Positive Personal and Cultural Identity

Illustration Elements

Illustration Éléments

Context

Students were provided with choices for narrative essays they were asked to write. All topics related to aspects of the students’ lives. This sample is from a student responding to the prompt of “Belonging.”

Illustration

Sample Student Work

 

Profiles
PROFILE FIVE

I understand that my identity is influenced by many aspects of my life. I am aware that my values shape my choices and contribute to making me a unique individual.

I understand that my characteristics, qualities, strengths and challenges make me unique, and are an important part of the communities I belong to (including people and places).  I understand that what I value influences the choices I make and how I present myself in various contexts (including online). I can explain how I am able to use my strengths to contribute to my home and/or communities.

PROFILE FIVE

I communicate confidently, using forms and strategies that show attention to my audience and purpose.           

In discussions and conversations, I am focused and help to build and extend understanding. I am an engaged listener; I ask thought-provoking questions when appropriate and integrate new information. I can create a wide range of effective communications that feature powerful images and words, and I identify ways to change my communications to make them effective for different audiences. I use my understanding of the role and impact of story to engage my audiences in making meaning. I acquire information about complex and specialized topics from various sources, synthesize and present it with thoughtful analysis.

PROFILE SIX

I communicate with intentional impact, in well-constructed forms that are effective in terms of my audience and in relation to my purpose.

I contribute purposefully to discussions and conversations. I synthesize, deepen, and transform my own and others’ thinking. I can weave multiple messages into my communications; I understand that my audience will use their own knowledge and experiences in making meaning. I show understanding and control of the forms and technologies I use; I can assess audience response and draw on a repertoire of strategies to increase my intended impact. I can acquire, critically analyse, and integrate well-chosen information from a range of sources.

Illustration Elements

Illustration Éléments

Context

Students were provided with a variety of topics for narrative essays. All topics related to aspects of the students’ lives. This illustration is an outline for an essay that responded to the prompt of “How We Know Who We Are”.

Illustration

Student Work Sample

Profiles
PROFILE SIX

I can identify how my life experiences have contributed to who I am; I recognize the continuous and evolving nature of my identity.

I can identify how my strengths can help me meet challenges, and how my challenges can be opportunities for growth. I understand that I will continue to develop new skills, abilities, and strengths. I can describe how aspects of my life experiences, family history, background, and where I live (or have lived) have influenced my values and choices. I understand that my learning is continuous, my concept of self and identity will continue to evolve, and my life experiences may lead me to identify with new communities of people and/or place.

PROFILE SIX

I communicate, creating an intentional impact, in well-constructed forms that are effective in terms of my audience and purpose.

I contribute purposefully to discussions and conversations. I synthesize, deepen and transform my own and others’ thinking. I can weave multiple messages into my communications; I understand that my audience will use their own knowledge and experiences in making meaning. I show understanding and control of the forms and technologies I use; I can assess audience response and draw on a repertoire of strategies to increase my intended impact. I can acquire, critically analyse, and integrate well-chosen information from a range of sources.

PROFILE SIX

I can examine evidence from various perspectives to analyze and make well-supported judgments and interpretations about complex issues.

I can determine my own framework and criteria for tasks that involve critical thinking. I can compile evidence and draw reasoned conclusions. I consider perspectives that do not fit with my understandings. I am open-minded and patient, taking the time to explore, discover, and understand. I make choices that will help me create my intended impact on an audience or situation. I can place my work and that of others in a broader context. I can connect the results of my inquiries and analyses to action. I can articulate a keen awareness of my strengths, my aspirations and how my experiences and contexts affect my frameworks and criteria. I offer detailed analysis, using specific terminology, of my progress, work and goals.

PROFILE FIVE

I recognize my value and advocate for my rights. I take responsibility for my choices, my actions, and my achievements.

I have valuable ideas to share. I am willing to explore controversial issues, and I can imagine and work toward change in myself and in the world.  I can set priorities; implement, monitor, and adjust a plan; and assess the results. I take responsibility for my learning, seeking help as I need it. I use strategies for working toward a healthy and balanced lifestyle, for dealing with emotional challenges, and for finding peace in stressful times. I know how to find the social support I need.

PROFILE SIX

I can identify my strengths and limits, find internal motivation, and act on opportunities for self-growth. I take responsibility for making ethical decisions.

