INNISFAIL - More than 30 Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) students have provided input into the 10,400-students division’s next three-year education plan, including the use of technology in the learning process.
In a report to trustees presented during a recent, regularly-scheduled board meeting, associate superintendent Dr. Ryan Sawula outlined the input initiative involving Grade 5-11 students.
The students provided input on four principal questions:
• What makes a class really engaging and interesting for you?
• Are there any teaching methods or activities that you find particularly helpful for understanding new ideas? Can you give an example?
• When your teachers provide helpful feedback on your work, what does it look like? How does that feedback help you improve?
• When do your teachers use technology to support your learning? Are there ways technology could be used more effectively?
In his report, Sawula outlined key themes from the collected students' feedback.
Regarding engagement, he said, “Students prefer passionate teachers, interactive activities such as discussions, hands-on learning, and games, and movement.
Regarding teaching methods, he said, “Students value teacher modelling, a mix of teaching methods including less direct instruction, small group work, and varied ways to demonstrate knowledge, mind breaks, and hands-on activities.
Regarding feedback, he said, “Students find effective feedback to be honest, targeted, timely, constructive, and offer opportunities for improvement, including teacher thinking aloud, exemplars, rubics, and pre/mock tests.
Regarding technology, he said, “Students appreciate technology in learning for review games, visual aids, and feedback, but acknowledge its potential drawbacks.
“Gamification of tasks is also valued. Relationships: Strong teacher-student relationships are crucial for student comfort in sharing feedback and feeling supported.”
In his report, Sawula also updated trustees on the Red Deer Fire Cadet Training Program in partnership with Red Deer County Fire Services.
“RDCRS is proud to offer our students the opportunity to participate in the program,” he said. “The program is currently recruiting high school students from Central Alberta to take part in a free training program to teach them about life in the fire service.”
Cadet program attendees will receive theory, hands-on training, as an opportunity to gradate with NFPA 1001 firefighter level 1 certification, he said.
Trustees accepted Sawula’s report as information. RDCRS includes schools in Olds and Innisfail.
