Principles of SCIL
- Everyone can learn
- Students bring a wealth of life experience to a learning situation
- Learning is based on students’ strengths rather than their deficits
- Students and tutors create a curriculum based on what students want to learn
- Students and tutors are equal partners in the learning relationship
Using SCIL, tutors are encouraged to:
- Build strong relationships with their students
- Focus on their students’ strengths, goals and needs
- Build respect, trust and a sense of equality
- Create a comfortable and secure environment
- Use a common‐sense approach
- Encourage voluntary participation in the learning process
Methods to present SCIL
- Alternative One – Brainstorm Write “Student Centred Individualized Learning” on flipchart paper. Ask the volunteers to tell you what they think it means. Answers may include: one‐to‐one; personalized; focussing on learning not teaching; taking learning styles into account; or tutoring. Write the brainstormed answers on flipchart paper.
- Alternative Two – “My Favourite Teacher” Ask tutors to come up with a word or phrase to describe their favourite teacher (this person could be a parent, family member, coach or classroom teacher). Tutors will talk about personal connections they have had with teachers. Explain how your program’s approach will help them develop a positive relationship with their students.
Refer tutors to pages 4 and 5 of A Tutor’s Guide: Reading and Writing with Children and Youth for more information on SCIL.