Like many of my peers, I found it difficult to concentrate through all 3 articles. : )
However, I did learn much about the need for curriculum.
Why do we need to consider curriculum?
As one of the newer teachers in my building, I am still steadfast about following my curriculum map and covering all concepts in a timely manner. I believe that beginning teachers need a guideline and frame to help them make sense of their year as a whole. However, curriculum is varied from state to state, sometimes even district to district. We must consider curriculum in our discussions and studies, because it is essential to our students understanding of the world around them...ideally.
What model of curriculum do you feel best fits your current role?/What model are you most attracted to?/What would be your preference?
I feel that in my current RTI Title I position, a flexible curriculum best fits my student's needs. They need individual goals and concepts, and what is essential for one student, may not be for another. These students have very different aspirations and abilities, and their curriculum should reflect that. Perhaps correspondingly, I am most attracted to this model, because of the benefits and encouragements it can provide my students. If I was in a different role however, I would gravitate more towards an open conversational model. I feel it better suits my personality...but teaching isn't about my wants or needs, it is and should always be, about the students! : )
Wiggins talks about the need for a “modern” curriculum- what could this look like? /Do you buy that we need a new approach to curriculum? Why or why not?
I think in a more modern curriculum, time would be spent on preparing students for the future, not an academic bowl. Graduating students are lacking basic skills needed in society, and one can only imagine it is due to poor curriculum. I would hope that a modern curriculum includes more social connections and community driven goals. I do buy that a new approach to curriculum is needed, but how will we ever decide what is best? We need to combine the good from the old, with all the promising components of the future.
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Hey Julie- I am glad you were able to wade through the readings- they are heavier at the beginning and then lighten as the course goes on. That said- one thing in your post stuck out to me. You mentioned how curriculum can vary from state to state. There is a big push these days for a national curriculum. What do you think about that? Would that be helpful as teachers and students move from place to place? Would it be good to have a set of at least minimum expectations? Or would that be too limiting especially as you said in your job you need to really focus on individual needs of your students? Would a national curriculum hurt that need for individualism or help it?
ReplyDeleteI think it's all about finding a good balance. A national curriculum would be helpful for those students who move around a lot. However, you can't expect a struggling school to go from 0 to 180 in a short amount of time. Some schools would drown under the requirments of a national curriculum. Somewhere in the middle perhaps; a national outline, but state individuality...does that make any sense? : )
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