CROSS-CURRICULAR COMPETENCIES
A cross-curricular competency is an interrelated
set of attitudes, skills and knowledge that are
drawn upon and applied to a particular context
for successful learning and living. They are
developed by every student, in every grade
and across every subject/discipline area.
Think critically...
conceptualize, apply, analyze,
synthesize, and evaluate
to construct knowledge
A. Know how to learn
B. Think critically
C. Identify and solve complex problems
D. Manage information
E.Innovate
F. Create opportunities
G. Apply multiple literacies
H. Demonstrate good communication
skills and the ability to work
cooperatively with others
STUDENTS WHO THINK CRITICALLY ARE:
I. Demonstrate global and cultural
understanding
J. Identify and apply career and life skills
curious
fair-minded humble
open-minded
principled
reflective
KEY UNDERSTANDINGS
Alberta students:
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value intellectual integrity and
courage by respectfully challenging
or affirming beliefs, values, and
actions;
capture the heart of an idea and form
reasoned conclusions;
take personal responsibility for the
ethical implication of their thoughts
and actions;
recognize that diverse thinking helps
deepen and broaden understanding;
and
engage in critical thinking with
respect, humility and an open mind.
This overview is designed for use by Learning Communities, learning coaches and teacher leaders, or as a self-paced study to enhance and support understanding of a
competency-focused, student-centered curriculum. Prepared by ERLC and ARPDC to facilitate understanding of Alberta Education’s Ministerial Order on Student Learning.
Think critically...
IMPLICATIONS FOR ENABLING
STUDENTS TO THINK CRITICALLY
Teachers design learning opportunities that...
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provide opportunities for students to experience a variety
of sources and perspectives, and use the community as a
source for experts, mentors and elders
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integrate technology and assistive technology to support
innovation and discovery
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choose diverse approaches to assessment, including the
use of qualitative measures
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QUESTIONS
FOR REFLECTION
AND DISCUSSION
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How do you understand the terms
“conceptualize”, “apply”, “analyze”,
“synthesize”, and “evaluate”?
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How does this information link
to ways you currently infuse
opportunities for critical thinking
into learning experiences? How might you expand critical
thinking learning opportunities for
your students?
What other implications for designing learning opportunities can
you identify?
While cultivating critical thinking abilities, students...
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identify situations that would benefit from deeper thinking
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question and analyze relevant information
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seek diverse perspectives
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synthesize thought and information to extend
understandings
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evaluate the reasoning behind thoughts and actions
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advocate for taking personal responsibility for the ethical
implications of thoughts and actions
What other implications for student learning can you identify?
FOR MORE INFORMATION
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Alberta Education. (2010). Inspiring
education: A dialogue with albertans.
Retrieved from http://education.alberta.
ca/media/7145083/inspiring%20
education%20steering%20committee%20
report.pdf
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Alberta Education Curriculum Redesign
website. Retrieved from http://education.
alberta.ca/department/ipr/curriculum.aspx
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Alberta Education. (2013). Ministerial order
on student learning. Retrieved from http://
education.alberta.ca/department/policy/
standards/goals.aspx
March 2014
These materials are available as a result of a grant from Alberta Education to support implementation. Professional Learning resources were
created in the Fall of 2013 by ERLC and ARPDC with ongoing revisions as suggested and posted at http://tiny.cc/05767w. For more information
contact: info@erlc.ca. Permission granted to adapt/adopt consortia prepared materials under the following Creative Commons license: