Personal Learning Time (PLT)
What is PLT?
It is a period of Instructional time each week set aside as “self- directed” time for students to learn with teacher support. Students are given choice and ownership over their learning. Staff facilitate a responsible learning environment by providing support if the students need help and encouraging undistracted/independent learning. Through PLT, students will develop skills such as questioning, communication, short-term and long-term goal setting, organization and time management, self-regulation and self- awareness. The goal of PLT is to teach students the skills necessary to use unstructured time in a way that benefits their individual learning.
Why PLT?
Student schedules are busier than ever with tutors, classes, teams, and groups. PLT encourages a healthy school-life balance as students are able to access support from their teachers during the school day.
During PLT, teachers will not be teaching new material or creating more assignments for students. The goal is to support students in their current learning. Teachers will facilitate a responsible learning environment that fosters the development of the PLT skills noted above. Teachers will be available to students for individual or group support, but this time is self-directed learning time for students, and not teacher-driven.
Managing time and workload is often a challenge that starts in high school and continues long afterwards. PLT gives students the chance to practice their skills, by giving them ownership of their own learning and time. In order to be effective, they will need to learn to prioritize when and where to focus their efforts, and to make their own choices.
How does PLT work?
PLT takes place after first block every Wednesday and Thursday from 9:43-10:31am.
There is no PLT during the first week of school. A gradual implementation - "PLT Training", takes place during the following two weeks of school.
Three times during the year (November, January, April), the purpose, expectations, and procedures are reviewed during the PLT Check-In.
Students sign up in advance for a learning space on RSS PLT Bookings. Attendance is taken in all learning spaces. During PLT, students remain in their learning space, and work independently or collaboratively to pursue their educational goals.