TFS - Canada's International School

Learning Differently The Learning Forum @ TFS supports differentiation Dr. Elliott works with a student on test-taking strategies. Any parent attending a TFS graduation will hear incredible stories of our students' academic journeys. How a school supports students along the way is a testament to its very culture and the Learning Forum @ TFS has been created to enhance the journey for each student. What is differentiation? Understanding how students learn in the way that's best for them is a field of education that has grown in recent years, in large part because of our understanding of the brain. Dr. Susan Elliott, Executive Director of the Learning Forum, is excited to apply this kind of brain research to the classroom, because understanding a student's readiness, interests and learning profile can positively impact their learning. Armed with that knowledge, a teacher can then adjust the content, process, products of learning and the learning environment. This is called differentiating instruction, a termed coined by expert Carol Ann Tomlinson. "With TFS' unique triple blend of Ontario, French and IB curricula, our teachers are already differentiation experts." By using these curricula as a starting point, Dr. Elliott says, "we then have opportunities in the class to make subtle changes that personalize the experience for learners." One example of understanding readiness of our younger students is how we plan for 16 TFS - Canada's International School the integration of Intro students into the classes taught in the regular French program. "We know that all our students will get there," she says, "but how can we support them as they move into the program and make sure the timing is right?" As students transition to higher grades, the focus turns more to study skills, organization strategies and understanding teen development. Dr. Elliott notes, "We have a whole host of supports, including extra help, individual and group study, and this range of opportunities can be used to our students' best advantage." Developing a growth mindset Carol Dweck is a leading researcher from Stanford University on the idea of growth mindsets, who posits that intelligence and ability are not fixed. If we approach learning in an open manner, develop learning strategies that work best for each of us as individuals, and understand that neither level of intelligence nor ability are set at birth, we can continually grow and learn. Dr. Elliott points out that children who have always achieved easily sometimes feel unsure of themselves if they struggle to learn something new. Those children especially need to adapt a growth mindset, so that they feel more comfortable if they don't already know something. As the Learning Forum develops across all four branches at TFS, Dr. Elliott is making special consideration for optimal learning environments. She explains that TFS teachers are already exploring how to best set up their rooms, use creative student seating, use the ravine and other outdoor spaces, and incorporate hands-on activities. The importance of collaboration Collaboration is another important focus for Dr. Elliott and her team, and she knows that it's essential for differentiating the learning experience as well. "If people are working near each other and the space is designed for exchanging ideas, then it's a fertile ground for collaboration," she explains. Learning supports, technology and library can all intersect, and she envisions the Learning Forum as an open space that will also house one-on-one, independent study, small and larger plenary groups, multimedia and research. This collaboration extends to how the Learning Forum will develop in other ways. "We're innovating carefully, with time to explore research, to evaluate and determine the best course of action." The coming transformations formed by this kind of deeply synergistic collaboration will further elevate the support we offer our students today and in years to come. Editor's Note Dr. Elliott blogs! Each branch website has a dedicated space for The Learning Forum @ TFS.

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