PUBLIC INVITED TO LEARNING SHOWCASE AT VIU May 25

For the past two years, the Faculty of Education at Vancouver Island University has been working in partnership with the BC Ministry of Education, six British Columbia school districts and the Aboriginal Enhancement Schools Network to support literacy learning in remote and rural communities in British Columbia.

A research, teaching, and learning team has been working with this inquiry question: how can a community of learners focused on collaborative inquiry and formative assessment practices enhance student literacy learning while celebrating Aboriginal languages and cultures?

On May 25, VIU Education faculty will gather together with educators from each of the participating schools as well as the coaching and research team to share learning experiences and celebrate the successes of young learners.

“The Ministry of Education asked us to work with schools with high percentages of Aboriginal students in remote and rural school districts,” explains Dr. Paige Fisher of VIU’s Education faculty.

“We created a proposal process and chose pairs of schools in Port Alberni, North Island, Nisga’a, Coast Mountain and Nechako Lakes school districts. We added one non rural school, which was Bayview Elementary in Nanaimo.”

VIU faculty Sharon Wahl, Maryann Richards and Dean of Education Harry Janzen served on the design team and advisory board for the project, as well as Lillian Morton, VIU’s Aboriginal teacher education coordinator. Elder Geraldine Manson provided guidance.

VIU student teachers contributed to the project by completing practica in Bayview Elementary as well six of the selected schools in Port Hardy, Nisga’a, Terrace, Tofino and Ucluelet. The student teachers also presented on the project at a student teaching conference in Prince George last February.

Other participants in the project included various members of Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District #68, the Ministry of Education, members of the Aboriginal Enhancement Schools Network and the First Nations Education Steering Committee, a group committed to improving education for all First Nations students in BC.

“This approach to professional learning has been really well received in the various districts,” adds Fisher. “Several teachers have reported significant professional learning and significant gains among their students. Data is just now being collected so results are preliminary.”

Dr. Harry Janzen, Dean of Education said, “This project is an excellent example of the synergies which come through University engagement with communities. We would like to thank the Ministry of Education for their strong support of this endeavor.”

The showcase of student learning takes place Saturday, May 25 in the Royal Arbutus Room at VIU’s Nanaimo campus, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Everyone is welcome. Light refreshments will be provided.

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ABOUT VIU: Vancouver Island University is Canada’s west coast university. Known as a centre of excellence for teaching, learning and applied research, VIU offers a diverse range of certificate, diploma and undergraduate and master degree programs to more than 18,000 students on campuses in Nanaimo, Powell River and Cowichan, and at the Parksville-Qualicum Centre. For more information visit www.viu.ca

Media Contact


Janina Stajic, Manager, Vancouver Island University


P: 250.740.6288 E: Communications@viu.ca Twitter: @VIUNews