Learning Framework
Inspiring continuous transformation in teaching and learning.
Introduction
At Okanagan College, learning is a continuous process between learners and educators, guiding transformative teaching and learning.
Okanagan College is committed to creating an inspiring learning environment for individuals and communities in our region and to make positive change through exceptional learning experiences. Learners are at the center of everything that we do. To support this commitment, Okanagan College has developed a learning framework, focused on learning as a continuous process between learners and educators, which guides transformative learning and teaching at Okanagan College.
The Learning Framework is future-focused in response to a quickly changing world. The concepts are designed to ignite discussion, reflect on teaching practice, and support curriculum, course, and program design. The framework invites all members of the Okanagan College community to be integral partners in the success of our learners and the future well-being of the communities we serve. The framework sets the path for creative and innovative educational experiences as they are developed, delivered, and supported through the learner's journey.
Okanagan College has earned a reputation for excellence, and as a learning organization we will continually adapt and be responsive to the needs of learners and society in a sustainable and responsible manner.
The Learning Framework supports Okanagan College's "Inspire Plan" and reflects a vision for the future of education and training at Okanagan College, rooted in our values, responsibilities, and commitments.
Core concepts
Empowering learners and educators
Okanagan College creates transformational educational experiences, broadening the learner's sense of curiosity, and personalizing experiences by creating a supportive and inclusive setting focused on students' learning goals.
- Learners and educators are active partners and co-create learning as they explore new concepts, develop skills, achieve desired outcomes, and participate in knowledge creation.
- Varied and flexible learning models make education accessible to meet the diverse needs of all learners.
- Evidence-based teaching practices are pursued vigorously and incorporated into educational opportunities.
- Learners and educators have a shared responsibility in the creation of a learning environment that values respect, equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice.
- Educators design learning experiences that consider the individual learner and their previous experiences, learning preferences, educational and personal learning goals, and future learning journeys.
- Educators transform their teaching practices through professional development in the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Community matters
Learning opportunities are informed by and rooted in the needs of our regions, with branches of learning extending globally. Connections amongst learners, educators and community contribute to developing learning partnerships that empower individuals and communities to flourish. Learners develop an appreciation of the community and the community partners in their learning, discipline, and professional practice. They think about a contribution they can make in the community well-being.
- Learners collaborate with peers and others from different disciplines and perspectives to explore various approaches to analyzing and solving community challenges and problems.
- Educators promote learning opportunities that connect learners with local and global communities.
- Experiential learning encourages learners to reflect on course-based knowledge and how it can be applied to solve community challenges.
- Community partners support learners to take their next steps towards workplace, education, or other personal learning goals.
- Learners develop a network of community members and learn from working professionals in their field.
Learning informed by place
The culture, traditions, and history of our location inform curriculum, individual learning options, and ways of knowing. Where we learn includes physical and virtual spaces, workplaces, and community environments both natural and built. We are committed to creating relational learning environments that value and reflect local and global communities.
- The unique characteristics of the community, such as the geographical location, local natural resources, and the built environment, are reflected in learning opportunities.
- Learning is informed by themes of Indigenization, sustainability, equity, diversity, inclusion, social justice, and other factors reflected in our local context.
- Educators and learners examine the current and future needs of the community and identify creative ways to address them.
- Learners consider the importance of the context in which they live and create a deeper connection to the community.
Curriculum for tomorrow
Purposefully designed, outcome-based curriculum and learning experiences will be engaging, socially integrated, and socially responsible while having clearly defined learning outcomes. Learners are prepared for a changing world where technology plays an integral role in shaping the future.
- Educators bring current disciplinary knowledge and relevant practical experience to the learning environment and share knowledge with colleagues.
- Learners engage in theoretical and experiential learning that enables them to collaborate and innovate, solve problems, practice social interaction, and reflect on their experiences.
- Learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to adapt to a changing world and workplace. Discipline-related competencies, along with critical thinking, effective communication, cultural literacy, leadership, civic responsibility, and creativity, are essential to learner success.
- Curriculum delivered in a flexible manner contributes to a variety of educational pathways for learners.
- Andragogical approaches for adult learners inform competency-based curriculum.
- Teaching and learning resources will be accessible, current, relevant, and available in formats that support multiple ways of learning.
Contact us
Have questions or want to learn more about our Learning Framework? Feel free to reach out to the Okanagan College Learning Framework Committee via learningandappliedresearch@okanagan.bc.ca.