On Friday I attended APPIPC 2016. It was wonderful to meet new people and to see some French Immersion colleagues from my previous school district as well as my Professional Specialization Certificate in Teaching French Immersion program. I learned a lot, and got some inspiration to try some new things. Before I start sharing my notes, I want to share these cool stamps that I bought at the conference:
Les simulations globales par Emilie Prunier
Simulations globales are educational role-playing activities that are particularly good for Social studies and Science. They allow for the incorporation of oral and written language, as well as art and movement. For example, you can study a given time period by putting yourself into the role of a historic character, and supplement the role-playing with mini-lessons. I am interested in trying them out because they allow for choice, inquiry, exploration, and differentiation.
Passionnés de réussite par Égide Royer
- Early intervention is important. Initiatives like Thirty Million Words and Strong Start encourage parents to speak and read to their young children.
- Success at school is one of the best ways to combat poverty.
- It is important to avoid jumping to conclusions.
- It is important to send positive messages home to parents.
- Moi, lire? Tu blagues! is a French resource for supporting boys’ literacy.
- Educational programs and summer camps help to prevent “summer slide”.
L’apprentissage par problèmes par Nancy Des Ormeaux
Problem-based learning is about proposing problems that are loosely structured, similar to real-life problems to get the brain to find a variety of solutions. The problems are driving questions with a problem that needs to be solved. Learners think critically, analyze, and solve problems. This approach allows for engagement through choice, excitement, active learning, and differentiation. It leads to exploration of why and how questions. Students explain their reasoning and learning process, discover hidden talents, and innovate. Some of the examples that she gave were:
- Design a ring for somebody with a budget (science: rocks and minerals, math)
- Where would be the best place in our community to hide from zombies? (science: weather, math, social studies: geography, natural resources)
- Make a 3-D model of the island in Lord of the Flies (English, math)
- Plan a family trip to 5 B.C. attractions on a $2000 budget (social studies, math)
- Describe each attraction as a pamphlet, website, journal, prize package, etc.
She mentioned that Rubistar is a great resource for creating rubrics. I am looking forward to trying out some problem-based learning with my class this year!
Have you done any simulations globales or problem-based learning? What are some of your favourite ideas and resources?
Madame I Am 