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An applied focus in all subjects and courses promotes the use of practical applications to demonstrate theoretical knowledge. Using real world and workplace problems and situations as a context for the application of theory makes school more relevant to students' needs and goals. An applied focus strengthens the link between what students need to know to function effectively in the workplace or in post-secondary education and what they learn in Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Implementation of an applied approach involves working with a wide range of partners including universities, colleges, institutes, employers, community groups, parents, and government.
The applied focus in curriculum is consistent with the following statements from the Kindergarten to Grade 12 Education Plan:
All levels of the program are developed around a common core of learning to ensure that students learn to read, write, and do mathematics, solve problems, and use computer-based technology.Employers expect graduates to be good learners, to think critically and solve problems, to communicate clearly, to be self-directed, and to work well with others. The new workplace also re quires people to be knowledgeable about technology and able to search out and apply information from many sources.
Some examples of an applied focus in different subjects are:
English Language Arts - increasing emphasis on language used in everyday situations and in the workplace, such as for job interviews, memo and letter writing, word processing, and technical communication (including the ability to interpret technical reports, manuals, tables, charts, and graphics)
Mathematics - more emphasis on skills needed in the workplace, including knowledge of probability and statistics, logic, measurement theory, and problem solving
Science - more practical applications and hands-on experience of science, such as reducing energy waste in school or at home, caring for a plant or animal in the classroom, using computers to produce tables and graphs and for spreadsheets
Business Education - more emphasis on real world applications such as preparing rŽsumŽs and personal portfolios, participating in groups to solve business communication problems, using computer software to keep records, and using technology to create and print marketing material
Visual Arts - applying visual arts skills to real world design, problem solving, and communications; exploring career applications of visual arts skills; experimenting with a variety of new technologies to create images; and a new emphasis on creating and understandng images of social significance to the community.
This summary is derived from The Kindergarten to Grade 12 Education Plan (September 1994), and curriculum documents from British Columbia and other jurisdictions.
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Revised: January 26, 1999
