Defining Foundational Learning

Last week Audrey Garnder and I attended the Annual General Meeting for Calgary Learns, a local non-profit organization that describes itself as a "learning organization rooted in action with a desire to innovate". That description comes from Inspiring Learning: Annual Report 2008 (p. 5).

That same report offers a definition for foundational learning that we like a lot and wanted to share. It "refers to the basic skills adults require to fully participate in life: the ability to participate as neighbours and citizens, have satisfying employment, and prepare to pursue further learning" (p. 7).

We like this definition because it goes beyond literacy and it goes beyond employment skills. It addresses the adult as a complete human being with a need and desire to live fully. We are interested to know how others understand Foundational Learning, too. What do you think?

March munchies and mulling about our work

On March 11 and 12 the Foundational Learning Centre hosted sessions for BVC staff and faculty to share ideas and questions about possibilities, projects applied research and in foundational learning. Led by Audrey Gardner, Coordinator of the FLC, the sessions were held in Academic Foundations and approximately 20 people attended over the two sessions. Participants included instructors, program coordinators, researchers, staff from the Teaching and Learning Centre and the Applied Research and Innovation Centre, and the Dean of Academic Foundations.

Participants talked about current research projects, as well as questions that have arisen in our daily teaching practice that might develop into potential research projects. Input from the Teaching and Learning Centre and the Applied Research and Innovation enriched the discussion by offering additional feedback and information on their series for faculty and staff.

It seems that there is interest and potential for applied research in various departments across the College. Stay tuned for more on how these develop over time!

Introduction

This blog has been created to share ideas, news and information about foundational learning. The Foundational Learning Centre (FLC) at Bow Valley College (BVC) is a new centre dedicated to fostering and engaging in applied research and innovation. Our goal is to enhance teaching and learning in adult literacy, basic education, high school upgrading and essentials skills.

This blog is intended both for BVC faculty and staff, and others interested in the topics addressed here.

Who are the humans at the FLC?

Audrey Gardner
Coordinator, Foundational Learning Centre
email: agardger AT bowvalleycollege DOT ca (Written out to avoid spam bots.)
Tel: 1.403.410.1502

Sarah Elaine Eaton
Project Officer, Foundational Learning Centre
e-mail: seaton AT bowvalleycollege DOT ca
Tel: 1.403.476.1242

In addition to us, there are numerous researchers who have been actively engaging in applied research projects. We encourage everyone affiliated with the centre to comment and share ideas and resources with us.

We will try to post regularly, so feel free to visit often and add your voice to the comments. We would very much like to create an active online conversation that will promote learning and applied research.

- Sarah