1. Contextualized Learning Activities
CLA

2. Topics of Discussion What is Contextualized Learning?
The Purpose of a CLA
CLA Development – Process
Examples of CLA’s
What is in a CLA
CLA Ministry Template
Timelines
CLA Delivery

3. What is Contextualized Learning?
Capture the learner’s attention and promote learning retention of specific knowledge, skills or behaviour
Emphasizes content relevance by presenting realistic, industry specific scenarios to learners
Use of authentic learning resources and/or settings

4. The Purpose of a CLA
The goal of a CLA is to build or refine on the student’s existing knowledge to achieve a desired outcome expressed as enhanced knowledge, a new skill, or modified behavior specific to new setting or industry sector

5. CLA Development - Process
Identify the possible courses that are part of the SHSM bundle (other than the SHSM focus courses) that lend themselves well to the development of a CLA
Must be grade 11 or 12 courses
English, Science, Mathematics or Business Studies
Use Curriculum documents to help identify the
overall or specific expectations the CLA will cover

6. CLA Development - Process
CLA does not need to cover all expectations
Course Profiles provide a good starting point
Note – significant changes to Math program, English curriculum has also been revised – current Course Profiles may not be accurate
Must use current Technological and Science curriculum documents

7. Examples of CLA’s Use of Differentiated Instruction is desirable
Traditional “Paper & Pencil” assignment
Oral presentation to class
Power Point presentation
As part of a “Reach Ahead” activity
Use a job shadow assignment as the basis of an report to be done in class - a “day in the life” experience
Use of various media – video, music
Needs to have Formative assessment & Summative evaluation components

8. What is in a CLA Must follow the assigned Ministry Template
Clearly defined activity
Opportunity for formative assessment
A summative evaluation
Answer Key /Marking Scheme
Clearly Stated Expectations (Overall or Specific) - taken from the Curriculum documents
Student Accommodations – See Course Profiles for strategies and examples

9. Timelines
CLA’s are part of the SHSM agreement Boards have with the Ministry of Education
Two CLA’s must be developed per SHSM
One CLA must be ready for delivery to Ministry by February, 2009
CLA’s will be vetted, and may require editing
Approved CLA’s will be posted on Ministry SHSM and eLearning web sites
CLA’s are the property of the Ministry of Education

10. CLA Delivery Must be a minimum of six hours in length
Is not intended to be delivered by the SHSM teacher but rather the subject teacher(s) in the other courses that make up the SHSM bundle
Can not be seen as an “add on”
Try to integrate the CLA in the current program
Present the CLA as a new lesson plan/activity
Formative Assessment & Summative Evaluation is done by the subject teacher
May need the support of the SHSM teacher
Easier said than done…some logistical issues may come up – need teacher buy in and administrator support