Design and Assess for Success!

With the huge number of expectations in the new Ontario curriculum, it is difficult to know where to begin. We should begin at the end, at our teaching and learning goals. This workshop focuses on how to use Learning Expectations wisely, to bundle them into meaningful groups and to assess them wisely. Beginning at the end, designing down, is the best way to plan so that students succeed. Teachers will learn practical applications through "hands-on" theory. Half day or full day.

Secondary Dance: Teaching & Evaluating the Expectations

In this workshop, teachers will explore the course profiles for these three grades. Practical, hands-on learning activities and assessment/evaluation will be explored in depth. Length: 2 hours to half day
We Are What We Were: Drama and History

Peter will show how expectations in Dramatic Arts and History can be met simultaneously as he explores docudrama, the local museum as a classroom and how to use historical sources to enhance both subject areas. Topics could include the year 1917, dinner with Laura Secord, or the Yukon Gold Rush. Grade-specific workshops can be custom-designed.

High Risk: Social Issues in the Drama Classroom

Using Forum Theatre and other techniques, participants explore issues of relevance to high school and senior elementary schools, up to and including presentation in the community. Peter and his students have received awards for their work during Drug Awareness Week.

User-friendly Shakespeare

Script work couldn't be more practical! This is a complete look at the script, from accessing it, to exercises to create character and full scene work. This workshop features Hamlet, As You Like It, and Macbeth.

Commedia Dell'Arte

Grade 9 Curriculum Expectations call for students to learn about Commedia Dell'Arte. Steve presents an outline for a full unit on the subject to actively engage students while they learn about this form of theatre. Several other expectations can also be met through this drama unit. Rubrics are included for assessing student achievement, as well as a bibliography and a list of resources and activities. Accommodations can be made for students with special needs.

Teaching Television Arts

Steve presents a number of innovative approaches to learning through video. Topics include projects students enjoy, expectations in Drama, Comprehensive Arts, English, Learning Skills and their relationship to video projects using digital still images in video projects, digital editing systems and Quicktime, video on the internet and projects for community clients that your students can create and sell. Many expectations can be met through this approach; learn how to track and report on them. Rubrics are included for assessing student achievement. Portfolios, using video evidence and a bibliography are included, with a written list of activities. Steve will tailor this workshop to meet the needs and equipment limitations within which you are working.

But Now What Do I Do?

As teachers continue to implement the new curriculum, more questions arise around structure: the artistic material, developing students' ideas, how to make a presentation, assessment and evaluation and many others. This workshop will guide teachers through these topics through an interactive approach strongly linked to the new classroom realities.

Evaluate This!!

This practical workshop is designed to take the mystery and anxiety out of assessment and evaluation. This hands-on look at the who-what-why-when-where will help teachers understand the "newer" practice of this complex topic.

Photos from 2008 AITA / IATA International Children's Theatre Festival, Moscow, Russia. Courtesy of Auri Jürne.