Learning Skills

The most important thing that a student brings to class is a positive attitude. There is not much that we can do to change the gifts we were born with. We can however make the most of these gifts with a positive attitude. As the saying goes - You can't push on a rope! A student must want to learn and come to school valuing what will occur there. Without that, all of the knowledge in the world will not make anyone a better human being.

Student Behaviours That Support Success:

A students who is successful .... A students who is experiencing difficulties...
Independent work
  • identifies and pursues learning goals and tasks independently
  • persists with tasks
  • uses Agenda to schedule time effectively
  • completes tasks on time & with care
  • works well without supervision
  • does not persist with tasks
  • does not take responsibility for own behaviour
  • does not use Agenda to schedule time effectively
Initiative
  • welcomes new tasks and seeks new opportunities for learning
  • seeks assistance when necessary
  • demonstrates a positive attitude towards learning
  • attempts a variety of learning activities
  • approaches new learning situations with confidence
  • approaches new tasks reluctantly
  • is reluctant to seek assistance when difficulties are encountered
  • does not recognize when there is a problem
  • lacks confidence when approaching new learning situations
Homework Completion – Work Habits
  • perseveres with projects that require sustained effort
  • follows directions & completes tasks
  • uses time efficiently
  • shows attention to detail
  • uses class time effectively
  • puts forth a consistent effort
  • has school materials available when needed
  • completes homework on time & with care
  • learning materials in desk are kept in disarray
  • assignments are often misplaced or damaged and class time is wasted because needed materials are not at hand.
  • school material left at home
  • does not persevere with projects that require sustained effort.
  • effort depends on situation
  • homework assignments are frequently not completed
Use of Information
  • uses information-retrieval technology effectively
  • does not know what to do if not directly told
Cooperation with others
  • shares resources & materials with others
  • willingly works with others
  • assumes responsibilities in groups, class
  • establishes positive relationships with peers & adults
  • follows classroom & school procedures
  • helps others
  • has difficulty following classroom and school procedures
  • challenges authority, disrespectful of adults
  • does not respect the rights, property and opinions of others
  • is often unable to work or play cooperatively with others
Conflict Resolution
  • is willing to be directed to change behaviour & admits mistakes
  • resolves conflicts in socially acceptable ways
  • requires counseling in anger management
  • deliberately creates conflict
  • doesn’t resolve conflict in socially acceptable ways
Class Participation
  • contributes ideas & information to the class
  • participates in class & group activities
  • helps to motivate others, encourages others
  • accepts a share of the work to be done
  • is unable to listen to others without interrupting
  • lets others do their work for them
  • does not do their fair share of the work.
Problem Solving
  • is willing to try new & alternate solutions to solve problems
  • always asks what to do next
  • is hesitant to solve problems independently
Goal Setting to improve work
  • identifies strengths and areas for improvement in own work
  • identifies and pursues goals independently
  • is developing strategies to compensate for known areas of weakness to reach goals.
  • perseveres to achieve goals by doing remedial work and accepting help from others.
  • asses own work objectively & is self motivated to improve
  • uses identified criteria to assess work
  • does not asses own work prior to handing it in & is satisfied with minimum requirements
  • relies too heavily on parental involvement in goal setting, organization and assessing own work
  • does not accept comments about academic performance graciously
  • is unwilling to accept assistance
  • is satisfied with skill levels that are below grade
  • only identifies and pursues goals with the strong involvement of parents
 

Group Work

Getting along with other people is very important. Most students will have to work as part of a team when they enter the work force. Successful group work depends on positive social interactions. The following are behaviours that support group work:

  1. Stayed on task, talked about assignment
  2. Encouraged other people to stay on task
  3. Listened when other people are speaking
  4. Contributed ideas
  5. Tried their best
  6. Helped the group move along to get work done
  7. Spoke nicely to other group members
  8. Made people feel worthwhile, encouraged ideas
  9. Tried to get people to agree
  10. Did their fair share of the work

Focus for Report Card Comments ~ Learning Skills

Independent Work - Plus

Minus

  • Term 1

  1. demonstrates responsibility in attendance, punctuality, and task completion
  2. works well without supervision
  3. accepts responsibility for completing tasks on time and with care
  4. accepts responsibility for own behaviour
  5. follows routines and instructions independently
  • Term 2

  1. demonstrates self-direction in learning, identifies and pursues learning goals and tasks independently
  2. responds and participates in a variety of learning activities
  3. selects learning materials, resources, activities independently
  4. shows motivation
  5. displays self-confidence
  6. completes tasks on time & with care
  • Term 3

  1. persists with tasks
  2. uses time/schedules/planners effectively, uses Agenda to schedule time effectively
  3. organizes time effectively
  4. adheres to established time lines
  5. explores, selects, and uses a variety of learning strategies
  6. completes homework and other assignments on time with care
  1. requires supervision during learning activities to maintain focus.
  2. needs to have assignments explained personally.
  3. does not use Organizer to schedule time effectively
  4. does not persist with tasks
  5. does not take responsibility for own behaviour

 

Initiative - Plus

Minus

  • Term 1

  1. shows motivation,

  2.  demonstrates a positive attitude towards learning

  3. seeks work, new opportunities for learning

  4. responds to challenges

  • Term 2

  1.  seeks challenges and takes risks,

  2. welcomes new tasks and seeks new opportunities for learning

  3.  shows interest and curiosity about objects and events

  4.  observes, questions, explores, investigates

  5. seeks additional and  new information from library books, CD-ROMs, and other resources

  • Term 3

  1. identifies problems to solve, conducts experiments

  2. shows initiative and self direction

  3. displays confidence

  4.  approaches new learning situations with confidence

  5.  demonstrates a positive attitude toward learning

  6.  generates questions for further inquiry

  7.  seeks information from innovative sources and in innovative ways

  8.  investigates and obtains information independently

  9. develops original ideas and innovative procedures

  10.  attempts a variety of learning activities

  11.  seeks assistance when required

  12.  seeks assistance when necessary

  13.  participates in extra-curricular activities

  1.  lacks confidence when approaching new learning situations

  2. approaches new tasks reluctantly

  3.  is reluctant to seek assistance when difficulties are encountered

Homework Completion – Work Habits - Plus

Minus

  • Term 1

  1. completes homework on time and with care

  2. comes to class prepared for learning, uses class time effectively

  • Term 2

  1. completes tasks by designing innovative procedures

  2. puts forth consistent effort

  3.  follows directions and completes all homework tasks, follows directions & completes tasks

  4. shows attention to detail

  5. demonstrates interest and enthusiasm in homework assignments

  • Term 3

  1.  organizes materials and equipment effectively

  2. begins work promptly

  3. follows directions and completes tasks

  4. chooses and uses materials and equipment correctly, safely, creatively

  5. utilizes time effectively

  6. perseveres with complex projects that require sustained effort, perseveres with projects that require sustained effort

  7. attends to task at hand

  8.  demonstrates flexibility and adaptability

  1. homework assignments are frequently not completed

  2.  learning materials in desk are kept in disarray

  3. assignments are often misplaced or damaged and class time is wasted because needed materials are not at hand.

  4. does not persevere with projects that require sustained effort.

Use of Information - Plus

Minus

  • Term 1

  1. effectively interprets and synthesizes information

  2.  understands information that is presented at grade level independently

  • Term 2

  1. integrates learning from various subjects and areas

  2. effectively uses a variety of information-gathering techniques and different  information sources

  3. uses information-retrieval technology effectively

  4. accurately analyses and assesses the value of information

  • Term 3

  1.  recognizes where and how assignments, projects would benefit from additional information

  2. is able to critique own work objectively

  3.  uses facilities, equipment, supplies, evidence, research, expert opinions, and discussion to gather information and solve problems

  4. considers all information, alternatives before reaching a conclusion

  5. assesses information and ideas and draws relevant conclusions

  6. demonstrates creativity in assessing information and ideas and in drawing relevant conclusions

  7. identifies a variety of sources and resources to collect information

  8. demonstrates a variety of skills to organize and manage information

  9. demonstrates research skills

  10. asks questions to clarify meaning and ensure understanding

  11. uses information and technology systems effectively

  1. does not know what to do if not directly told

 

Cooperation with others - Plus

Minus

  • Term 1

  1. takes turns

  2. listens to, acknowledges and considers differing opinions

  3. willingly works with others

  4. works and plays cooperatively with others

  5. follows classroom and school procedures

  6. establishes positive relationships with peers and adults

  • Term 2

  1.  shares in cleaning duties after an activity

  2. assumes responsibilities in groups, the classroom, the school

  3. helps others

  • Term 3

  1. volunteers

  2. considers both the immediate and long-term effects of actions on others

  3. shares resources, materials, and equipment with others

  4. respects rights, property and opinions of others

  5. works and plays cooperatively with others

  6. responds and is sensitive to the needs and welfare of others

  1. is often unable to work or play cooperatively with others.

