Response of the Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents
to "The Image of the Learner"
- A document of the Ontario Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
Teaching parents nurture lifelong learners.
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Our changing work world requires lifelong learners who |
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| 1. areself-directed,
take the initiative to decide what they need to learn and how to go about learning it. |
Learning is fueled
by curiosity.
- Help the learner determine and pursue personal interests. - Ensure the enjoyment of learning is kept intact |
| 2. can
make
connections,
integrate their learning with their own beliefs and experiences and many aspects of the world around them. |
Parents are themselves
learners.
- Share the beliefs and values of your family, its history and its goals - Show how these are played out and honoured each day Children, by nature, are eager to understand the world around them. - Encourage personal reflection, and enable participation in a wide range of experiences - Model understanding of others and respect for their views |
| 3. are
creative,
act on a vision; see beyond existing structures; are inventive and entrepreneurial. |
Learning is a worthwhile
endeavour and takes time
- Provide ongoing opportunities for exploring ideas and developing skills - Give a wide latitude of time, space, and resources for experimentation and growth The goals and accomplishments of others are motivating - Seek inspiration from innovators. - Provide exposure in real life situations to models and mentors in a variety of pursuits |
| 4. canmanage
their own learning,
learn effectively alone and with others. |
The learning process
is a continuum
- Facilitate individual and cooperative efforts - Encourage the learner to join groups engaged in stimulating activities which involve people of varying ages in all walks of life |
| 5. can
solve
problems,
formulate problems, think creatively and critically, engage in systematic inquiry. |
People learn best when
what they are doing makes a difference.
- Discuss areas that interest and intrigue the learner, and strengthen reasoning skills. -Encourage questions, and access people and resources to aid in finding answers
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| 6. are responsible citizens, who make a positive contribution at work, home, and the community | Parents want their
children to mature and to be equipped for life
- Pass on information and skills you consider most important through example and explanation - Support the development of life management skills Education is accomplished in our hearts, our homes, and our communities - Promote a sense of belonging and of responsibility toward others - Encourage willing contribution to the duties and chores of your family, and volunteerism in the community at large |
| 7. have a positive
attitude,
demonstrate a positive sense of self and look for the best in people and situations. |
Each and every person
has a unique blend of gifts, aptitudes and abilities and is inherently
valuable as an individual.
- Discover and support your child's gifts and talents. - Tailor your teaching to their needs, while encouraging their strengths. Children thrive in a supportive environment such as that created by loving family relationships. - Families as a whole, as well as the individuals within them, have strengths and needs. - Nurture attitudes of respect and affirmation. - Value day to day interactions within the family, and its special traditions. |
| 8. are effective
communicators,
use language and symbols effectively to express one's point of view while listening and working effectively with others |
Language is a means
to communicate, and a legacy
- Dialogue with your children, listening actively and valuing their opinion - Instruct when necessary, providing frequent opportunities for feedback The voices of others, and what they say, are important, and discourse is a great opportunity - Engage in conversation with others of all ages, while going from place to place, and provide exposure to many forms of media - Using varied strategies, foster an appreciation of the written word, and build skill in its use |
| * Carolyn Bennett, President Ontario ASCD, Associate Dean of Education, Nipissing College University, 100 College Drive, Box 5002, North Bay, ON P1B 8L7 | |
A message to School Board Trustees