Our students are considered “digital natives” and have most likely had an online presence since birth (thanks to enthusiastic parents and family members). Their digital footprints are more deeply rooted then ever before and it is vital that they are aware of their own digital footprint and how to ensure that they are positively representing themselves online. You can head over to the Teaching in a Fishbowl TpT Store to download this activity for FREE!
Indigenizing the Curriculum
As professionals tasked with the education of Canadian youth, educators require understanding of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit practices, in order to effectively apply appropriate pedagogy within their classrooms. Deyhle, Swisher, Stevens, and Galvan (2008, p. 344) illustrate the process in which Indigenous peoples of North America have fought towards building an educational model that addresses the biases found in current models and strives to reshape education from an epistemological perspective. The authors’ lament over the multiple instances of cultural genocide through post-colonial education systems and call for a shift to self-determination in Indigenous education (Deyhle et al,… Read More
How Does Theory Help Curriculum Development?
The curriculum development process can be organized into four, seven, or more steps depending on which model and theorist the development plan is based on (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2013, pg. 13). Regardless of the model that is chosen, curricularists need to recognize that curriculum development is a lengthy process that requires professionals to make judgements to best serve the social and political realities of their situation while meeting the needs of a diverse group of learners (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2013, pg. 13). A strong theoretical background is essential for curricularist to ensure that their curriculum development is backed by the… Read More
Grade Wars
When I took on my teaching position I inadvertently took on the responsibility of planning our school’s largest spirit-activity: Grade Wars. Started in our school by my predecessor, Grade Wars is a week-long school/community-spirit activity between our high school classes that sees them competing in various events that are based on everything from athletics and academics to social-justice and just plain craziness. I say that I inadvertently took on the responsibility…. While it is encouraged, Grade Wars isn’t something that was deemed mandatory by my admin team so I actually didn’t take it on during my… Read More
Further Thoughts on the Education Paradigm
*This post has been written as part of my journey through my Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Planning through Brandon University Changing the Education Paradigm. (2008) Uploaded to TED. Availble onine at: https://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_changing_education_paradigms Sir Kenneth Robinson’s speech, “Changing the Education Paradigm” has recorded over 1.6 million views through the TED platform and countless more through the various versions uploaded online through text and video platforms. The video is viewed by everyone from pre-service teachers and educational PD attendees to parents and businessmen/women around the world. The graphics of the video and charisma of Robinson make for an engaging video that… Read More
#TRSD32 Tweet Challenge of the Week
Ever since our division was encouraged to join Twitter at the end of September I have been trying to keep participation going by posting weekly “Tweet Challenges“. This week’s challenge is: #TRSD32 Tweet Challenge of the Week: are you going to discuss the La Loche shooting with students today? In what context? #LaLoche — Kirsten Thompson (@MissLwbt) January 25, 2016 – #TRSD32 Tweet Challenge for the Week of Oct 6th – #TRSD32 Tweet Challenge for the Week of Oct 13th – #TRSD32 Tweet Challenge for the Week of Oct 19th – #TRSD32 Tweet Challenge for the Week of Oct 26th – #TRSD32 Tweet Challenge… Read More
Foundational Understandings: Curriculum, Instruction, Theory & Practice
*This post has been written as part of my journey through my Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Planning through Brandon University. Can you differentiate between curriculum and instruction? Levin (2008) stated that “curriculum is an official statement of what students are expected to do”. This changes depending on the subject manner, grade level, and abilities of the student(s). Instruction is how an educator assists students in their journey towards understanding. Levin, B. (2008). Curriculum policy and the politics of what should be learned in schools. In M. Connelly, F.M. He, & J. Phillion (Eds.). The SAGE handbook of curriculum and instruction. Thousand… Read More
#TRSD32 Tweet Challenge of the Week
Ever since our division was encouraged to join Twitter at the end of September I have been trying to keep participation going by posting weekly “Tweet Challenges“. This week’s challenge is: #TRSD32 Tweet Challenge of the Week! Share your strategies for helping students review/study for exams #examprep #mbteach #assessment — Kirsten Thompson (@MissLwbt) January 18, 2016 – #TRSD32 Tweet Challenge for the Week of Oct 6th – #TRSD32 Tweet Challenge for the Week of Oct 13th – #TRSD32 Tweet Challenge for the Week of Oct 19th – #TRSD32 Tweet Challenge for the Week of Oct 26th – #TRSD32 Tweet Challenge for the Week of… Read More
Changing the Education Paradigm…. But How?
*This post has been written as part of my journey through my Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Planning through Brandon University. Changing the Education Paradigm. (2008) Uploaded to TED. Availble onine at: https://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_changing_education_paradigms Sir Kenneth Robinson’s speech, “Changing the Education Paradigm” has recorded over 1.6 million views through the TED platform and countless more through the various versions uploaded online through text and video platforms. The video is viewed by everyone from pre-service teachers and educational PD attendees to parents and businessmen/women around the world. The graphics of the video and charisma of Robinson make for an engaging… Read More
Curriculum Controversy – Discovery Math Isn’t Adding Up
*This post has been written as part of my journey through my Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Planning through Brandon University. In 2013 Manitoba Education Minister Nancy Allen announced the implementation of a revised math curriculum that focused on, “… developing math skills, procedural thinking, conceptual understanding and problem solving to ensure students are getting a solid foundation” (Manitoba Education Press Release, 2013). The curriculum shifted from an inquiry-based approach, often touted in the media as “discovery math”, to an algorithm approach that focuses on deep-level numerical understanding. Levin (2008, p. 11) stated that, “5% of clients complaining can lead to… Read More