LCS Blog

the Voice of LCS

The Benefits of Cycled Learning: Learning, Resting and Recalling 

Posted on Categories LCS Learns

By Dean VanDoleweerd Assistant Head: Academics and Heather Avery Associate Head: Strategy In A New School Schedule that Promotes Well-Being and Engagement  we shared some of the work we are doing to finalize a new schedule for Lakefield College School beginning in 2020/21. It includes thinking that emphasizes a student-centred learning approach and schedule that will deliver the learning outcomes outlined in our strategic plan. In it we shared current ideas on how reducing the number of subjects being studied at any one time can provide a better overall learning experience for students. In this week’s article we share how cycled learning--a schedule pattern of studying a subject, shifting away from that subject for a period of time, and then returning to it--may help students to achieve deeper learning outcomes. The Benefits of a Schedule that Permits Cycled Learning The approach of cycled learning is an important feature under consideration…

Read moreThe Benefits of Cycled Learning: Learning, Resting and Recalling 

A New School Schedule that Promotes Well-Being and Engagement

Posted on Categories Uncategorized

By Dean Van Doleweerd Assistant Head: Academics As we work to finalize a new schedule for Lakefield College School for 2020/21, there are a number of important changes we will make to ensure we have a design which places our students at its centre. A student-centred learning schedule must help deliver the learning outcomes outlined in our strategic plan by maximizing engaged learning time, facilitating student well-being, adding flexibility and choice, and providing more opportunities for authentic learning.  One important change in accomplishing these goals is to reduce the number of subjects being studied at any one time. Currently, our students rotate their study among up to eight courses at once; the new schedule will see that number significantly reduced. Coupled with the reduced number of subjects being studied at one time is the general lengthening of class periods from 70 minutes to 90-95 minute sessions.   Why make these changes? No academic schedule…

Read moreA New School Schedule that Promotes Well-Being and Engagement

Teacher Appreciation Week – A Teacher’s Perspective

Posted on Categories Uncategorized

By  Mike Arsenault: May 6, All Staff Meeting Address Since it’s Teacher Appreciation Week, I think it’s important for us to establish the size of the tent under which we do or do not stand in order to give and receive the appreciation being offered. I don’t think it is too bold to say that “Every time we touch the lives of our students—we teach them.” After all, “teaching” is simply another word for the ancient and elemental bond that exists between the elders of the tribe and the younger members. If you are in this all-staff meeting you’re an elder. Sorry, twenty-somethings. If you come into contact with any of our students you are teaching them, even through the briefest of encounters. What each of us does—matters — because we are all connected. So, in my view the tent is big and we stand under it together. Mrs.Kee makes this claim,…

Read moreTeacher Appreciation Week – A Teacher’s Perspective