision?

·         use a decision-making model to select a postsecondary destination and rank their back-up destinations;

·         provide a rationale to support this decision.

 

Unit 4:  How Can I Put My Plan into Action?

Time:  28 hours

Unit Description

By the end of this unit, students will have developed an action plan for their transition to a postsecondary destination and will have implemented aspects of the plan. In this unit, they also demonstrate their knowledge of the transition process by giving advice to a person undergoing a transition and by predicting how they will handle two transitions in their own lives.

As a result of their work in earlier units, students have selected a postsecondary destination. In Unit 4, they begin to explore transition processes. Through a study of sample transitions, they learn about the types and stages of transitions as well as challenges and emotions that are part of transitions to new roles and environments (including independent adult living). Students identify the transition management strategies that they need to use or develop for the transitions in their own lives. Through discussion in class and interviews with adults, students explain the success or failure of transition management strategies they and others have used to manage transitions in the past. Students demonstrate their understanding of change and transitions in various ways, e.g., interviews with adults and a letter of advice to a person in transition. The students develop an action plan for their transition to a postsecondary destination and put some pieces of their plan in place. They create a map of previous transitions in their lives and predict key transitions in their future. The map includes descriptions of the transitions, the transition management strategies they used and an assessment of the effectiveness of these particular strategies.

Unit 4 activities focus on:

·         Key Learning Area 3 – Conducting Self Analysis

·         Key Learning Area 5 – Developing and Adjusting Personal Plans for Ongoing Change and Transitions

·         Key Learning Area 6 – Understanding and Using Personal Management Skills and Transition Management Skills

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus

1

TCV.01, TCV.02, TC1.01, TC1.02, TC1.03, TC1.04, LS2.04

Knowledge/ Understanding Application Communication

What are the challenges related to transitions and change? What strategies can I use to take charge of the changes I will experience in my life?

Students:

·         examine case studies, and learn about transitions, types and stages of transitions as well as strategies used to manage transitions;

·         begin to develop an annotated transition lifeline (life map) to be completed by the end of the unit (See Unit 4, Cluster 4 for details).

2

TCV.03, LSV.04, TC1.02, TC2.03, TC2.04, TC2.05, LS3.06

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry Communication

How can I take charge of this transition to the next stage of my life? What is my backup plan?

Students:

·         develop an action plan to reach their education and work goals and determine the strategies they need to use/develop to manage this transition.

3

TCV.01, TCV.03, TC1.05, TC2.03, LS2.02, LS2.03, LS3.05, LS3.07, PK1.03, PK2.07, PK2.08

Thinking/ Inquiry Application

How do I begin to implement my Transition Action Plan?

Students:

·         put pieces of their plan in place, e.g.:

·         apply for postsecondary education or work;

·         develop and refine a portfolio;

·         improve in a required subject(s);

·         apply for financial assistance;

·         advocate for themselves, e.g., meet with individuals to arrange for learning supports;

·         set up volunteer or part-time work;

·         practise and document a variety of transition management skills, learning skills and strategies, and personal management skills.

4

TCV.01, TCV.02, EO2.01, EO2.02, TC1.01, TC1.03, TC1.04

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry Communication

How can I predict the transitions in my life?

Students:

·         map previous transitions on a ‘lifeline’;

·         evaluate the effectiveness of the skills they used to manage these transitions;

·         indicate instances where they may have handled things differently;

·         predict and map future transitions;

·         for these future transitions, identify potential approaches and ways of thinking that would support successful adjustments.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Seventy per cent of the grade is based on evaluation conducted throughout the course. Thirty per cent of the grade is based on a final evaluation component.

70% Term

In this GLC4O Course Profile, the following summative evaluation tasks are suggested:

Unit 1: Development and Presentation of the Learner Profile

Unit 2: Research Project on aspects of learning, personal application of the learning, and a summary explanation or demonstration

Unit 3: Postsecondary Destination Research and Decision-Making Application,

Unit 4:Transition Action Plan Development, Plan Implementation, Personal Transition Lifeline

It is critical that students be allowed to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways, e.g., in role plays, through oral presentations, interviews, in conferences, using technology, in various forms of writing, using graphic organizers, logs.

Final 30% Evaluation Component

Part A

Summarizing My Learning

Students provide evidence of learning for each of the Key Learning Areas in the course:

·         Understanding and using thinking and learning skills and strategies

·         Using research and inquiry skills

·         Conducting self analyses

·         Identifying, evaluating, and selecting options based on self analysis and research

·         Developing and adjusting personal plans for ongoing transitions

·         Understanding and using personal management and transition management skills

Students articulate the skills/knowledge that were used, how well they were applied and how they pertain to goals and plans for further learning, e.g., reflection on the learning process, Appendix 1. This process is a portfolio process. Teachers may wish to use alternate terms such as Key Learning Folio, Status Report, Learning Summary, etc.

Students articulate their learning in written or oral format – as written reflections or in a presentation or conference.

Part B

‘Learning To Change’ – Short-Term Project

Students:

·         identify an opportunity for potential change, e.g., beginning a short volunteering experience, leasing an apartment, getting a part time job;

·         use the skills learned in this course to implement this change;

·         document application of the six Key Learning Areas and the self-directed learning process as they move through the transition phases.

Accommodations

Teachers should consult individual student Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for specific direction on accommodation for individuals.

The following considerations apply to each of the units in this course:

1.   Any student or group of students may require accommodations in response to specific needs at different times and in varied circumstances.

2.   Appropriate accommodations for individual students should be part of the planning of each unit activity.

3.   Instructional and assessment activities must take into account the strengths, needs, learning expectations and accommodations as identified in the Individual Education Plans whether students are formally identified or not (Regulations 181/98).

4.   Accommodations to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and evaluation may include but are not limited to:

·         data charts onto which students record information;

·         more time for learning and completion of activities;

·         use of specialized equipment and assistance;

·         modified work load;

·         for students with weak writing skills, a wide range of options for recording and reporting work, e.g. drawings, diagrams, flow charts, concept maps;

·         use of available adaptive technologies to assist students (computer-assisted learning);

·         use of assessment strategies that match students’ learning strengths;

·         oral reports; scribes (student or teacher) in note making;

·         use of peer helpers to assist students working in small groups;

·         use of tape recorders or computers as an alternative to written responses.

5.   Some students with an IEP may require modification of selected expectations to meet the students’ needs. As outlined in Ontario Secondary School, 1999, the principal will determine whether achievement of these modified expectations warrants successful completion of the course.

6.   For community-based learning experiences, and where resources are available, consult with cooperative education teachers, special education teachers, and community organizations who facilitate placement of students with exceptionalities.

(Adapted from Grade 9 Learning Strategies Course Profile – Public District School Board Writing Partnership, 1999, and
Grade 9 Essential Science Course Profile, Public and Catholic District School Boards Writing Partnerships, 1999).

7.   ESL/ELD Students – sensitivity to the transitions they experienced coming to a new country will be required.

Resources

Units in this Course Profile make reference to the use of specific texts, magazines, films, videos, and websites. Teachers need to consult their board policies regarding use of any copyrighted materials. Before reproducing materials for student use from printed publications, teachers need to ensure that their board has a Cancopy licence and that this licence covers the resources they wish to use. Before screening videos/films with their students, teachers need to ensure that their board/school has obtained the appropriate public performance videocassette licence from an authorized distributor, e.g., Audio Cine Films Inc. Teachers are reminded that much of the material on the Internet is protected by copyright. The copyright is usually owned by the person or organization that created the work. Reproduction of any work or substantial part of any work on the Internet is not allowed without the permission of the owner.

The URLs for the websites were verified by the writers prior to publication. Given the frequency with which these designations change, teachers should always verify the websites prior to assigning them for student use.

General Resources

Bennett, B. and C. Rolheiser. Beyond Monet, The Artful Science of Instructional Integration. Toronto: Bookation, Inc., 2001. ISBN: 0-9695388-3-9

Campbell, J., K. Hoey, and A. Clifton. Careers 10. Toronto: Pearson Education Canada, Inc., 2000.
ISBN 0-13-031506-2

Clifton A., T. Blackbourn, F. Ward, L. Galen, and J. Twist. Guidance: Grades 9-10: Plan, Assess, Report. Barrie, Ontario: Data Based Directions, 2000. ISBN 1-894369-21-1

Kaufeldt, Martha. Begin With the Brain. Tucson, AZ.: Zephyr Press, ISBN 1-56976-098-5

Martin-Kniep, Giselle O. Becoming a Better Teacher, Eight Innovations That Work. Vermont: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2000. ISBN 0-87120-385-5

