Learning Skills and Work Habits

The six learning skills and work habits, as found in the Ministry of Education elementary report card, are responsibility, organization, independent work, collaboration, initiative, and self-regulation. Teachers are encouraged to focus on specific learning skills and work habits for each learning activity.

For each learning skill teachers are encouraged to co-create “Ask Yourself" questions with students. Some examples have been provided in this guide which could be modified to suit the needs of students. These “Ask Yourself" questions could serve as a self-assessment for student reflection that can support teacher assessment.

Responsibility

The Student:

fulfills responsibilities and commitments within the learning environment
completes and submits class work, homework, and assignments according to agreed-upon timelines
takes responsibility for and manages own behaviour

Ask Yourself

Do I do my best when I complete my tasks?
Do I take turns when speaking and listening?

Do I review my work before submitting?
Do I communicate respectfully?

Do I complete tasks using criteria and feedback?
Do I communicate respectfully and inclusively?

Organization

The Student:

devises and follows a plan and process for completing work and tasks
establishes priorities and manages time to complete tasks and achieve goals
identifies, gathers, evaluates, and uses information, technology, and resources to complete tasks

Ask Yourself

Do I take my time to complete a task?
Do I make a plan before I begin my work?

Do I use the resources given to me to complete tasks?
Do I make a plan and follow it?

Do I use the technology and resources given to me to complete a task?
Do I devise and follow a plan to complete tasks?

Independent work

The Student:

independently monitors, assesses, and revises plans to complete tasks and meet goals
uses class time appropriately to complete tasks
follows instructions with minimal supervision

Ask Yourself

Am I able to follow instructions on my own?
Do I choose the materials that I need to complete my work?

Am I able to follow instructions and work independently?
Do I use the tools and materials I need to complete my work?

Am I able to use charts and checklists independently in an effective way?
Do I use a variety of tools and materials I need to complete my work?

Collaboration

The Student:

accepts various roles and an equitable share of work in a group
responds positively to the ideas, opinions, values, and traditions of others
builds healthy peer-to-peer relationships through personal and media-assisted interactions
works with others to resolve conflicts and build consensus to achieve group goals
shares information, resources, and expertise and promotes critical thinking to solve problems and make decisions

Ask Yourself

Do I share my thoughts and ideas respectfully?
Do I listen to the ideas of others?

Do I contribute to discussions and partner tasks?
Do I respond and contribute positively to others?

Do I share information, resources, and expertise in partner and group tasks?
Do I respond positively to others and contribute equitably during group tasks?

Initiative

The Student:

looks for and acts on new ideas and opportunities for learning
demonstrates the capacity for innovation and a willingness to take risks
demonstrates curiosity and interest in learning
approaches new tasks with a positive attitude
recognizes and advocates appropriately for the rights of self and others

Ask Yourself

Do I ask questions to learn more?
Do I stand up for myself and others?

Do I seek new opportunities and challenges?
Do I stand up for the rights of myself and others?

Do I demonstrate curiosity and interest in learning?
Do I advocate for the rights of myself and others?

Self-regulation

The Student:

sets own individual goals and monitors progress towards achieving them
seeks clarification or assistance when needed
assesses and reflects critically on own strengths, needs, and interests
identifies learning opportunities, choices, and strategies to meet personal needs and achieve goals
perseveres and makes an effort when responding to challenges

Ask Yourself

Do I ask for help when I need it?
Do I keep trying if tasks get hard?

Do I use the success criteria to check my understanding?
Do I make an effort if tasks get difficult?

Do I use the success criteria to meet expectations?
Do I persevere if tasks become challenging?