Welcome to susanclose.ca
a training site
for smarter learning
Susan Close, the founder of SmartReading and the SmartLearning approach, is pleased to present this new training site.
This site offers educators and parents opportunities to learn research-proven ways to motivate learning. The SmartLearning approach featured on this site has been refined over time in collaboration with a host of leaders throughout the province, and reflects the best we now know about learning.
The approach has been developed, field-tested, studied, and documented through
ministry of education and district-sponsored action research projects throughout British Columbia, over the past
20 years. The most extensive research has been conducted in School District 40
(New Westminster), 2000-2008.
In May 2008, Susan Close received the Canadian Educational Researchers'
Todd Rogers award
(PDF file) for leadership in evidence-based research. This award recognizes leadership in building formal investigative networks that use assessment information to improve achievement.
The SmartLearning approach provides learners of all ages and walks of life with a nine-step framework and a host of SmartThinking Tools that motivate higher levels of understanding. Through the nine-step process learners activate and build background knowledge, process information, transform their learning into a product that shows what they know, and reflect on their learning.
Structured talk and assessment as and for learning are carefully woven into the process to build a thoughtful context for learning and to advance the thinking of all learners. SmartLearning realizes the goals of inclusivity and differentiation.
Under Susan Close's leadership, SD#40 developed a comprehensive set of reading and writing assessment tools that enable teachers, administrators, learners and parents to understand a student's strengths and challenges in relation to performance standards. Teachers use the assessment tools to guide planning and teaching. The assessment packages can be purchased through Learning Services at SD40:
www.sd40.bc.ca.
|
| Change
of Venue:
The location of the Williams Lake Summer Institute
(Aug 25-27) has changed to: Columneetza Secondary, 1045 Western Avenue, Williams Lake. |
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