Misener, Judi and Susan Butler. Horizons 2000+ Career Studies. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited, 2000. ISBN 0-07-087411-5

Plue, Les, Warren Palmer, and Cheryl Karakokkinos. Careers Today and Tomorrow. Irwin Publishing, 2000. ISBN 7725-2857-8

Rolheiser, Carol, B. Bower, and L. Stevahn. The Portfolio Organizer. Vermont: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2000. ISBN 087120-374-X

Silver, Harvey, Richard Strong, and Matthew Perini. So Each May Learn, Integrating Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences. Vermont: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2000.
ISBN 0-87120-387-1

Sousa, David. How the Special Needs Brain Learns. California: Corwin Press, 2001.
ISBN 0-7619-7851-8

Tomlinson, Carol Ann. How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed Ability Classrooms (2nd Edition). Vermont: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2001. ISBN 0-87120-512-2

Wallace, L. Career Studies 10. Scarborough: Nelson Thomson Learning, 2000. ISBN:0-17-620136-X

Units 1 and 2

Books

Bowen, J., and M. Hawkins. Square Pegs: Building Success in School and Life through MI. Zephyr Press, 1997. ISBN 1-56976-075-6.

Davis, Leslie, S. Sirotowitz and H. C. Parker. Study Strategies Made Easy; A Practical Plan For School Success. Florida: Specialty Press, Inc., 1996. ISBN 1-886941-03-3

Ellis, Dave. Becoming a Master Student. Illinois: Canadian 3rd Edition, Houghton Mifflin, 2000. (student text) ISBN 0-395-98517-X

Fleet, Joan, F. Goodchild, and R. Zajchowski. Learning for Success:Effective Strategies for Students
(3rd edition). Toronto: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1999. ISBN 0-7747-3659-3

Frender, G. Learning to Learn: Strengthening Study Skills and Brain Power. Incentive Publications, Inc.
ISBN 0-86530-141-7 (Canadian Distributor: Mind Resources)

Horn, Sam. Concentration! How to Focus for Success. California: Crisp Publications, Inc., 1991.
ISBN 1-56052-073-6

Koechlin, C., and S. Zwaan. Information Power Pack. (Series: Junior, Intermediate, Teaching Tools) Markham, Ontario: Pembroke Publishers Ltd., 1997. ISBN: 1-55138-084-6

Ruggerio, V.R. Becoming a Critical Thinker. Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0-395-77250-8

Sprenger, Marilee. Learning & Memory, The Brain in Action. Vermont: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 1999. ISBN 0-87120-350-2

Tarasoff, Mary. Reading Instruction that Makes Sense. (manual) Active Learning Institute P.O. Box 6275 Victoria, B.C. V8P 5L5 Tel: (250) 477-0105. ISBN 1-895111-080 for manual ISBN 1-89111-10-2 for Blackline Masters

Thames Valley District School Board, On Your Own 2000. “A Practical Guide to Research, Writing and Information Literacy.” (1250 Dundas Street (PO Box 5888) London, Ontario N5W 5P2 (N6A 5L1)
Tel: (519) 452-2000 Fax: (519) 452-2395)

Periodicals

The Science of Learning, Educational Leadership. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Vol. 58, Number 3, November, 2000.

Websites

What are my Multiple Intelligences? – http://www.careerccc.org/products/cp_99_e/section1/quiz.cfm
an online quiz

Study Tips – http://osca.ouac.on.ca/study-tips.htm

AccessAbility Resource Centre, University of Toronto at Mississauga – www.utm.utoronto.ca/~w3access
services for students with disabilities

Unit 3

Self-Assessment Related to Careers

Jackson Vocational Interest Survey (J.V.I.S.) – http://www.jvis.com/

My Work Preferences Profile – http://www.careerccc.org/products/cp_98_e/career_planner/2.html

Research on Destinations

Bridges.com Inc. – http://on.cx.bridges.com/

Apprenticeships, HRDC – http://www.on.hrdc-rhc.gc.ca/english/lmi/eaid/occ.info/apprent_e.html

Apprenticesearch.com – http://www.apprenticesearch.com

Bridges CX – http://cx.bridges.com/

Career Cruising – http://www.careercruising.com/

CanLearn Interactive – http://www.canlearn.ca/English/eng.cfm

Colleges – www.gotocollege.ca

Destination 2020: Build Your Skills – http://www.careerccc.org/destination2020/intro02.htm

