Contextualized Learning Activities

Michelle Ouellette, Dufferin-Peel Catholic DSB

What is a CLA?

Required element of a Specialist High Skills Major

Delivered to SHSM students in Math, English and often Science or Business

6-8 hours of instruction time Creates a Math lesson within the

context of the SHSM area

Example:

Hospitality and Tourism SHSMStudents must take grade 12 math in

C, A and U streamsCLA written for MHF4U: Investigating

Exponential and Logarithmic Models Related to Food Safety

Example:

Transportation SHSMStudents must take CLA in grade 12

mathCLA written for MCT4C: Braking

distance as an exponential function and 4- stroke engine cycle as a sinusoidal function.

How can this help student success?

Answers the “when will I ever need to know this” question

V. Luh: “necessary for some, good for all”

Enriches the learning experience, creates connections outside the subject – personal interests for some

Where can this be used?

Student Success might benefit from using well-written CLAs in every math class in every school

With students in Dual Credit programs in areas that are similar/same as a SHSM area (Hospitality, Business, Transportation, Communication?)

How are CLAs created?

Some were done through the Ministry of Education

Some were done by each board and posted Provincially

Some are done in-house by board or school and not yet shared

How are CLAs created?

Within DPCDSBMath teacher as paid writerTechnological Education teacher

consulted to create contextCollege instructors would make

excellent consultants/reviewers as well

Promising Practice to Explore and Next Steps

CLAs viewed by college instructors – feedback, understanding, preparation

CLAs shared among schools (SHSM or not)

CLAs shared between boards (through Provincial e-community)