Registration details found below.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER—Dr. Chris Mattatall
Dr. Chris Mattatall is the University of Lethbridge Board of Governor’s Teaching Chair (2023-2025). He teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses in the Faculty of Education and conducts collaborative research in a number of schools in areas related to reading instruction, teacher efficacy and reading intervention. He also conducts research related to his Board of Governor’s Teaching Chair position which examines the characteristics of effective educators and how small adjustments to teaching practice can have significant impact in the classroom. Dr. Mattatall speaks nationally and internationally on topics related to the science of learning, how the brain learns and develops, motivation and engagement, and teaching and learning strategies that help to direct student attention, strengthen memory and build self-regulation.
Chris and his wife, Gloria, have been married for 33 years, have three grown children and one adorable grand-daughter named Elliott. They also care for their lovable, playful and mischievous Bernadoodle named Winston.
General Sessions
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Cognitive neuroscience has shown us that all human beings share the same basic cognitive architecture; and without an understanding of how the brain learns, instruction is blind (Sweller, 2017). Indeed, holding an understanding how the human brain learns is the key to teaching well. In this session we examine the four must-know principles, or pillars, of how the human brain takes in, processes, remembers and consolidates information; and equally important, what teachers need to know in order to ready the brain to learn. Holding an understanding to these four pillars will undoubtedly have an impact on how teachers plan their lessons, utilize homework and assessment, and structure their daily class time.
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In this session we explore practical and immediately applicable ways to address the 4 pillars of learning that we talked about in the first morning session. Through a selection of ‘small teachings’ (Lang, 2021) we examine ways to direct attention, enhance memory, prime students to learn in various ways, increase engagement and motivation, and ensure our classrooms address the needs of the developing student brain. This will take two sessions.
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In this session we look at several more ‘small teachings’ that you can put into practice on Monday morning. This is another quick session full of information and ideas related to helping children engage, stay motivated, and remember the content of your lessons.
WORKSHOPS
Workshops will be presented from 1:00–2:00 PM, and delegates will have the option to choose one workshop from the options below.
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Presented by: Melissa Ens
Focus: Primary
UFLI is an explicit and systematic phonics program that provides students with the foundational reading skills needed to decode, spell, and improve fluency. This workshop will provide an overview of the program, and guide teachers through a typical 'day in the life' of UFLI in my 2nd grade classroom. We will also have the chance to look at some of the resources available to implement this program.
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Presented by: Jon Thiessen
Focus: Intermediate/Middle School
Discover how to create a year-long classroom game that raises engagement, encourages strategic thinking, and brings continuity to the school year. In this workshop, we'll focus on "The 5 Kingdoms,” a game I designed for my Grade 6 classroom. We will also have the opportunity to brainstorm and develop ideas for different types of games suitable for various student levels.
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Presented by: Amy Carlson
Focus: Middle–High School
This interactive workshop encourages participation, no physical fitness required—just a willingness to share. Participants will answer focused questions and select a photograph that resonates with them. As a group, we'll share insights and emotions behind our choices. This adaptable activity is great for students, especially those who struggle to express feelings verbally.
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Presented by: Florianne Nickel
Focus: Middle–High School
EVERYTHING in life relates to God. How can we make sure that happens in our teaching and in our classroom? Ideas and resources will be provided in this interactive workshop.
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Presented by: Katrina Korchinski
Focus: Middle–High School
Like it or not, AI is here to stay. Rather than banning student use of AI or spending time policing its use, we need to teach our students how to be ethical and responsible users of AI (and GenAI) technology. This workshop will discuss AI literacy instruction in the classroom and suggest ways to empower student use of AI for creative problem-solving and critical thinking.
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Presented by: Aletta Luma and Michelle Thiessen
Focus: High School
Teaching Christian Ethics is meaningful yet challenging, with the new curriculum offering exciting opportunities. While CE classes aim to inspire, they can feel daunting, requiring a balance of content, biblical literacy, faith application, and transformational growth. This session will review outcomes and indicators, offering strategies to help your course flourish with confidence and purpose.
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Presented by: Carey Schindel
Focus: General
Along with my own experience and what I have learned from others, I would like to share some helpful tips for sourdough baking. How the Lord has used this ministry, challenged me in what it means to be hospitable and using it to teach students who are interested in baking.
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Presented by: Jane O’Soup
Focus: General
A workshop revealing why technology and video games threaten our ability to attach with our students and why exactly is technology playing a role in mental health. This workshop will have testimonies, statistics, and take a hard look at what our role is.
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Presented by: Phil Hills
Focus: General
When I began my career there was a lot of talk about our students being a product of the post modern age. That is not longer true. Today’s students live in a virtual multiverse. Because of this they believe many ideas are true, but what distinguishes them from their relativistic elders is that they also believe some things are true for everyone at all time. Come to this session to understand how they can hold to these contradictions. Discover their deepest desires in this world. More than this, learn how to use this emerging worldview as a powerful springboard to gospel centered thinking and living.
Registration Deadline: January 24, 2025
CONTACT
Phone: 403.948.2332 Email: acsiwc_info@acsi.org