Entrepreneur, Minding Your Own Business, HRDC
– http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/hrib/hrp-prh/pi-ip/career-carriere/english/products/minding/mind-eng/index.shtml

Employability Skills 2000+
– http://www.conferenceboard.ca/education/learning-tools/employability-skills.htm

Job Search Manual – http://www.sunraye.com/job_net/

Ontario Colleges – http://osca.ouac.on.ca/caats.htm

Ontario Job Futures, 2000. HRDC – http://www.on.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/english/lmi/eaid/ojf/

Ontario School Counsellors’ Association (OSCA) – http://osca.ouac.on.ca/

Ontario Universities – http://osca.ouac.on.ca/univ.htm

Ontario WorkInfoNet – ONWIN – http://www.on.workinfonet.ca/

Special Needs at Ontario Universities, OSCA – http://osca.ouac.on.ca/special-needs.htm

Secrets for Success, The Learning Disabilities Programme, York University
– http://www.yorku.ca/cdc/ldp/su
ccess/index.htm

Training and Jobs, Ministry of Education – http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/training.html

Worksite Canada – Job Search & Career Information – http://www.worksitecanada.com/

Communicaat Online – http://www.ocas.on.ca/pubs/caat2002/index.html

Special Needs at Ontario Colleges, OSCA – http://osca.ouac.on.ca/spneeds-c.htm

Financial Planning

Ontario Students Awards Program (OSAP) – http://osap.gov.on.ca/

Your Money, Your Life, Your Way – http://www.gov.on.ca/mczcr/owd/english/students/feature2.htm

Scholarships, Awards and Financial Aid for Colleges in Ontario – http://osca.ouac.on.ca/finaid-c.htm

Student Awards – http://www.studentawards.com/

Job Search

Campus Worklink.com – http://campusworklink.workopolis.com/

CanadaCareers.com: Marketing Yourself – http://www.canadiancareers.com/resandcl.html

CanadaJobs.com – http://www.canadajobs.com/

Jobbus.com – http://www.jobbus.com/

Monster.com – http://www.monster.ca/

Workopolis.com – http://www.workopolis.com/

Unit 4

(Resources for Unit 4 are listed after each activity.)

OSS Considerations

Choices Into Action: Guidance and Career Education Program Policy for Ontario Elementary and Secondary Schools, 1999. – www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/curricul/secondary/choices/index.html

Guidance and Career Education (The Ontario Curriculum Grades 11 and 12), 2000
– http://osca.ouac.on.ca/guid1112.pdf

Cooperative Education and Other Forms of Experiential Learning, 2000
– http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/curricul/secondary/coop/coop_ed.html

The Ontario Secondary School, Grades 9 to 12: Program and Diploma Requirements, 1999
– http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/curricul/secondary/oss/oss.html

The Ontario Annual Education Plan, 1999
– http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/aep/aep-eng.pdf

Special Education, A Guide for Educators. Ministry of Education, 2000
– http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/guide.html

 

Appendix 1

A Self-Directed Learning Process

 

Determine a focus for learning…

μ

LEARN

Through instruction (self or others), research, experience, or personal reflection

ξ

DETERMINE NEXT STEPS

Where else can I apply what I learned?

What next steps can I take?

How can I improve or extend my learning?

 

DEMONSTRATE or APPLY LEARNING

Moving from guided practice to independent use

(Evidence of this application may be stored in a portfolio.)

λ

REFLECT ON APPLICATION

Retell

What did I do?

What skills did I use or learn?

Self-Assess

Why was I trying to do it?

How well did I do it?

How might I adapt it?

ν


Coded Expectations, Advanced Learning Strategies: Skills for Success After Secondary School, Grade 12, Open, GLS4O/GLE4O/GLE3O

Learning Skills

Overall Expectations

LSV.01 · demonstrate an understanding of theories related to individual learning processes and to the ways the brain stores and recalls information;

LSV.02 · demonstrate the effective use of learning and thinking skills and strategies;

LSV.03 · describe personal factors that may interfere with learning and thinking and identify strategies to reduce negative impacts;

LSV.04 · produce a personal plan for maximizing their learning while in secondary school and in subsequent years.

