Contextualized Learning Activities

1. Contextualized Learning Activities CLA

2. Topics of Discussion • What is Contextualized Learning? • The Purpose of a CLA • CLA Development – Process • Examples of CLA’s • What is in a CLA • CLA Ministry Template • Timelines • CLA Delivery

3. What is Contextualized Learning? • Capture the learner’s attention and promote learning retention of specific knowledge, skills or behaviour • Emphasizes content relevance by presenting realistic, industry specific scenarios to learners • Use of authentic learning resources and/or settings

4. The Purpose of a CLA • The goal of a CLA is to build or refine on the student’s existing knowledge to achieve a desired outcome expressed as enhanced knowledge, a new skill, or modified behavior specific to new setting or industry sector

5. CLA Development - Process • Identify the possible courses that are part of the SHSM bundle (other than the SHSM focus courses) that lend themselves well to the development of a CLA • Must be grade 11 or 12 courses • English, Science, Mathematics or Business Studies • Use Curriculum documents to help identify the overall or specific expectations the CLA will cover

6. CLA Development - Process • CLA does not need to cover all expectations • Course Profiles provide a good starting point • Note – significant changes to Math program, English curriculum has also been revised – current Course Profiles may not be accurate • Must use current Technological and Science curriculum documents

7. Examples of CLA’s • Use of Differentiated Instruction is desirable • Traditional “Paper & Pencil” assignment • Oral presentation to class • Power Point presentation • As part of a “Reach Ahead” activity Use a job shadow assignment as the basis of an report to be done in class - a “day in the life” experience • Use of various media – video, music • Needs to have Formative assessment & Summative evaluation components

8. What is in a CLA • Must follow the assigned Ministry Template • Clearly defined activity • Opportunity for formative assessment • A summative evaluation • Answer Key /Marking Scheme • Clearly Stated Expectations (Overall or Specific) - taken from the Curriculum documents • Student Accommodations – See Course Profiles for strategies and examples

9. Timelines • CLA’s are part of the SHSM agreement Boards have with the Ministry of Education • Two CLA’s must be developed per SHSM • One CLA must be ready for delivery to Ministry by February, 2009 • CLA’s will be vetted, and may require editing • Approved CLA’s will be posted on Ministry SHSM and eLearning web sites • CLA’s are the property of the Ministry of Education

10. CLA Delivery • Must be a minimum of six hours in length • Is not intended to be delivered by the SHSM teacher but rather the subject teacher(s) in the other courses that make up the SHSM bundle • Can not be seen as an “add on” • Try to integrate the CLA in the current program • Present the CLA as a new lesson plan/activity • Formative Assessment & Summative Evaluation is done by the subject teacher • May need the support of the SHSM teacher • Easier said than done…some logistical issues may come up – need teacher buy in and administrator support