I am aware of my personal journey and reflect on my experiences as a way of enhancing my well-being and dealing with challenges. I can advocate for myself in stressful situations. I can take the initiative to inform myself about controversial issues and take ethical positions. I take ownership of my goals, learning, and behavior.  I act on what is best, over time, in terms of my goals and aspirations. I recognize the implications of my choices and consult with others who may be affected by my  decisions.. I can identify my potential as a leader in the communities I belong to. I  sustain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Illustration Elements

Illustration Éléments

Context

A class considered issues related to space travel. They engaged in several discussions, participated in a jigsaw activity, and completed a think-pair- share to explore a variety of issues. They then researched the Mars One project (a one-way trip to Mars in 2023) and selected the most important issues to consider for this project. The students decided that technological issues, health issues (physical and mental) and resource issues were the most important.

In groups, they completed an application to participate in the Mars One project. Their application could be presented in any format, including PowerPoint, essay, or video.

Illustration

Sample Student Work

This is a PowerPoint presentation that included all relevant information, is thoughtfully prepared, but shows some gaps in understanding the importance of legibility in PowerPoint slides.

Profiles
PROFILE FOUR

I have pride in who I am. I understand that I am a part of larger communities.

I can describe and demonstrate pride in my positive qualities, characteristics, and/or skills.  I can explain why I make specific choices. I am able to represent aspects of my cultural contexts (such as family, communities, school, peer groups) through words and/or images, and describe some ways that I participate in, or am connected to, a community.

PROFILE FIVE

I communicate confidently, using forms and strategies that show attention to my audience and purpose.           

In discussions and conversations, I am focused and help to build and extend understanding. I am an engaged listener; I ask thought-provoking questions when appropriate and integrate new information. I can create a wide range of communications that feature powerful images and words, and I identify ways to change my communications to make them effective for different audiences. I use my understanding of the role and impact of story to engage my audiences in making meaning. I acquire information about complex and specialized topics from various sources, synthesize it, and present it with thoughtful analysis.

PROFILE FOUR

I can gather and combine new evidence with what I already know to develop reasoned conclusions, judgments, or plans.

I can use what I know and observe to identify problems and ask questions. I explore and engage with materials and sources. I can develop or adapt criteria, check information, assess my thinking, and develop reasoned conclusions, judgments, or plans. I consider more than one way to proceed and make choices based on my reasoning and what I am trying to do. I can assess my own efforts and experiences and identify new goals. I give, receive, and act on constructive feedback.

Illustration Elements

Illustration Éléments

Illustration Sub-competencies

Context

Students were introduced to the story "A Boy in the Ditch". The story contains material that is both sensitive and thought provoking. Students worked through several questions relating to the topic "Life is What You Make It" prior to reading the story. Following the reading, they responded to additional discussion questions and wrote a multi-paragraph composition based on the prompt "Life is What You Make It."

Illustration

Student Work Sample

 

Profiles
PROFILE SIX

I can identify how my life experiences have contributed to who I am; I recognize the continuous and evolving nature of my identity.

I can identify how my strengths can help me meet challenges, and how my challenges can be opportunities for growth. I understand that I will continue to develop new skills, abilities, and strengths. I can describe how aspects of my life experiences, family history, background, and where I live (or have lived) have influenced my values and choices. I understand that my learning is continuous, my concept of self and identity will continue to evolve, and my life experiences may lead me to identify with new communities of people and/or place.

Illustration Elements

Illustration Éléments

Illustration Sub-competencies

Context

Students participated in several class activities designed to help them explore their cultural backgrounds, family, and ancestors. They completed family trees, identity bags (real and virtual artifacts), crest designs for a paddle, timelines, and written assignments on the important people and places in their lives. One of the culminating presentations was the “Identity Recipe” that each student created to represent who they are.

Illustration

Student Work Sample

Profiles
PROFILE THREE

I can describe different aspects of my identity.

I can identify my individual characteristics and explain what interests me. I can describe different groups that I belong to.

Illustration Elements

Illustration Éléments

Illustration Sub-competencies

Context

The teacher shared with the class an Okanagan First Nation story called, “How Names Were Given”.  Students were asked to consider how their names were chosen. The children were encouraged to find out the story behind their name(s) from their parents. The stories behind the students’ names were then compiled into a class book called The Story of Our Names.

Illustration

Student Work Sample

Profiles
PROFILE ONE

I am aware of myself as different from others.

I know my name. I am aware of some of my family and/or caregiver relationships

Illustration Elements

Illustration Éléments

Illustration Sub-competencies

Context

Students began this project by discussing the needs of their community and how these needs are met. They then learned about the needs people have in their lives including belonging, fun, power and freedom (Glasser’s internal needs). They talked about how these needs are met in their lives in positive ways and created PowerPoint presentations to share with the class.

