Improving Curriculum

What is a Curriculum?

Curriculum as a Plan for Teaching and Learning Sometimes this plan comes “down from above.” A good plan is a living document that gets adjusted for unplanned events and influences. In creating a plan we attempt to account for local variables. Implicit and Null Curricula can be anticipated in a well-conceived plan.

Components of a Plan Statement of Purpose Key Result Areas (Core Values) Goals and Objectives Strategies (with timelines) Implementation/evaluation Process

Components of a Curriculum Statement of Purpose Core Concepts Goals and Objectives Strategies and Timelines Methods and Materials Scope and Sequence

Plan and Curriculum Statement of Purpose Key Result Areas (Core Values) Goals and Objectives Strategies (with timelines) Implementation/evaluation Process Statement of Purpose Core Concepts Goals and Objectives Strategies and Timelines Methods and Materials Scope and Sequence

What Curriculum is Not Not books and Materials Not Only What is Written Not a Simple System of Input / Process / Output as Some Have Suggested. Not Always Obvious to the Teacher or the Learner

Three Facets of Curriculum Explicit Curriculum Implicit Curriculum Null Curriculum

Philosophical Influences on Curriculum Every Curriculum is developed in light of an educational philosophy or worldview. Examples include: Humanism, Behaviorism, Social Reconstructionism, and (of course) Biblical Worldview. Each of these must ask, “What is the ultimate purpose of schooling?”

The Biblical Worldview Christian educators must be very reflective about how our worldview influences our curriculum. Bible isn’t just a separate class. It describes a worldview which should permeate all classes. How does this work? How do we reconcile it with mandated curriculum? How do we prepare to teach biblically?

The Curriculum Each school or school system should have a written curriculum which is based on the things which are both mandated and selected locally. New teachers should be given a curriculum guide. From the curriculum guide you will develop maps, units, and lessons.

The Curriculum Map A graphic representation of the school-year which describes what you will do and when This is very general and shows general topics.

The Unit Plan This is a fairly detailed chart or outline describing the content, activities, materials and resources in an instructional unit What is an instructional unit?

The Lesson Plan A detailed plan for a single lesson, usually 20-50 minutes long depending on the level of the students. Lesson vs. Activity

Internal Influences on Curriculum The Government The Accrediting Body The Board The Administration The Teacher The Students

External Influences on Curriculum Parents The Local Community Business Interest Groups The Media

Your Local Curriculum Divided up by grade and or subject as “curriculum guides” Contains a “Scope and Sequence” chart for each subject.

Developing the Curriculum This is Really a Review / Revision Process

Five Steps Step 1. Record What You are Doing

Five Steps Record What You are Doing Step 2. Evaluate It Internally Omissions and Redundancies Obvious Additions and Corrections

Five Steps Record What You are Doing Evaluate It Internally Omissions and Redundancies Obvious Additions and Corrections Step 3. Compare To Other Models or Plans

Five Steps Record What You are Doing Evaluate It Internally Omissions and Redundancies Obvious Additions and Corrections Compare To Other Models or Plans Step 4. Do a Major Revision as Needed

Five Steps Record What You are Doing Evaluate It Internally Omissions and Redundancies Obvious Additions and Corrections Compare To Other Models or Plans Do a Major Revision as Needed Step 5. Create an Ongoing Evaluation / Review Process.