CONT602: Honour Specialist Science - General

Course Schedule

Course Description

Science is a powerful tool that historically has influenced societal change. With the introduction of information age, the process of teaching and learning of science is evolving from a knowledge-based instruction to one of skill development. The 21st century learner is required to learn, challenge their knowledge, and relearn throughout their life and the role of the teacher is shifting to one that inspires and facilitates self-directed learning. This course will challenge you to consider this paradigm shift in your own teaching of science by incorporating new strategies and methods to motivate your students to develop their passion for science. You will also be encouraged to pass your knowledge and experiences on to promote the qualities necessary to be an effective leader in your science community.

What You Will Learn and Do

In this course, you’ll have the opportunity to

• assess your own practice to encourage your professional growth
• analyze and acknowledge the impact of science education on the student and society
• identify and examine methods to promote diversity and equity in the science classroom
• explore and implement best practices in teaching science
• investigate methods to promote student-centred instruction
• examine assessment strategies that promote the development of the whole student
• identify methods used to support student resiliency, well-being, and mental health
• explore strategies to build leadership skills in your own practice
• reflect on continually evolving your practice throughout your career

Application Requirements

1) OCT MEMBERSHIP We will use the OCT number you provide during online registration to confirm that your Certificate of Qualifications shows certification in at least two teaching divisions (Primary, Junior, Intermediate, Senior).

2) YOUR UNDERGRADUATE/GRADUATE UNIVERSITY TRANSCRIPT(S)* Your transcript(s) must show:

• The equivalent of 9.0 full year undergraduate/graduate courses in this teaching subject with a minimum 'B' average in these courses. Preparation must include the equivalent of 1.0 full-year course in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
• A Bachelor's degree at an accredited university with the equivalent of 20.0 full year courses

3) CONFIRMATION OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE FORM

Signed by a Supervisory Official* from your School Board confirming that you have two years (388 days) of teaching experience since becoming a certified teacher, one year (194 days) of which is in the subject area of this course.

*The Ontario College of Teachers defines "Supervisory Official" as the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent of the school board for a teacher employed by a Board of Education. A principal or headmaster is not recognized in this capacity. For a teacher employed by a private school, the "supervisory official" is the Ministry of Education official (Education Officer) appointed to your school. For overseas experience the appropriate Supervisory Official is the person your Principal reports to.

Please note that a new form is always required for a Specialist course as experience is course/subject specific.

*If you completed a Queen's undergrad (at any time), or a B.Ed., Honour Specialist, or an Intermediate or Senior ABQ course with us within the last 4 years you are not required to resend your transcripts.

**If you completed a medial degree and do not have a major you may be eligible for a Combined Honour Specialist. Please see our FAQ's or contact us for more information.

Course Materials

Accommodations

Applicants who require accommodations for a specific learning need (e.g., learning disability) within their AQ/ABQ course, should click here for further information and support.

Have a question? Contact us!

Refund Schedule

If you drop a course:

1. by the midpoint of the course, you will receive 100% of your course fee.
2. after the midpoint, before the end of the course, you will receive 50% of your course fee.

For more about our refund policies, visit our Fees & Refunds page.