Overview and Purpose of Tutorial and Advisory

One Goal, Many Paths:  Strive to Excel!
Structures and Practices to Support Learning

Advisory:  Know and Be Known 

The goal of Advisory is for students to have a “home-base” where they get one-on-one regular contact to ensure they are informed, known and supported as they work towards their academic, high school and future goals. Advisory gives teachers and students the flexibility to deal with the complexities of adolescence, high school, achieving goals and making decisions in order for them to become their best selves; in essence, to for students to know and be known.

 

Tutorial: Prepare, Practice and Produce Results


Not everyone learns at the same rate and in the same way. The goal of Tutorial block is for students to have a daily opportunity to prepare for, practice and perfect their learning. Tutorial allows students, along with their teachers to identify what area of learning they need more time for; in essence, to personalize their learning.  Tutorial is an essential part of classroom learning and the effective use of Tutorial is a goal for students as they mature and take ownership of their learning.

 

Collaboration

During Tutorial block, teachers in one subject area will meet to collaborate on how to support students to use Tutorial effectively and address areas where students struggle with learning.  A schedule will be posted so students know which teachers and subjects are available for Tutorial and which ones are not available due to Collaboration time. All teachers will be available on the Fridays of a five-day week.

What do students do in Advisory and Tutorial?

 

Advisory/Tutorial Overview

ADVISORY    ”Know and be Known”

Tutorial   “Prepare, Practice and Produce Results” for enhanced learning

Embedded into Tutorial Time--Advisory teachers set appointments with Advisory students; goal is to meet 3 times per semester

40 min at the end of each day; focused on core subjects

All students are expected to sign up and attend--Tutorial is part of class-time

Grade 9 Advisory classes are assigned

Appointment--discussion topics and focus areas:


  • Supporting effective use of Tutorial
    • signing into Powerschool
    • signing up for Tutorial sessions
    • analyze and discuss learning log
  • Guide and support students to set and pursue learning and future goals
  • Discuss student’s learning
    • any struggles?
    • what are their learning needs?
    • Are they in the right classes?  Should the y change or develop strategies to persist?
  • Assist student to advocate for their learning and provide tools for self-reflection
  • Connect to resources as needed
    • SSF
    • Guidance/Academic Counselor
    • FWW (Family Wellness Worker)
    • Addictions Counsellor
    • Extra-curricular sports, clubs and opportunities

Get to know student overall--courses, future plans, interests, challenges--and advocate for their learning


**Use information gathered in appointments as evidence of learning for their Learning Strategies grade


Teachers will update Learning Strategy grades 4 times per year--two mid-semester and two at the end of each semester


Advisory teachers will stay with students through all 4 years of high school

Tutorial is intended to support student learning by giving them the time and skills to:

  • Prepare
    • identify, review and master prerequisite skills before new learning
    • read ahead or watch instructional video on upcoming material
    • Stay organized--organize binder or update calendar with due dates and test dates
  • Practice
    • do practice questions or simulations
    • complete assignments
    • get help from subject teacher or collaborate with other students
    • try different strategies for learning such as interleaving or switch to different problems/questions once one type has been mastered
  • Perfect
    • Revise and edit work to improve learning and grades
    • Do research, find alternative resources and do extra practice
    • Go over test and assignment results
    • Study alone or with others to reinforce learning
    • Take additional courses
    • Explore interests related to course material
    • Explore work internships or job shadowing opportunities that help explore career possibilities
Credits for Advisory and Tutorial (grade 10-12)

Learning Strategies credits for high school students:  (5 credits) for Learning Strategies 15 (grade 10), 25 (grade 11) and 35 (grade 12 which can be used for 30-level credit diploma requirement)

      Grades based on:

  • Evidence of setting and attaining learning goals
  • Evidence of effective use of Tutorial block
  • Evidence of awareness of self as a learner