To get ideas about how other teachers were introducing the core competencies in their classes, I searched for the Twitter hashtag #corecompetencies, which yielded some very interesting ideas. One link that was particularly helpful was a Google PowerPoint presentation put together by a variety of teachers for the purpose of sharing how they were introducing and helping students to self-assess core competencies in their classroom https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1dQmtGWCanvT70GSNpbwUaLeNgu70-tLi3Z5TSFnq5PA/edit#slide=id.g1d4d01d2af_322_5.
From this PowerPoint, I found a helpful and concise resource for students to be able to understand the core competencies: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/sites/curriculum.gov.bc.ca/files/pdf/Core_Competencies_Posters.pdf.
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Creative thinking
- Personal awareness and responsibility
- Social responsibility
- Positive personal and social identity
Follow this link to download my free three-way Venn diagram of the core competencies.
Of course, the discussion about core competencies doesn’t stop when the activity ends. Rather, we will continue to bring up how core competencies are present and evident in each activity that we do as a class.
For the year end reflection, I am planning on getting students to reflect on one core competency at a time and to explain and give examples of how they have fulfilled that particular core competency. For the competencies that have more than one component, I will be asking students to give at least one example for each component and to reflect on their learning throughout the year. Students can use the three-way Venn diagram for ideas if they are stuck for examples. I look forward to seeing what the students come up with and to continuing to give them feedback in improving their reflection.