| courses | workshops | online seminars | partnerships | resources & links | 
Robertson Program for Inquiry-based Teaching in
Mathematics & Science
Vision
Our vision for the Jackman ICS/Robertson Program is to advance the quality of teaching and teacher education in Ontario elementary schools in the areas of mathematics and science. An inquiry stance empowers students to learn by encouraging and honouring their questions and improving motivation, while teachers explore more deeply and equitably an enhanced understanding of math and science.
We would like to thank the N.S. Robertson Charitable Foundationfor their generous donation in support of this innovative teaching program.
Outreach Professional Development
Our goal is to disseminate an effective, research-based program that embraces the inquiry stance developed at The Laboratory School at the Jackman ICS and OISE to improve teaching across Ontario and elsewhere.
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Online Seminars ~ For 2011/2012, online seminars (single or series) are being developed for educators. We invite elementary schools, school boards, and faculties of education to participate in upcoming online seminars offered by the Robertson Program for Inquiry-based Math and Science.
Contact Information
Cheryl Madeira, PhD
Director
(cell) 416-768-5156
Beverly Caswell, PhD
Program Coordinator
Robertson Program for Inquiry-based Teaching in Mathmatics & Science
Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study
OISE/University of Toronto
45 Walmer Road
Toronto, ON M5R 2X2
| Courses (please contact Cheryl or Bev for upcoming dates) |
Special Topics course: HDP 1238H Early Learning in Mathematics
Instructors: Prof. Joan Moss and Bev Caswell, PhD
This course will focus on general developmental issues concerning young children and mathematics learning. As part of this course, we will examine international early years mathematics curricula as well as Ontario’s early years focus on inquiry and play-based learning in mathematics. Investigations of mathematics content area include: the development of number sense and early arithmetic, spatial and geometric understandings, classification and data management and patterning.
Aditional Qualification: Mathematics Primary/Junior Part 1
The Additional Qualifications Mathematics Primary/Junior Course (Part One) is designed to focus on inquiry-based practices for mathematics education K-6 curriculum and embed this understanding in teacher practice. Part of the course will be taught in conjunction with the TDSB Model Schools for Inner Cities summer school program. The course will continue throughout the fall term so that practicing teachers can collaboratively develop and implement inquiry-based learning environments to create equitable elementary mathematics classrooms and access to higher-level mathematics for all students.
“Knowledge is power, and mathematical literacy opens the door of opportunity.” - Jacqueline Leonard, 2008
Aditional Qualification: Science and Technology Part 1
The Primary and Junior Education Science and Technology, Part 1, additional qualification course aims to provide participants a clear understanding about inquiry-based approaches and skills, theoretical learning frameworks, and general knowledge, techniques, strategies and habits of mind to effectively teach elementary students the basic concepts, early years learning and real world connections of different fields of Science. Research shows that “focus and support of inquiries while interacting with students” and that 'inquiry into authentic questions generated from student experiences is the central strategy for teaching science" (Crawford, 2000; National Research Council NRC, 1996). This is course is specially designed to focus on the Best Inquiry-Practices for Science Education K-6 curriculum and embed this understanding in teacher practice. The course will model a seminar-professional development program, inspired by the work of the EJ-ICS lab school and other exemplar practice. This course will provide a positive learning environment that reflects care, professional knowledge, ethical practice, leadership and ongoing learning.
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| Workshops (please contact Cheryl or Bev if you want to host a workshop) |
An Early Years Symposium - Saturday, October 1, 2011
Collaborative Practice in Action: Full Day Early Learning in Ontario Schools
A one-day symposium for teachers, ECE educators, administrators and teaching assistants working in full day early learning Kindergar¬ten programs. Developed through the leadership of Barbara Bodkin of (OISE Continuing Education), this is a collaborative effort that includes the Atkinson Centre for Society and Child Development, the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study, George Brown College, and the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario. This highly interactive day features keynote speakers and breakout sessions with school teams across Ontario, and OISE faculty who are deeply immersed in all aspects of early learning. Members of school teams are invited to learn, network, celebrate and plan together and with others from across Ontario. See flyer for details.
