User:Palcona/sandbox

This article is in relation to Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School under "The System" header.

Self-Directed Learning
Self-directed learning also known as Autodidacticism, is the act of self-education to teach oneself. Self-directed learning is complemented by teachers, parents, and experts for guidance. Mary Ward is one of two schools in Ontario and one of eight schools in Canada whom adopted self directed learning and are members of the Canadian Coalition of Self-Directed Learning (CCSDL). These eight schools share in common the fundamental practices of being a member of the CCSDL. These schools have a unique system that is different compared to traditional elementary and secondary schools in Canada.

Objective of Self-Directed Learning
The CCSDL's objective for its members is to "promote within, and externally, an understanding of each member school’s program and culture, and foster a knowledge of self-directed learning. Using the strength of our varied geographic locations, our educational experiences, and the uniqueness of our member schools’ programs we will disseminate information and promote self-directed learning." In respects to Mary Ward's approach to Self-Directed Learning, the education system in place is for mostly independent study, where students work on their own pace to accomplish units (assignments). In an effort to enforce the objective of the CCSDL, members must follow the seven fundamental practices that separate themselves to ordinary schools in Canada.

These seven practices include: Personalized Programming, Flexible Scheduling, Teachers Advisement, Collaborative Learning Environment, Authentic Assessment, Continuous Progress, and Mastery Learning.

CCSDL's 7 Fundamental Practices
Personalized Programming : Students have a right in respects to determine when, where and how to approach learning. This allows a student to organize and enhance their learning experience. According to an article by Jennifer Kelly (What Personalized Learning Really Means For Modern Teachers), personalized learning is not just beneficial to students but also for educators as well. However critiques of personalizing a student's learning can lead to more funding and time used for personalized programming to be fully effective.

Flexible Scheduling : Members of the CCSDL, apply assorted scheduling variations. These scheduling variations are utilized in order for students to manipulate and manage their learning. Many schools in North America are attempting to adopt a new system of scheduling for their students, with some schools showing effectiveness with their respective students and faculty.

Teachers Advisement : One of the most important relationship in schools is between student and teacher. Members of the CCSDL embody the Teacher Advisor Program. This program incorporates teachers more than just educators but also serve as coaches, mentors, facilitators and guides and stress collaboration and high expectations.

Collaborative Learning Environment : In a learning centred environment, there is concentration for member schools on active learning, reflection and collaboration amongst faculty and students.

Authentic Assessment : School utilize various strategies to apply the knowledge in which students have learned to demonstrate their abilities and skills. This is another enhancement to improve the learning culture within the schools. In respects to Ontario, education have made significant changes in the approach of how students are evaluated to ensure fairness, reliability, and validity.

Continuous Progress : As every student is unique, so it their pace and approach to learning, and their position in the learning continuum is different to everyone else. Continuous progress holds the accountability of student, parents, and teacher advisor to set goals that are achievable. Continuous progress is a technique that is able to see the student as a whole, instead of bits and pieces that result in miscommunication. This practice encourages the success of students to achieve at the highest level possible in school.

Mastery Learning : "CCSDL schools believe that it is important that students learn well and to this end, learning activities are developed in manageable units which require the student to demonstrate mastery of skills before progressing in their course work." Mastery learning exemplifies the knowledge of a student to ensure that each student is able to progress forward. In respects to Mary Ward, the assignments handed to teachers often are complimented with a test or research paper depending on the course and layout set by the teacher. The approach is built on the premise that all students should succeed in learning new concepts and skills and that everyone can learn given the right circumstances.