Definition of Learning Resources
Learning resources are defined as information, represented and stored in a variety of media and formats, that assists student learning as defined by provincial or local curricula. This includes but is not limited to, materials in print, video, and software formats, as well as combinations of these formats intended for use by teachers and students.
Rationale for Learning Resource Evaluation
The Ministry promotes the establishment of a resource-rich learning environment through the selection of a wide variety of educationally appropriate materials to meet the needs of all learners and to satisfy various teaching styles. Resources are selected to support provincial programs and curricula through an evaluation process carried out using an "expert" model, that is, using practising master teachers as evaluators. It is expected that teachers will select resources chosen from those items that meet the selected criteria and that suit their particular pedagogical needs and audiences.
All usage of materials involves the teacher as mediator and facilitator of learning. However, students may be expected to have some choice in materials for specific purposes such as independent reading or research. It is expected that multiple resources will be utilized to support learning outcomes at any particular level. A multimedia approach integrating materials from different packages and media is encouraged.
A number of selected resources support cross-curricular integration by enabling various approaches to content or the inclusion of a variety of different types of content. The Ministry includes special needs audiences in the evaluation and annotation of learning resources. As well, special format versions of some selected resources (Braille and taped-book formats) are available.
Learning resources fall into one of three categories:
Recommended Materials
Materials evaluated through a formal evaluation process, approved through Minister's Order, and purchased using targeted learning resource funds. These resources are listed in the print and CD-ROM versions of the Catalogue of Learning Resources.
Authorized Materials
Materials selected prior to 1989 by curriculum committees and purchased through the Credit Allocation Plan. These resources are listed in the print and CD-ROM versions of the Catalogue of Learning Resources.
Locally Selected Materials
Materials evaluated through local (district/school) evaluation processes and approved for use according to district policy.
All learning resources used in schools must either have Recommended or Authorized designation or be approved through district evaluation and approval policies.
Appendix B of this Integrated Resource Package (IRP) includes a list of resource titles relevant for each subject area and an abbreviated description to clarify the main function of each resource. Items are organized by curriculum organizer followed by grade for ease of use.
More detailed descriptions of each resource are available in annotation sets regularly distributed by the Ministry of Education. These annotations, which will supplement the IRP information, are detailed descriptions of learning resources, including grade levels, lists of components, teaching comments and cautions, ordering information, and other details.
Resources often have application to more than one curricular or topic area. Obvious connections are identified in annotations, but teachers will make many more connections as they work with materials in the spirit of integration. The index in annotation documents help teachers organize materials by topic and cateogory.
As previously indicated, districts that choose to evaluate materials locally for school use must have in place a district evaluation policy in accordance with section 182 (2) (e) of the School Act as outlined in Minister's Order #143. Users at the local level may select provincially Authorized or Recommended resources, or they may choose resources that are not on the Ministry's list. There is also the option to develop materials at the local level to support provincial or locally developed curricula.
Currently, all Authorized or Recommended materials are listed in the Catalogue of Learning Resources, published periodically by the Ministry. The same information is available in a CD-ROM catalogue, which also includes an efficient search capability. This enables the rapid identification of resources that meet particular users' needs. Although the main purpose is to help teachers select classroom resources, it can also be useful for the ordering and management of resources. Both English and French discs are available in both Macintosh or MS-DOS format.
The flexiblity of selecting appropriate contexts for students makes determining specific learning resources at the provincial level difficult. However, many resources have been approved through past calls for resources for each of the applied skills subjects and Physical Education. In addition, some of the K to 10 materials reviewed in the spring may also be considered by teachers.
Teachers are reminded that all Recommended and Authorized learning resources may be used at the discretion of the teachers. A keyword search in the CD-ROM version of the Catalogue of Learning Resources can be used to find relevant resources.
A number of resources were suggested by the IRP development committee. Learning Resources Branch will have these suggested resources evaluated. Lists of the Recommended resources will be circulated to schools and will be added to the Catalogue of Learning Resources. As grade 11 and 12 courses for the applied skills subjects and physical education are developed in the future, there will be additional calls for resources. Teachers will be advised as soon as the selection has received Minister's Order.
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Curriculum Branch
Ministry of Education
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Maintained by: Applied Skills Coordinator
Revised: January 28, 1999
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