Specific Expectations

Learning and Thinking Theory

LS1.01 – demonstrate an understanding of theories that explain how one learns best (e.g., theories about learning styles);

LS1.02 – describe theories about how information is processed, stored, and retrieved by the brain and explain how this knowledge might be used to help them learn and demonstrate their learning;

LS1.03 – identify, describe, and demonstrate different types of thinking (e.g., lateral, divergent, convergent, logical, intuitive).

Learning and Thinking Strategies

LS2.01 – describe and use memory strategies effectively in learning contexts;

LS2.02 – demonstrate effective use of the inquiry/research process and problem solving in learning;

LS2.03 – use active and critical reading strategies effectively to acquire, process, and evaluate information from a variety of written materials;

LS2.04 – use note-taking strategies effectively in a variety of settings (e.g., lectures, interviews, group discussions);

LS2.05 – demonstrate the ability to adapt their study techniques and test-taking strategies to suit different subjects and testing formats (e.g., essay, multiple choice, open book, oral);

LS2.06 – use a variety of visual thinking/organizing methods (e.g., mind maps, charts) effectively in learning new material and planning for writing;

LS2.07 – demonstrate the effective use of strategies for improving concentration and minimizing internal and external distractions.

Planning for Learning

LS3.01 – demonstrate an understanding of personal factors that can negatively affect learning and thinking (e.g., low self-esteem, high anxiety, substance abuse, poor interpersonal skills) and describe their potential impact;

LS3.02 – explain the connection between a healthy lifestyle (e.g., adequate sleep, nutrition, exercise) and brain functioning;

LS3.03 – identify strategies to reduce the impact of negative personal factors that affect learning in high school and use them appropriately;

LS3.04 – describe how they will continue to learn in both formal and informal ways after high school;

LS3.05 – demonstrate an understanding of the value of networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy to the achievement of learning goals;

LS3.06 – identify possible barriers to effective learning in their selected postsecondary work or education destination;

LS3.07 – demonstrate the ability to take charge of their learning by monitoring their development as learners and planning for ongoing learning.

Personal Knowledge and Management Skills

Overall Expectations

PKV.01 · produce an analysis of their learning behaviour, identifying their learning strengths and needs and the ways in which they learn best;

PKV.02 · identify the learning skills and strategies they need to improve to ensure success in selected postsecondary settings;

PKV.03 · evaluate their personal management skills, habits, and characteristics that contribute to success in education/training and work after high school and demonstrate the ability to use these effectively;

PKV.04 · explain the positive and negative impacts of personal factors on achievement.

Specific Expectations

Personal Knowledge

PK1.01 – produce an analysis explaining how they learn best, with reference to learning theory and the results of a variety of assessment techniques (e.g., inventories, feedback from others, reflection on past experiences);

PK1.02 – summarize their learning strengths and needs and explain how they could improve the areas in which they are weak;

PK1.03 – identify aspects of school assignments that are not compatible with their learning strengths and present arguments to support requests for specific, reasonable modifications to those assignments;

PK1.04 – assess whether the way they learn best is reflected in their career and/or educational aspirations;

PK1.05 – identify the learning skills necessary to achieve their career and educational goals and identify the skills they will need to improve.

Personal Management

PK2.01 – produce a comparison of the personal management skills, habits, and characteristics needed for success in secondary school with those required in postsecondary work and learning environments;

PK2.02 – produce an evaluation of their personal management skills, habits, and characteristics and identify those requiring further development in order to achieve their postsecondary goals;

PK2.03 – describe the variety of ways in which people manage themselves when dealing with issues such as risk, stress, time, change, planning, and money;

PK2.04 – describe the factors that contribute to positive and negative stress and explain how stress affects learning performance;

PK2.05 – use a variety of strategies for maintaining their optimal personal stress levels;

PK2.06 – demonstrate an understanding of different kinds of motivation and identify their own internal and external motivators;

PK2.07 – demonstrate the ability to use personal motivational strategies to achieve success in learning situations;

PK2.08 – explain and demonstrate the effective use of a variety of systems for time and priority management.

Exploration of Opportunities

Overall Expectations

EOV.01 · demonstrate the ability to use research/inquiry and information management strategies effectively to locate, analyse, organize, and communicate information related to postsecondary learning;

EOV.02 · demonstrate knowledge of selected fields of work and of trends related to work in order to make decisions about postsecondary learning;

EOV.03 · demonstrate knowledge of a variety of postsecondary education and training opportunities and assess them on the basis of personal criteria;

EOV.04 · identify and describe the learning environments and resources available to support learning in postsecondary education/training and work contexts.

