Homework & Study SkillsParent Information Night September 26th

Shannon Mitchell-Flek &Marla Paxton

What is inquiry based learning? Authentic, real work that reflects the work that

an adult at work or in the community might tackle.

Collaboration is within and beyond the classroom and is a foundation of inquiry.

Respect and cultivate the dispositions that all children bring with them when they first walk through our doors: imagination, curiosity, persistence, and the drive to understand the world.

What is inquiry based learning?

Teaching practices include: Problem-Based Learning: Learning that

starts with a problem or case study. Project-Based Learning: students create a

project or presentation to demonstrate their learning.

Design-Based Learning: Learning through the working design of a solution to a complex problem.

Why use the Connect Blog? http://calgaryscienceschool.blogspot.ca/

Bloom’s Level of Questioning

http://farr-integratingit.net/Theory/CriticalThinking/revisedcog.htm

CSS Definition of Homework No one definition to fit all classes or

subjects, however… Generally ‘homework consists of schoolwork

that was not completed during class time’ Exceptions are long term assignments,

projects, review (particularly Math but not endless repetition), or work that requires parent input.

CSS Definition (cont’d) Pre-learning or advance preparation for a

lesson or unit may require students to take home reading or engage in a discussion to prepare for an in-school activity.

All grades require more intensive amounts of homework at times, but the absence of homework does NOT correlate to an absence of learning.

Homework

Teacher websites – where to look http://www.calgaryscienceschool.com/

Time designated for homework What’s normal?

10 mins per grade is the recommendatione.g. grade 4 might have 40 mins in

total

Supporting Inquiry Listen to understand: Take time, and

show interest Clarify interpretation of or focus on

problem Build on strengths Explore consequences & alternatives Communication HAVE PATIENCE

Homework Assist vs. RescueMonitoring Assignments Be Informed

Talk to their teacher Alberta Education

Curriculum Be Involved

Collaborating together

Providing guidance Learn how your

child learns (learner profiles)

Encourage good study habits

Talk Provide

encouragement

When homework is a struggle Talk to your child’s teacher Parent Support – Levels of Support Student Services at CSS Tutor Sylvan Learning Center Oxford Learning Academy Alberta Distance Learning Calgary Learning Center

Strategies to Avoid

Threats Anger/Frustration/Disappointment Bribes Promises Over-Helping Doing it!

Organization Agendas Family calendars Workspace at

home

Backwards planning

Colour-coding subjects

Large Projects? Breaking then down into

more manageable pieces

Study Buddy

http://education.alberta.ca/parents/role/tips.aspx

Helping your Child Study Establishing a

routine Creating an

environment conducive to learning

Show an interest

Study Skills – Tests & Quizzes We are not a test focused school PAT’s

Why do we do them?“The purpose of the achievement tests are to determine how well students are learning what they are expected to learn, to inform Albertans about students’ achievement relative to provincial standards, and to assist schools, school authorities, and the province in monitoring and

improving student learning.” – AB Learning –

Tests & Quizzes are only one assessment tool used at CSS

Study Skills - Review Identify key concepts by highlighting or

underlining words Re-read chapters and notes Re-write notes in your own words Write jot notes or point form notes for key

concepts and terms Create study questions Create diagrams, webs, acronyms, to help

organize and retain the information visually

Questions?Please note that this presentation will be posted on the CSS Student Services website under the parent link.