ARPDC Professional Development Resources
Dedicated to ongoing professional learning at the local, regional and provincial level.

Students Learning Through Competencies

Competencies are combinations of knowledge, skills and attitudes that students develop and apply for successful learning, living and working. They emphasize aspects of learning that apply within and across all subject areas. Alberta’s Kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum promotes development of the following competencies, which are streamlined expressions of the competencies in the Ministerial Order on Student Learning (#001/2013):

Students are the artists, scientists, thinkers, innovators and leaders of the future. They will be tasked with solving the problems of today, while imagining and creating a new tomorrow. Competencies are critical for equipping students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that they will need to successfully navigate their personal journeys in learning, living and working.

Students use and develop competencies when they encounter unfamiliar or challenging situations. Competencies help students draw and build upon what they know, how they think and what they can do. In school, students develop and apply competencies through subject-area content and learning experiences.

Alberta Education Competencies

 

The following resources are designed to explore practical strategies to support student development of Alberta’s competencies across the curriculum and in every classroom.


Overviews and Learning Guides

Learning Through Competencies Learning Guide

Shark Lake Development Project – Michael Strembitsky School Video

 

Collaboration
(La collaboration)

Overview
Français

Learning Guide
Français

Video

 

Communication
(La communication)

Overview
Français

Learning Guide
Français

Video

 

Creativity & Innovation
(La créativité et l’innovation)

Overview
Français

Learning Guide
Français

Video

 

Critical Thinking
(La pensée critique)

Overview
Français

Learning Guide
Français

Video

 

Cultural & Global Citizenship
(La citoyenneté culturelle et mondiale)

Overview
Français

Learning Guide
Français

Video

 

Managing Information
(La gestion de l’information)

Overview
Français

Learning Guide
Français

Videos 1 &  2

 

Personal Growth & Well-being
(Le développement et le bien-être personnels)

Overview
Français

Learning Guide
Français

Videos 1 & 2

 

Problem Solving
(La résolution de problèmes)

Overview
Français

Learning Guide
Français

Video


 


 

Cards

The competency cards facilitate the implementation of competencies throughout the K-12 programs of study. Variations of the cards have been designed to support a variety of learning contexts. A customizable template is also available.

Competency cards can be used in a variety of ways. Students can reflect on how well they incorporate competencies during independent work, group activities and inquiry tasks. The cards can be used for formative assessment, self-reflection, and goal setting. Cards can also be used to deepen understanding of competencies themselves, including an awareness of definitions, indicators and action verbs through activities such as discussions, stations and games such as Charades or Taboo.


 

Videos

Preparing Youth to Build and Thrive in Future Careers

Career video designed to inspire middle and high school students to think about how cultivating skills today – like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking – can influence their futures.  The video content is aimed at students deciding what courses to take or thinking about possible careers, critical thinking, clear communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with others are invaluable skills when navigating our changing world. The future may seem far off, but students can begin practicing these skills and attitudes today to help them thrive in the workforce of the future.