  2. has difficulty following classroom and school procedures

  3. does not respect the rights, property and opinions of others

   

 

Conflict Resolution - Plus

Minus

  • Term 1

  1.  resolves conflicts when they occur

  2. resolves conflicts independently

  3. resolves conflicts in socially acceptable ways

  • Term 2

  1. negotiates to solve problems, conflicts

  2. mediates differences of opinion

  3. listens to understand conflict before acting or offering a resolution

  • Term 3

  1. assists others to resolve conflicts appropriately

  2. seeks positive solutions to conflicts

  3. uses a variety of strategies to resolve conflicts appropriately

  4.  helps the group to identify and maintain strategies for conflict resolution

  1. does not resolve conflict in socially acceptable ways

  2. requires counseling in anger management

  3.  deliberately creates conflict

 

Class Participation - Plus

Minus

  •   Term 1

  1. participates in class and group activities

  2. willingly works with new groups

  • Term 2

  1. accepts various roles within the class and group, including leadership

  2. takes responsibility for own share of the work to be done, accepts a share of the work to be done

  3. contributes to co-operative problem solving

  4. completes class and group activities or projects

  5. works to help achieve the goals of the class and group

  6.  helps to motivate others

  7. communicates well with class and group members

  8. helps the class and group to work together

  • Term 3

  1.  encourages others to participate, helps to motivate others, encourages others to participate

  2. contributes information and ideas to the class and group

  3. questions the ideas of the group to seek clarification or agreement

  4. demonstrates leadership in class and group activities

  5. modifies views as the result of group discussion

  6. shows respect for the ideas of others in the class and group

  7. supports ideas and observations of the group with facts and details

  8. listens to others without interrupting

  9.  asks group members to explain their ideas

  10.  paraphrases points of view to help understanding

  1. does not do their fair share of the work.

  2. is unable to listen to others without interrupting

 

Problem Solving - Plus

Minus

  • Term 1

  1. solves problems independently

  • Term 2

  1.  interprets, understands the problem

  2. devises a plan to solve the problem, is willing to try new & alternate solutions to solve problems

  3. carries out the plan

  4. records the process and the results

  5. checks the solution/results

  6. evaluates the plan, solution, result

  • Term 3

  1. devises alternate solutions, plans to solve a problem

  2. makes connections between different problems and solutions

  3.  applies successful strategies to new problem situations

  4.  chooses appropriate materials and equipment to solve problems

  5.  develops original ideas and creative solutions to solve problems

  6.  applies logic  

  1.  is hesitant to solve problems independently

 

Goal Setting to improve work - Plus

Minus

  • Term 1

  1. identifies criteria to assess work

  2. uses criteria to assess work, uses identified criteria to assess work

  3. assesses own work

  • Term 2

  1.  identifies goals

  2. identifies specific steps or actions to reach goal or to improve, asses own work objectively & is self motivated to improve

  3. evaluates success in reaching goals

  • Term 3

  1. identifies strengths and areas for improvement in own work

  2. perseveres to achieve goals, identifies and pursues goals independently, perseveres to achieve goals by doing remedial work and accepting help from others.

  3. revises goals or steps and strategies when necessary

  4.  demonstrates self-direction in goal setting and goal achievement, . is developing strategies to compensate for known areas of weakness in order to reach goals

  5.  accepts feedback on performance from others

  6.  uses feedback to improve work and monitor learning

  1. only identifies and pursues goals with the strong involvement of parents

  2. does not asses own work prior to handing it in & is satisfied with minimum requirements

  3.  relies too heavily on parental involvement in goal setting, organization and assessing own work

  4.  does not accept comments about academic performance graciously

  5.  is unwilling to accept assistance

  6.  is satisfied with skill levels that are below grade level

 

 

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