Illustration

Student Work Sample

Profiles
PROFILE THREE

I can describe different aspects of my identity.

I can identify my individual characteristics and explain what interests me. I can describe different groups that I belong to.

Illustration Elements

Illustration Éléments

Context

This excerpt is part of a longer interview with a student who talked about his experiences and the events that shaped him as a learner. In looking back, he recounts the challenges he experienced in his early high school years. During this time, he did not want to be at school, he avoided completing any work, and had no connection to school. He explains the impact of receiving an award as most improved student and the teachers who provided him opportunities to use his strengths when representing his knowledge and understanding.

This interview was part of a series that explored the challenges and successes students experience as they work to complete school.

Illustration

Student Interview

Profiles
PROFILE FIVE

I understand that my identity is influenced by many aspects of my life. I am aware that my values shape my choices and contribute to making me a unique individual.

I understand that my characteristics, qualities, strengths and challenges make me unique and are an important part of the communities I belong to (including people and places).  I understand that what I value influences the choices I make and how I present myself in various contexts (including online). I can explain how I am able to use my strengths to contribute to my home and/or communities.

PROFILE FIVE

I communicate confidently, using forms and strategies that show attention to my audience and purpose.

In discussions and conversations, I am focused and help to build and extend understanding. I am an engaged listener; I ask thought-provoking questions when appropriate and integrate new information. I can create a wide range of effective communications that feature powerful images and words, and I identify ways to change my communications to make them effective for different audiences. I use my understanding of the role and impact of story to engage my audiences in making meaning. I acquire information about complex and specialized topics from various sources, synthesize it, and present it with thoughtful analysis.

PROFILE SIX

I communicate with intentional impact, in well-constructed forms that are effective in terms of my audience and in relation to my purpose.

I contribute purposefully to discussions and conversations. I synthesize, deepen, and transform my own and others’ thinking. I can weave multiple messages into my communications; I understand that my audience will use their own knowledge and experiences in making meaning. I show understanding and control of the forms and technologies I use; I can assess audience response and draw on a repertoire of strategies to increase my intended impact. I can acquire, critically analyze, and integrate well-chosen information from a range of sources.

PROFILE FIVE

I can evaluate and use well-chosen evidence to develop interpretations; identify alternatives, perspectives, and implications; and make judgments. I can examine and adjust my thinking.

I can ask questions and offer judgments, conclusions, and interpretations supported by evidence I or others have gathered. I am flexible and open-minded; I can explain more than one perspective and consider implications. I can gather, select, evaluate, and synthesize information. I consider alternative approaches and make strategic choices. I take risks and recognize that I may not be immediately successful. I examine my thinking, seek feedback, reassess my work, and adjust.  I represent my learning and my goals and connect these to my previous experiences. I accept constructive feedback and use it to move forward.

PROFILE FOUR

I can recognize my strengths and take responsibility for using strategies to focus, manage stress, and accomplish my goals. 

I advocate for myself and my ideas; I accept myself. I am willing to engage with ideas or information that is challenging for me. I can be focused and determined. I can set realistic goals, use strategies to accomplish them, and persevere with challenging tasks. I can tell when I am becoming angry, upset, or frustrated, and I have strategies to calm myself.  I can make choices that benefit my well-being and keep me safe in the communities I belong to.

PROFILE FIVE

I recognize my value and advocate for my rights. I take responsibility for my choices, my actions, and my achievements.

I have valuable ideas to share. I am willing to explore controversial issues; I can imagine and work toward change in myself and in the world. I can set priorities, implement, monitor, and adjust a plan; and assess the results. I take responsibility for my learning, seeking help as I need it. I use strategies for working toward a healthy and balanced lifestyle, for dealing with emotional challenges, and for finding peace in stressful times. I know how to find the social support I need.

Illustration Elements

Illustration Éléments

Illustration Sub-competencies

Context

Students were asked to identify 4 artifacts that represented four areas of their lives: family, peer group, cultural heritage, and themselves as an individual. They then took photos of each object selected. Students chose three of the artifacts to describe on a blog and shared one in a sharing circle with the whole class.

The full assignment can be found here: http://eng12fp.weebly.com/3/post/2013/09/stories-of-who-i-am-4-artefacts.html

Illustration

Sample Student Work

 

Profiles
PROFILE FOUR

I have pride in who I am. I understand that I am a part of larger communities.

I can describe and demonstrate pride in my positive qualities, characteristics, and/or skills.  I can explain why I make specific choices. I am able to represent aspects of my cultural contexts (such as family, communities, school, peer groups) through words and/or images, and describe some ways that I participate in, or am connected to, a community.