Focus on Learning Event in Vancouver

Focus on Learning at Wosk Centre in Vancouver

On January 29, the BC Ministry of Education hosted a Focus on Learning dialogue at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue at SFU Vancouver. Over 150 school administrators, School Board Members and representatives from various educational organizations came together to discuss BC’s Education Plan with Minister Fassbender and several leading educational experts. The Dalai Lama Center was pleased to be represented at the event by CEO Fiona Douglas-Crampton and Gordon Matchett.

A key topic of discussion was the shift in focus to personalized learning models.  While foundational skills such as reading, writing, oral language and numeracy remain key to curriculum, BC is promoting the development of core competencies that help build 21^st Century life skills in students, including:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Collaboration and leadership
• Communication and digital literacy
• Personal and social responsibility
• Creativity and innovation
• Global and cultural understanding

Education Minister Peter Fassbender also announced B.C.’s Innovation Strategy. Through this strategy, schools and teachers will have more latitude and be encouraged to put education transformation into action by working with other schools and post-secondary researchers to gather evidence that shows actions are improving student success.

This event was designed to kick off an ongoing conversation that will see Focus on Learning events taking place across British Columbia over the next few months.

For more information on the new BC Education Plan, visit: http://www.bcedplan.ca/