LIBE 436 Assignment #1 Grade and subject: Social Studies 11 Curriculum: B.C.

Ministry of Education Rationale for grade and subject choice Before I offer a rationale for my choice, it may be wise to include a brief overview of the school community that I teach in. I teach a small class of grade 10, 11 and 12 students in an alternate setting. Each of my students has been designated with moderate to severe behavior issues, as well as a variety of learning, physical and emotional disabilities. Many of my students have been or are under the care of the Ministry of Children and Families, and many struggle with mental health issues as well as addiction. Despite being an academic program, course curriculum often takes a back seat to some of the social issues that arise within my classroom. I often wear the hat of teacher as well as counselor, librarian and custodian, all within the same day, and we never know where the day may take us! With all of this in mind, I do try to maintain academic standards to encourage meaningful coursework. Each of my students graduates with a Dogwood Diploma and many have gone on to postsecondary endevours. As a Social Studies teacher, I am always excited when I am assigned the coveted Social Studies 11 course. Despite the pressure of a provincial exam, Social Studies 11 is a favourite among most teachers, as it tends to generate the most interest, debate, discussion and critical thought of all the high school Social Studies courses. With a core focus on Canadian government, history and geography, students are offered the opportunity to see Canada on a global scale, assessing the role our country plays in the past, present as well as the future. Social Studies 11 also offers the opportunity for many teachable moments, as current events on the local, provincial, federal and international level play a role in every class. Having taught the course many times, and adapted and modified many lessons for many different learners, I am always looking for ways to instill the sense of passion and importance that I feel for the subject. I have a real sense of obligation to create a feeling of commitment and respect for Canadian history, particularily 20th centuary history. I dont feel as though I always accomplish this, and would love fresh ideas to enhance and supplement my unit and lesson plans. Learning Objectives and Precribed Learning Outcomes There are five major themes addressed in Social Studies 11: 1) Skills and Processes 2) Politics and Government 3) Autonomy and International Involvement

4) Human Geography 5) Society and Identity For the purpose of this assignment, I have decided to narrow down the focus of the course to themes 1) Skills and Processes, and 3) Autonomy and International Involvement. 1) The Skills and Processes theme applies to the overall objectives of the course and the PLOs for this theme are re-inforced throughout every unit. The prescribed learning outcomes for this theme expect that students will be able to:

apply critical thinkingincluding questioning, comparing, summarizing, drawing conclusions, and defending a positionto make reasoned judgments about a range of issues, situations, and topics demonstrate effective research skills, including accessing information assessing information collecting data evaluating data organizing information presenting information citing sources demonstrate effective written, oral, and graphic communication skills demonstrate skills and attitudes of active citizenship, including ethical behaviour, open-mindedness, respect for diversity, and collaboration 3) Autonomy and International Involvement relies heavily on 20th Century History, with a focus on Canadian roles. The prescribed learning outcomes for this theme expect that students will be able to:

describe Canadas evolution as a politically autonomous nation assess Canadas role in World War I and the wars impact on Canada assess Canadas role in World War II and the wars impact on Canada assess Canadas participation in world affairs with reference to human rights United Nations Cold War modern conflicts