supporting schools with 21st century learning
TRANSCRIPT
SUPPORTING SCIENCE EDUCATION IN B.C.BC Science Outreach Workshop
March 2, 2015
21st Century Learning?
What does 21st Century Learning mean to you?
a) Ponder and record key words.
b) Dialogue about your words with your table group.
“What is happening with curriculum and 21C science
education in BC?”
21st Century Learning?
Transformation towards a learner-centred education is a global phenomenon. We want an education system that:
• develops student competence in thinking, communication, and personal and social responsibility
• is engaging, and responsive to student’s interests and passions
• increases focus on student-directed inquiry
Science World’s Supporting Schools Project
The curriculum in BC’s K-12 education system is changing.
The BC Ministry of Education is reviewing and redesigning all provincial curricula simultaneously under a common 21st Century Learning framework.
Science World and your organizations can play a critical role in supporting schools, the Ministry of Education and other education partners in BC.
Supporting Schools Project Goals and Objectives
Overall Goal:
Facilitate a lead role for Science World in enhancing engagement and collaboration to support teaching, learning and leadership in science education for BC schools in the 21st Century.
Objectives:
Engage and collaborate with Science World staff, BC teachers and community partners
Develop a greater understanding of 21st Century learning and other aspects of curriculum transformation in BC internally and with our community partners
Audit and prioritize Science World assets and educational offerings in the context of curriculum transformation
Assess the needs of teachers in BC schools
Recommend strategies to refresh, realign and re-articulate Science World offerings
Grow Science World’s capacity for collaboration, community partnerships and leadership
Key Project Participants
We will include the following key audiences in the engagement
and collaborative process:
Science World staff and administration
Classroom teachers (primary, intermediate and secondary) in a
variety of school districts
Key education partners: non-profit organizations, local community
groups, specialist organizations (including BCTF PSAs)
Curriculum and other education specialists
Post-secondary educators (esp. Faculties of Education)
BC Ministry of Education staff
BC Science Charter Network
Core Project Activities and Events
Oct - Feb Working Group Meetings
Nov Science World Staff Pro-D Focus Group
Nov - Dec Science World Education Assets Audit
Nov - Jan School Support Survey
Jan - Feb Elementary and Secondary Focus Groups
Feb Research and Strategy Development
March Report and Recommendations
Education Assets Audit
• Reviewed all Science World educational offerings
• Used 21C Learning filters to audit the offerings, including:
Inquiry
Core Competencies
Place-Based Learning
• Identified strengths, gaps and opportunities re. new curriculum and 21C Learning
School Support Survey• Conducted in Nov-Dec 2014
• Over 325 educators participated from diverse education sectors
• All regions of BC were represented• Survey Foci:
1. Current Practices in Science Education2. Resources for Teaching Science3. Perceptions on BC Curriculum Change4. Professional Development5. Community Partnerships
Significant Survey Findings
Greatest needs/opportunities identified to support Science Education in BC:
• Learning Resources, Materials for Science
• Mentorship and Leadership Programs
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Enhanced Digital Communications
• Local and Regional Partnerships
Teacher Focus Groups• Convened Elementary and
Secondary Teacher Leadership (Focus Group) Meetings to:
1. Explore and learn about curriculum transformation in BC, 21st Century learning and Science World’s growing role in supporting schools
2. Extend and enrich the School Support Survey findings
3. Provide additional perspectives and direction re. Science World and our partner’s support of schools and science education
Building on our Strengths: Success Stories in 21C Science
Education
1.Take a moment and write down some thoughts on the Post-It provided.
2.Mingle and share your success story.3.Considering your success stories, dialogue
about:a.Common Threads?b.Needs, Gaps and Opportunities?
“What are your organization’s successes in supporting 21C
Science education in BC schools?
Supporting 21C Science Education in BC:
Strategy Dialogue
1. Find a table with a focus of interest to you.
2. Discuss gaps, needs, and strategic opportunities for that focus in your community and region.
“How might SW and partners work more effectively together to support
21C science education?”
Next steps to better support Science Education together in BC?
Thank You!Kate Henderson
Science World, Manager School [email protected]
Patrick RobertsonRobertson & Associates, Principal