Specific Expectations

Accessing and Managing Information

EO1.01 – determine the types of information required to make effective decisions about future learning options;

EO1.02 – describe a set of personal criteria (e.g., cost, duration, learning environment) that they can use to assess the suitability of postsecondary learning options;

EO1.03 – communicate effectively with appropriate people in person, by mail, by telephone, or by e-mail to gather learning-related information;

EO1.04 – locate and select learning-related information from print, electronic, and human sources and assess it on the basis of identified criteria, including personal relevance, authority, usefulness, and bias;

EO1.05 – identify and demonstrate an understanding of the terminology used in course calendars and other literature from educational institutions;

EO1.06 – use appropriate graphic tools (e.g., charts, mind maps) and software to organize, synthesize, and present collected information;

EO1.07 – use a variety of media (e.g., print, video, computer) to communicate the results of their research on postsecondary learning;

EO1.08 – present complex information effectively in oral, graphical, and written form.

Trends

EO2.01 – describe the effects of information technology on fields of work they are interested in, including its impact on educational and skill requirements, ways of learning, ways in which work is done, and employment opportunities;

EO2.02 – describe emerging work style alternatives (e.g., contract work, telecommuting, talent pooling, portfolio work) and other employment-related trends (e.g., changing composition of the labour market, impact of education level on earnings and employment) and explain how these trends influence their education and career plans;

EO2.03 – describe traditional and emerging approaches to learning in modern workplaces (e.g., formal instruction, independent computer-based learning, mentorship) and explain why businesses and other organizations value ongoing, self-directed learning.

Opportunities

EO3.01 – describe the knowledge, talents, and skills required for success in selected occupations and the education/training routes that prepare people for these occupations;

EO3.02 – explain the benefits of experiences such as volunteering and part-time work and other out-of-school activities for acquiring new knowledge and skills;

EO3.03 – identify and describe selected education/training options that could help them achieve their learning and career goals and assess them on the basis of criteria that they have identified (e.g., cost, duration, learning environment);

EO3.04 – identify sources and types of financial assistance for postsecondary education/training and describe the eligibility criteria for programs relevant to their learning goals;

EO3.05 – describe the learning environments and the approaches to learning (e.g., lectures and tutorials, study groups, field work, internships) that they can expect to encounter in postsecondary education or training programs;

EO3.06 – describe resources and assistance programs that support learning in selected education/training programs (e.g., programs for students with learning disabilities).

Preparation for Transitions and Change

Overall Expectations

TCV.01 · identify the strategies required to manage transitions from secondary school to postsecondary destinations effectively;

TCV.02 · produce an evaluation of their own transition management skills and identify those requiring improvement;

TCV.03 · demonstrate the effective use of decision-making, goal-setting and action-planning strategies to prepare for their transition to their first postsecondary destination.

Specific Expectations

Managing Change

TC1.01 – describe the practical and psychological challenges and the positive experiences that are part of secondary school graduates’ transitions to new roles and environments (e.g., work, postsecondary education/training, independent adult life);

TC1.02 – identify the transition management strategies (e.g., becoming familiar with new environments, anticipating challenges) that they will need to use or develop for their transitions to their postsecondary destinations;

TC1.03 – demonstrate an understanding of ways of thinking that support successful adjustments to new situations and environments (e.g., proactive problem solving);

TC1.04 – explain the success or failure of strategies they have used in the past to manage a transition;

TC1.05 – demonstrate the effective use of transition management strategies to prepare for their first postsecondary destinations.

Goal Setting and Action Planning

TC2.01 – produce a rationale to support their plans for the future, including their work and learning goals;

TC2.02 – use a decision-making model to compare selected postsecondary destinations on the basis of identified personal criteria and knowledge of available options, and produce a prioritized list of their options;

TC2.03 – use problem-solving strategies effectively to reduce identified internal and/or external barriers that could interfere with the achievement of their work and/or learning goals and with their successful transition to their selected postsecondary destinations;

TC2.04 – produce a plan and a backup plan, for inclusion in their annual education plan, describing the action steps they will take to achieve their learning and career goals and make successful transitions to their selected postsecondary destinations;

TC2.05 – identify the financial implications of their postsecondary choices and produce a plan describing how they will manage their finances after high school.

 

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