English-ENL1W

A variety of strategies are used to allow students many opportunities to attain the necessary skills for success in this course. The teacher uses a variety of whole class, small group and individual activities to facilitate learning. The following is a list of specific teaching/learning strategies that the teacher may use but is not limited to:

Presentations with embedded videos are used to outline concepts, explain theory using examples and practice questions, and incorporate multi-media opportunities for students to learn more (e.g. online simulations, quizzes, etc.).

End of unit conversations are opportunities for students to express their ideas, problem solving, and thought processes with a teacher who provides timely feedback. 

Reflection is an opportunity for students to look back at concepts and theories with new eyes, to relate theory to practice, and to align learning with their own values and beliefs. 

Discussions with the instructor are facilitated through video conferencing, discussing the concepts and skills being studied. This enables two-way communication between the student and the instructor, to share ideas and ask questions in dialogue. This also helps to build a relationship between the student and instructor. 

Instructor demonstrations (research skills, etc.) are opportunities for the instructor to lead a student through a concept or skill through video conferencing, videos, or emailing with the student. 

Discussion forums are an opportunity for students to summarize and share their ideas and perspectives with their peers, which deepens understanding through expression. It also provides an opportunity for peer-to-peer feedback. 

Practical extension and application of knowledge are integrated throughout the course. The goal is to help students make connections between what they learn in the classroom and how they understand and relate 

to the world around them and their own lives. Learning becomes a dynamic opportunity for students to be more aware that their learning is all around them and enables them to create more meaning in their lives.  

Individual activities/assignments assessments are completed individually at a student’s own pace and are intended to expand and consolidate the learning in each lesson. Individual activities allow the teacher to accommodate interests and needs and to assess the progress of individual students. For this reason, students are encouraged to discuss IEPs (Individual Education Plans) with their teacher and to ask to modify assessments if they have a unique interest that they feel could be pursued in the assessment. The teacher plays an important role in supporting these activities by providing ongoing feedback to students, both orally and in writing. 

Research is an opportunity to apply inquiry skills to a practical problem or question. Students perform research to gather information, evaluate quality sources, analyze findings, evaluate their analysis, and synthesize their findings into conclusions. Throughout, students apply both creative thinking and critical thinking. New questions are also developed for further learning. 

Writing as a learning tool helps students to think critically about course material while grasping, organizing, and integrating prior knowledge with new concepts. Good communication skills are important both in and out of the classroom. 

Brainstorming, charts, and graphs are a great way for students to synthesize their knowledge of subject matter visually through graphic organizers, pictures, and texts. 

Readings are an opportunity for students to gain insight from a variety of texts online and further develop literacy skills. Students may print out the reading material to use to highlight, take notes, and have with them when a computer is not available. 

Articles are examples of concepts and theories being discussed in the public realm and with respect to current events. They are snapshots not only of why theories/concepts/applications are relevant but also provide a window into the broader context of subject matter knowledge and understanding. Students learn through reading and analysis that the subject matter is deeply related to, and intertwined with, society and the diverse perspectives of lived experience. 

Oral presentations in an online environment are opportunities for students to present live or recorded presentations, expressing their ideas and understanding orally. 

Reflective/comparative analysis and evaluation of written work is very important in this course. Concepts and skills are modelled in examples (exemplars), which students can refer to and utilize to self-evaluate their own work. A variety of texts are shared, and students are encouraged to make comparisons with different texts, real life situations, and their own writing. 

Journals provide an opportunity for students to self-reflect on the subject matter and see their growth over time. It supports students to express their thoughts and skills learned in a personal way.