Inquiry ensures Equity
This hands-on inquiry-based, curriculum-focused session will allow candidates to embed critical issues of equity within a science classroom. Some thematic questions that will be addressed are: Why is it important that every student learns science? What are some of the teacher and student roles in an inquiry-based science class? How will inquiry ensure equity? This session will challenge teacher candidates to use an inquiry-based approach to foster student voices, increase student literacy, and enable student understanding of science concepts. The session will provide handouts and guidance in how to create an exciting, fun and engaging science classroom that really addresses equity for all students. The session will offer opportunities for teacher candidates to think about next steps in their own learning and professional development. (3 hours)
Growing with Success – Authentic Assessment for Inquiry-based Activities
This session will give a brief overview of the recent Growing Success document (MOE) and highlight some practical and critical themes such as What is authentic learning and assessment? How can assessment connect to inquiry-based teaching and learning?; and How can assessment encourage a new generation of digital learners? (2 Hours)
An Early Years Symposium - Saturday, October 1, 2011 Collaborative Practice in Action: Full Day Early Learning in Ontario Schools
 A one-day symposium for teachers, ECE educators, administrators and teaching assistants working in full day early learning Kindergar¬ten programs. Developed through the leadership of Barbara Bodkin of (OISE Continuing Education), this is a collaborative effort that includes the Atkinson Centre for Society and Child Development, the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study, George Brown College, and the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario. This highly interactive day features keynote speakers and breakout sessions with school teams across Ontario, and OISE faculty who are deeply immersed in all aspects of early learning. Members of school teams are invited to learn, network, celebrate and plan together and with others from across Ontario. See flyer for details.
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| Online Seminars |
| Information on the Online Seminars will be provided Summer 2011. Please check back. |
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| Partnerships |
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The Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study welcomes and works to develop partnerships with Ontario teachers and schools in order to strengthen and further our understanding of inquiry-based approaches to teaching children mathematics and science. Many thanks to our associates at the Centre for Urban Schooling for their support in professional development and outreach.
Carleton Village Public School ~ Grade 6 teachers collaborate with Jackman ICS teachers to examine uses of laptops in mathematics.
Corliss Public School ~ Development of online school community to foster inquiry-based and techology practices within the various grade levels. The school professional development initiative helps teachers embed inquiry-based strategies in their everyday subject-based lessons.
Early Years Science ~ Science inquiry for early years learning can provide powerful opportunities for children to understand the natural world. The Jackman ICS Robertson Program is collaborating with leading experts across Ontario through the Knowledge for Applied Education Research (KNEAR).
Flemington Public School ~ A collaboration between the mathematics team at Flemington, the Robertson Program for Inquiry-based Teaching in Mathematics, and the TDSB Inclusive Schools Project led to the development of a family Multicultural Math Night honouring cultural contributions to the field of mathematics. In preparation for the event, grades 4 and 5 students learned about math innovations and great thinkers from their own and other cultures in order to provide leadership for the event.
The event reflects “Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy: Realizing the promise of diversity” (Ministry of Education, 2009), where inclusive education is defined as “Education that is based on the principles of acceptance and inclusion of all students. Students see themselves reflected in their curriculum, their physical surroundings, and the broader environment, in which diversity is honoured and all individuals are respected.”
Students were supported by graduate students in the Jackman ICS MA in Child Study & Education program and teacher candidates from OISE’s Inner City Option.
Grey Owl Public School ~ Primary Science Kits for At Home Parent-Child Inquiry. This year Grey Owl teachers wanted to continue to foster their relationship with their parent community by developing science kits for at-home experiments. The teachers were investigating how inquiry-based approaches could work in the home environment.
~ Kindergartens' Exploration of Ants Ecology. This project headed up by the Kindergarten teacher was aimed to encourage children's questioning and natural curiosity. (In collaboration with the TDSB Inclusive Schools Project)
Toronto District School Board Beginning Teachers ~ Beginning teachers require in developing inquiry-based teaching practices. Working with an established program - TDSB Beginning Teachers Program - providing resources and strategies/techniques for new teachers. (In collaboration with the TDSB Beginning Teachers Project
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