Scope

The 90 minute workshop will provide participants with:
- a rationale for using alternative instructional techniques with individuals who have learning disabilities;
- a description and demonstration of Tic Tac Toe Math* for completing multiplication, division, fraction and percentage problems;
- a discussion of the pros and cons of using such alternative techniques.

*Tic Tac Toe Math was created by the presenter and has been successfully used by adults and children for more than 25 years. The technique uses the familiar Tic Tac Toe pattern to substitute for rote memory of the times tables.

The objectives of the workshop are to:
- explore the alternative instructional technique of Tic Tac Toe Math for teaching basic math skills.
- discuss the pros and cons of alternative instructional techniques.

The motivation for workshop participation is to:
- learn to use a successful alternative math technique that can replace the usual drill and practice model.
- learn about an alternative technique that appears to match the way that individuals with learning difficulties process information.
- explore the implications for conducting outcomes based research on the use of this technique.

Richard Cooper, Learning Specialist, Center for Alternative Learning, USA

Scope

Firm but fair discipline: maintaining a steady, calm mental set for classroom management: arrangement of the classroom environment for maximum performance: establishing strong student and teacher relationships: teaching and enforcing rules and procedures; and increasing student time on task.

Improving staff morale, and empowereing teachers; inspiring students and increasing student time on task: and significantly raising tests scores.

Donna Lamkin, Associate Trainer for Center For Teacher Effectiveness: Time To Teach

Scope

The goal of a professional development is disseminating pertinent information on best practices and effective strategies. Until now, IEP’s have been improved through trial and error and have been evaluated through perceptions. The Functional Specification Matrix is a tool that will allow one to create an IEP and evaluate its efficiency in a non intuitive manner but rather an effective strategy.

The policy on special education in Quebec (1994) confirms that the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) remains the essential tool for planning interventions to be carried out with child and youth with learning disabilities. Nonetheless a review of the literature indicates that IEP’s are in need of improvement. The Ministry of Education in Quebec (2004) as well as the Special Education and Rehabilitative Services U.S. Department of Education explicitly identifies five functions in regards to the IEP. None of them define what a function is, its role, its importance and what it implies. The ambiguity revolving around the concept of function lacks rigor in the conception and practice of IEPs because when all the functions are identified it allows for the development of a product that fulfills its purpose (Langevin & al.) There are a number of functions that an IEP fulfills and other functions that it should fulfill. Furthermore, none of them has of yet been emphasized, specified and validated. Our objectives where to identify different IEP users, to identify the different needs of the different IEP users, to identify and specify the functions that an IEP needs to fulfill to satisfy the needs of his users at low cost, to develop a prescriptive and normative IEP Functional Specification Matrix to innovate, create, implement, monitor an OPTIMAL IEP and assess its efficiency.

Nathalie Myara, Université de Montréal, Canada

Scope

This session will be highly interactive and will allow participants the time to process what they already know in a new and more meaningful approach. We already hold an ever increasing amount of information; the key is to process the information and transform it into a more usable, valuable resource. Together we will ponder what we
already know, and what we’d like to know more about. We will learn about and share some techniques that encourage further introspection, meta-learning and how to develop a learning community that brings the practice of reflection to new heights. Participants will develop their own new tools and appreciation for reflective instruction as well as tools that will help their students to be more conscious and mindful learners.

Participants will actively learn the key components of reflection and how to employ the practice themselves professionally, as well as how to develop this valuable practice among students and colleagues. This session is useful for any instructor, at any level, to help them leverage information and knowledge in a constructive and manner. The goal is to share and cultivate the practice of reflection as a way to become better learners, and therefore better teachers and educational collaborators.

Ruth Feldman, Executive Director, Project for School Innovation, Principal, SEED - Social, Entrepreneurial Expertise & Development, USA

Scope

This active session will introduce teachers, administrators, community members, students and parents to this proven method of educational planning that engages all stakeholders and leads to success. While many organizations spend 80% of their energy on the 20% of things about which they disagree, Future Search (FS) helps groups focus on commonly shared values and visions, while building unified commitment to action. Through simulation, learn what it looks like to bring together the stakeholders needed to visualize and actualize a stronger school or school district. FS is not the answer; it is the methodology that will help your school or district create a shared, realistic and successful future.

