-Curriculum+Design

= Curriculum Design = = =

Conceptual models and approaches to curriculum design:

 *  One conceptual model or approach to curriculum design is an effective learning environment . An effective learning environment is an environment that is systematically designed to engage learners in acquiring knowledge that motivates them towards goals they want to achieve. It should be a safe and caring learning place that promotes respect and tolerance of others. It should have a well organized physical environment that is designed around students’ developmental levels. I feel that learning objectives should be clearly defined so students are aware of what they are expected to learn and how they will accomplish that learning. Moreover, I believe lessons should be planned, implemented, and assessed with careful consideration of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to be developed by the learner. Appropriate lessons and materials should be selected and designed to help students’ master objectives. Students should be provided with an array of learning experiences in order to meet all students learning needs; lecture, question and answer, videos, hands on, observation or demonstration, virtual experiences, etc.


 *  Another approach to curriculum design is the utilization of differentiated instruction . Differentiated instruction promotes the idea that curriculum should not be different for different students. The curriculum should be presented to all students in a variety of modalities to reflect each student’s individual needs. All students do not learn in the same manner and an array of methods should be used to help address students’ diverse learning styles. Most importantly, it is important that all students are held to high expectations and are provided a high quality learning experience.


 *  According to the book, //__Integrating Differentiated Instruction and Understanding by Design__//, some of the ways to promote differentiate instruction within the classroom is to:Backwards design is another approach to curriculum design. Backwards design allows educators to create experiences for students with clarity and precision. The teacher begins with a desired goal or objective. From there they develop essential questions that will help further the students understanding of the specific content. The desired outcome is always at the forefront of the planning in order to help students reach maximum growth.
 * Find ways to get to know students more intentionally and regularly.
 * Incorporate small-group teaching into daily or weekly teaching routines.
 * Learn to teach to the high end.
 * Offer more ways to explore and express learning.
 * Regularly use informal assessments to monitor student understanding.
 * Teach in multiple ways.
 * Use basic reading strategies throughout the curriculum.
 * Allowing working alone or with peers.
 * Use clear rubrics that coach for quality.


 * The teacher will then work on the best ways to determine student success and understanding. What evidentiary support can they utilize or develop to distinguish the amount of progress students have attained within the activity or lesson. They reflect on how and when these assessments will be carried out.


 * Finally, the teacher is able to create learning experiences and instruction that support the desired learning outcome. They decide which approaches will be most effective, how to deliver the instruction, and in what sequence lessons and activities will help students be most successful.


 *  The last conceptual model we are going to go over is curriculum mapping. Curriculum mapping is a way to upgrade and breathe life into lessons. It address the three basic elements of curriculum; content, skills, and assessment. Curriculum mapping allows educators to thematically align instruction vertically across grade levels to detect problems or holes in their current curriculums. By grade levels aligning their curriculum they not only create more effective instructional opportunities, they provide opportunities for the teacher to enhance the students’ engagement in the learning activities. Moreover, it helps the teacher to clearly determine what will be taught, how the instruction will arise, and when to deliver the instruction.
 * Below you will find curriculum maps created for Kindergarten through second grade students to address New Mexico Life and Physical Science Standards or reading standards.
 * Kindergarten (Science)
 * [[file:Pamela Curriculum Mapping.docx]] [[file:Mildred's Curriculum Map.doc]]
 * 1st Grade (Science) & 1st Grade (Reading)
 * [[file:CurriculumMapProject Darla Stynen.doc]] [[file:Veronica Cordova CURRICULUM_MAP.docx]]
 * 2nd Grade (Science)
 * [[file:Delfine's Curriculum Map.docx]] [[file:CURRICULUM+MAP+TEMPLATE.docx]]


 * Now that you have read about some conceptual models and curriculum design approaches, why don’t you share your ideas? Head to the discussion page share your ideas about curriculum design.