Homework & Study Skills

1. Homework & Study Skills Parent Information Night September 26th Shannon Mitchell-Flek & Marla Paxton

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

5. Bloom’s Level of Questioning • http://farr-integratingit.net/Theory/CriticalThinking/revisedcog.htm

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Homework • Teacher websites – where to look • http://www.calgaryscienceschool.com/ • Time designated for homework • What’s normal? • 10 mins per grade is the recommendation e.g. grade 4 might have 40 mins in total

9. 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

10. Homework Assist vs. Rescue Monitoring Assignments Providing guidance Learn how your child learns (learner profiles) Encourage good study habits Talk Provide encouragement • Be Informed • Talk to their teacher • Alberta Education Curriculum • Be Involved • Collaborating together

11. 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

12. Strategies to Avoid • Threats • Anger/Frustration/Disappointment • Bribes • Promises • Over-Helping • Doing it!

13. 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

14. Helping your Child Study • Establishing a routine • Creating an environment conducive to learning • Show an interest

15. 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

16. 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

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