Skip to main content

Personal Learning Time (PLT)

Personal Learning Time

Personal Learning Time (PLT) is an opportunity for students to work either independently or with staff support.  Below are some of the principles of PLT.

  • All students are required to attend PLT in a learning space
  • Teachers will be available for 96 minutes per week (Tuesdays & Thursdays) to support PLT
  • Staff PLT/Prep time will be balanced so students may have access to all subject areas during PLT.

Guiding Principles for PLT at McRoberts:

  1. PLT is Instructional Time: To ensure all students make thoughtful use of PLT, students will be within a classroom space, supervised and supported by a teacher. The district’s Digital Device Policy applies during PLT.
  2. Self-Directed, Self-Managed, and Self-Regulated: PLT activities require active participation from students to independently direct their learning, manage their time effectively, and utilize available resources.
  3. Nurturing Individual Passions: PLT strives to engage learners by offering time to pursue their interests and passions, fostering a deeper connection to the learning process.
  4. Development of Core Competencies: All PLT activities support the development of Core Competencies, which serve as the foundation for all learning.
  5. Cultivating a Growth Mindset: PLT aims to cultivate a growth mindset in students, encouraging students to build upon their knowledge and skills.

Through these guiding principles, PLT at McRoberts seeks to empower students, foster a love for learning, and support their holistic development during their educational journey.

During PLT time, students will have access to teachers and departments, and a place/space to engage in their learning individually or collaboratively. The library will continue to be open during PLT with limited capacity. A range of personalized learning opportunities for students might include (not an exhaustive list):

 

Learning Opportunities

Explanation and Examples

Cross curricular and/or project-based inquiry

Students may access support from teachers during PLT to complete projects.  For example:

  • Students may work individually or in groups to complete school projects.
  • Students may access school technology in the library to work on a project.

Enrichment and learning support for individuals or small groups

 

Students may seek extra help and/or extend their learning in an area of interest. For example:

  • A small group of students preparing for AP exams. A small group of students may prepare for AP exams.
  • A student may seek further understanding of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
  • A small group of students may prepare for a Science Challenge Competition or for Math or Chemistry contests.

Additional learning support from Learning Assistance/Resource teachers

Students may access Learning Assistance/Resource teachers for help. For example:

  • Students may seek extra help from their Resource teacher with an English research project on Tuesday PLT and with Science test preparation on Thursday PLT.

Enhancing language acquisition for ELL students across the curriculum

ELL students may use this time to further develop their language skills. For example: 

  • ELL students may meet with their ELL teacher for help with coursework.

Reflection and self-assessment of the Core Competencies

Students may use this time to meet the Ministry’s requirements around Core Competencies. For example:

  • Students may use PLT to work on their Core Competencies Reflection.
  • Students may meet with teachers to set learning goals.

Support for Off-Timetable courses.

 

Students may use this time to complete required tasks for their off-timetable courses. For example:

  • Students may meet with supervising teachers for WEX, Peer Helping, Human Services etc.

Fulfillment of CLC and Capstone graduation requirements

Students may use this time to complete required tasks for graduation. For example:

  • students may meet with CLC teachers for help with their Capstone projects.

Support for “IE” Learning Completion, incomplete assignments, etc.

 

Teachers may ask students to come in to make up missed work or to redo work that has not met the learning standards for the course. For example:

  • Students may seek help with their teacher after receiving an interim report and/or report card.