Page 55 - THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM, GRADES 9–12 | Classical Studies and International Languages

Inquiry Skills
Inquiry and research are at the heart of learning in all subject areas. In classical studies and international languages courses, students are encouraged to develop their ability to ask questions and to explore a variety of possible answers to those questions.
In all classical studies and international languages courses, students are encouraged to explore a wide variety of social, economic, and environmental topics, and to conduct research into and suggest ways to address local, national, and global issues that relate to the topics they are studying.
In classical studies courses, students’ inquiry skills are focused on questions about the language of study and the related culture and history. They investigate questions that arise as they read and discuss materials in both the language of study and English. They also produce written materials that engage with these questions, particularly in the Grade 12 Classical Civilization course.
In international languages courses, students’ inquiry skills are focused on the target language, particularly oral communication. They learn how to find the information they need to communicate in the target language, as well as how to ask questions in and about the target language. Doing so requires them to solve problems, which in turn enables them to explore, discover, create, experiment, and arrive at solutions.
As they advance through the grades, students acquire the skills to locate and gather relevant information from a wide range of print and electronic sources, including books, periodicals, dictionaries, encyclopedias, interviews, videos, and relevant Internet sources. The questioning they practised in the early grades becomes more sophisticated as they learn that all sources of information have a particular point of view and that the recipient of the information has a responsibility to evaluate it, determine its validity and relevance, and use it in appropriate ways.
In all classical studies and international languages courses, students develop their inquiry skills when they are required to reflect on what they have learned, how they have come to know what they have learned, and what other resources they may need to consult to reach an informed conclusion.
The ability to locate, question, and validate information allows a student to become an independent, lifelong learner.
Numeracy Skills
The classical studies and international languages program also builds on, reinforces,
and enhances numeracy, particularly in areas involving problem solving and the use of graphs and diagrams. For example, clear, concise communication in classical studies and international language courses often involves the use of diagrams, charts, tables, and graphs. Many components of the curriculum also emphasize students’ ability to interpret and use symbols and graphic texts. In addition, mathematical equations can be used in such activities as developing architectural drawings and models to scale – for example, drawings of the design and construction of a model of a Roman-style column or a historical monument.
SOME CONSIDERATIONS FOR PROGRAM PLANNING IN CLASSICAL STUDIES AND INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGES
53