Student Engagement and Well-Being in FSL
This resource was developed based on the findings from a collaborative inquiry project on Student Engagement and Well‐Being in the FSL classroom (2016‐2017).
The project involved four boards selected for their interest in increasing student engagement through collaborative inquiry in their three‐year plans for FSL.
The plan included:
- One face‐to-face meeting to introduce the project and promote collaboration.
- Two Web conferences (in December 2016 and March 2017) to support professional collaboration.
Participants in the pilot project included school principals and FSL teachers, who play a crucial role in creating engaging learning environments.
The following four themes emerged during the learning conversations:
Using student voice to transform FSL school culture
Student voice connects what’s happening in the FSL classroom to personal experiences outside school.
Using student voice to transform FSL school culture
Student voice demonstrates competent and complex thinking by all students.
Using student voice to transform FSL school culture
Student voice provides for the expression of ideas in a variety of ways, such as in writing, drama or art.
Using student voice to transform FSL school culture
Helping students find their voice allows opportunities for greater engagement in FSL by becoming partners in their learning and promotes reciprocal relationships between FSL teachers and students.
Using student voice to transform FSL school culture
Student voice helps to shift the classroom culture from a grading to a learning culture, to foster student confidence and to promote retention in FSL programs.
“Our grammar-focused belief has shifted to a focus on communication and student interaction. Parents are observing changes in their children’s attitudes toward FSL.”
Technology:
Using technology to improve student outcomes in FSL
Using technology to improve student outcomes in FSL
The use of technology in a school can involve any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities and English Language Learners.
Using technology to improve student outcomes in FSL
Integrating technology in the classroom is one way to address diverse FSL learning needs and create the conditions for equitable and inclusive learning environments.
Using technology to improve student outcomes in FSL
Using technology boosts engagement and improves achievement.
Using technology to improve student outcomes in FSL
Helping students take control over their learning increases autonomy and confidence.
Using technology to improve student outcomes in FSL
Using a variety of technological devices provides students with tools to demonstrate their thinking.
Using data to inform decision making and improve student learning
Collecting qualitative data through student surveys helps teachers make informed decisions pertaining to the students’ social and emotional well-being.
Using data to inform decision making and improve student learning
Using formative classroom assessment can have a positive impact on student achievement and well‐being.
Using data to inform decision making and improve student learning
Using data available through data‐based systems such as Compass, Maplewood, Power School, and the Ministry of Education FSL Data Tool (MISA) can facilitate gathering information about course offerings and selection, student participation and achievement, and can support educators in determining effective FSL practices that promote student engagement in FSL and student retention in programs leading to graduation.