Schools and school systems around the world have used Future Search to build a common foundation from diverse interests. The methodology helps elicit sustainable commitment, ownership and buy-in in school change projects. Future Search is invaluable in establishing shared goals, standards, implementation strategies, or curriculum priorities. It can help departments, schools and communities develop or implement a mission. It is a powerful way to coordinate activities between departments, agencies or other service institutions.
Participants will actively learn the key components of the FS methodology by:
- Identifying various stakeholders
- Taking stock - Acknowledging past and current (Practices)
- Building the future
- Finding Common Ground and Next Steps

Ruth Feldman, Executive Director, Project for School Innovation, Principal, SEED - Social, Entrepreneurial Expertise & Development, USA

Scope

It is becoming increasingly evident that our children are facing challenges that not only affect their physical health, but relate to their mental health as well. Youth suicides are escalating, childhood overweight and obesity has reached alarming numbers, bullying has reached new and unprecedented proportions and through all of this, our children are trying to navigate their way through a rapidly changing society. Add to this the technological advances that have changed the way our young people think, learn and communicate and it becomes clear that as adults
we have a role to play in providing our children with the tools to not only navigate this exciting journey, but to do so in a safe and healthy way. Drawing from the unique collaborative model of Concerned Children’s Advertisers that consists of government, industry, issues experts, broadcasters and advertising agencies, this presentation will
discuss today’s kids, their challenges and will provide hands-on, solution-oriented tools to help them grow to become healthy, successful, contributing citizens. Additionally, participants will be introduced to a ground breaking research project that has the potential to create a social revolution in terms of empowering our children to improve their health and well-being.

By the end of this presentation, participants will:
- Have a clear understanding of the health and well-being issues that challenge today’s children
- Be directed to free, solution-oriented tools to address these issues
- Be introduced to a unique, collaborative national organization that addresses issues of challenge in children’s lives
- Be introduced to a ground breaking study that has the potential to create a ‘social revolution’ to empower wellness in all children.

Linda Millar, Education Specialist, Concerned Children’s Advertisers, Canada

Scope

The purpose of this workshop is to demonstrate a University of Maryland Extension initiative to promote the teaching of basic economics principles and money management as early intervention in elementary/middle schools (3 rd – 8 th grade students). This initiative which is effective in Baltimore City focused on schools without business/economics/finance teachers.

The goal is to teach youths using interactive, creative, and group activities; to learn and practice basic principles of decision making and personal finance skills.

Research: Household (individuals and families) savings in the United States as a percentage of disposable income (income after tax) gradually increased from 1.4 in 2005 to 5.9 in 2009. Since 2009 national savings as a percentage of disposable income has been on the decrease from 5.8 in 2010 to 5.5 in 2011, and it is projected to decrease further to 5.0 in 2012 (OECD June 2011). This startling statistics indicates that saving money is a major problem with most households in the United States.

Potential Impact: Early intervention in elementary/middle schools would develop a mindset of financial capable youths to understand the importance of savings in the economy, and to be committed to make better personal finance decisions to generate savings and wealth.

Michael Elonge, University of Maryland, USA

Scope

This action research project examined the effects on learning of students in mathematics when inclass instruction was accompanied by an online internet based program called "Mathletics" produced by 3P Learning from Australia.

To help educators understand the value of Mathletics and Spellodrome in the classroom and how these products can vastly increase student’s confidence, scores and skills in math and literacy.
To study the effects on learning when in‐class instruction is combined with an online resource called Mathletics:
- Would the blended learning model increase student achievement?
- Would student engagement and satisfaction increase?
- Would teachers ‘buy‐in’ to a blended learning approach?

Bob Walker, Mathletics, Canada
Rene Burke, Mathletics, Canada

Scope

The workshop will provide better understanding of useful tools and techniques that can be applied in higher education to improve quality.

The goal of this workshop is to develop understanding of what quality means in higher education. Different quality concepts and principles such as TQM, ISO 9000, Six Sigma, etc, will be discussed with the challenges associated with using these industrial quality principles to higher education.

Quamrul H. Mazumder, University of Michigan-Flint, USA