CONTINUED LEARNING FOR SCHOOL-WIDE GROWTH
The world today requires learners to be innovative, creative and collaborative problem-solvers, particularly in the area of mathematics. This understanding forms the basis of our mathematics curriculum here at LCIS and ongoing teacher professional development.
In August 2017, LCIS hosted a Math workshop for all teachers in the Early Learning Centre and Elementary School. Thanks to our community’ s generous support of the Annual Fund, we were able to bring IB lead trainer, Sean Walker, from the International School of Paris( ISP) to conduct a two-day training. He supported our teachers in a deeper implementation of the transdisciplinary, inquiry-based approach to mathematics encouraged by the IB.
Some of the key sessions included: utilising math provocations, planning assessments that support further teaching and learning, and balancing the teaching of math skills and concepts. At the end of the training, our teachers walked away with many practical strategies for implementation and classes are already taking on a new look across the grade levels.
‘ Math has transitioned from the“ sit down chalk talk” mode to a method that helps students understand that math is a part of our everyday life. Using the inquiry cycle-getting students to look closely and tell what they see, investigating, wondering why it is that way or sharing what they think-builds students’ deeper understanding of the enduring concepts.’ Kym Scavella, Junior Pre-K Teacher
‘ This summer, I attended a workshop called“ Bringing Inquiry to the Classroom.” It taught me how to guide open-ended investigations. Since then, I have developed passion projects with Grade 7 where they can study whatever they want as long as it is related to science. It allows these students to explore a topic of interest deeply and then share that understanding and passion with others. I like to call them Ted Talks for Middle School.’ Denise Mizell, MYP Science Teacher
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