GETCA 2025: Full Schedule

Welcome to GETCA 2025! We are excited to see you soon...

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9:00am MST

Why do bad things happen to good people? Framing the problem of evil in Religious Education

Friday February 28, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

In Oscar Wilde’s Importance of Being Earnest, we hear “The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what Fiction means.” Though a flippant remark about romance novels, the quip points us to a profound conundrum: how do we make sense of evil and the lack of justice in this world? Weighty queries such as these are among the most challenging posed by students and teachers can find themselves flat footed when asked to account for ruptures in the fabric of life. Designed for Religious Educators, this talk offers educators a variety of models and approaches supplied by the Bible as well as philosophers that can be employed in the classroom.

Speakers

Dr Gerard McLarney

Teacher, Elk Island Catholic Schools

Dr. McLarney teaches at St. Isidore Learning Center in Sherwood Park AB., and serves as a sessional instructor at St. Joseph's College, University of Alberta. His academic interests include Religious Education, World Religions, J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as Sacred Scripture. His doctorate... Read More →

Friday February 28, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Westin - Athabasca Westin Hotel

Spiritual Education, General Interest/Wellness

Company English
format Chairs
Room Details Westin - Athabasca (Westin Hotel, Chairs Max capacity for 30 people)
Tags English

10:20am MST

The Psalms, Air Pods, and God

Friday February 28, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST

Westin - Athabasca

Ever wonder what music is streaming in the ear buds of your students? Often woven into the cacophony of bass and treble are profound existential themes that speak to the hearts of listeners. Within the Bible’s book of Psalms, we also find a collection of song lyrics that grapple with deep questions of the soul. This talk explores the structure and themes of the Psalms, draws connections to parallel themes in contemporary music, and provides educators with suggestions for engaging both student interest and curricular outcomes in Religious Education.

Speakers

Dr Gerard McLarney

Teacher, Elk Island Catholic Schools

Friday February 28, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Westin - Athabasca Westin Hotel

Spiritual Education, Music

Company English
format Chairs
Room Details Westin - Athabasca (Westin Hotel, Chairs Max capacity for 30 people)
Tags English

1:00pm MST

Brain Break Activities for Chemistry 20/30

Friday February 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

Westin - Athabasca

Michael Ng shares several short activities that can provide students with a mental reset while incorporating fun and interactive learning. Emphasis will look at the pedagogical research studies behind Brain Break activities and how it can be a valuable tool for high school chemistry educators to help enhance focus; encourage engagement; improve retention; promote community building; and reduce stress. TQS #1-4 AND LQS #1-6.

Speakers

Michael Ng

Science

Michael Ng, M.Ed. who teaches Chemistry 20/30 and AP Chemistry. Accomplished concert pianist and artist since age 5. The world of science can be an enjoyable part of daily life. Dedicated and innovative in making "Science fun". A fan of transformative leadership, culturally responsive... Read More →

Friday February 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Westin - Athabasca Westin Hotel

Biology/Physics/Chemistry/Science, Classroom Management

Company English
format Chairs
Room Details Westin - Athabasca (Westin Hotel, Chairs Max capacity for 30 people)
Tags English

2:20pm MST

Usi(NG) Reflective Journalism in Chemistry

Friday February 28, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST

Westin - Athabasca

Reflective journals are one example of formative assessments that could improve academic outcomes for all students. Michael Ng reflects its use as a classroom ritual whose practices, when applied effectively with students, could help teachers maintain the high intellectual expectations required by students. It also supports student growth development for better self-awareness into what they are learning too and how to self-improve. Connecting back to TQS #1-5 AND LQS #1-6, this instructional improvement practice found that when students were prompted to address and reflect on certain topics imposed by the teacher, students benefited more academically.

Speakers

Michael Ng

Science

Friday February 28, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Westin - Athabasca Westin Hotel

Biology/Physics/Chemistry/Science, Classroom Management

Company English
format Chairs
Room Details Westin - Athabasca (Westin Hotel, Chairs Max capacity for 30 people)
Tags English