D6. Canadian K-12 Learning Environment

Generally, it can be said that in elementary and secondary (K-12) schools in Canada:

• Teachers use various engaging and interactive teaching methods, such as role playing, group work, field trips outside of the classroom to let students learn via nature or in another hands-on way, and art or drama to emphasize creativity as well as skills acquisition.
   
• Teachers will integrate multimedia (e.g., making short films) and/or other digital technologies and computer-based learning into the classroom to prepare students for our increasingly computer-reliant world. The extent to which this happens will be dependent on the school and teacher.
   
• Students are encouraged to be critical in their thinking and teachers are creative in their teaching approach with less focus on memorization and formal testing.
   
• Testing and evaluation occurs in various ways throughout the year; students’ grades are not largely dependent on one year-end final examination.
   
• School communities are diverse with students of many different ethnicities, religions, and orientations, and students are encouraged to be global citizens and to value tolerance and to embrace and respect differences.