“Until we grasp that a course of study must be organized backward from big ideas and performance goals related to their use (with content as the means), educational results will continue to be disappointing and understanding will fall through the cracks of instruction. “ (P: 800)
That quote can really summarize what the authors are trying to say in this chapter. We need to think backwards and organize our big ideas in order to accomplish the “understanding” we want our students to have. We must build our framework around the logic of learning instead of the logic of content.
The authors proposed three criteria for effective organization -continuity, sequence and integration, using that criteria will allow us to present a curriculum logically, and again these “essential questions” that focus on big ideas can be used to provide elements that serve as connection between them.
Once we have everything in mind, the author invite us to make the curriculum public and standard, in that way it can be understood by everybody and the “sequence and scope” will give a certain logic to people who read it.
I agree when the authors state that the curriculum should be public and that students, parents and other subjects techers should be aware of the goals and procedures that are going to be part in the learning process.
ReplyDeleteaccording to the authors curriculum should consider the six facets of understanding and the stages which are part of the learning process.
ReplyDeleteAll teachers would like our students would acquire enduring understanding and if we, as teacher, work sequently, students will be able to demonstrate desired understanding.
What the authors state about the idea of a public and standard curriculum is interesting, but is it possible to apply that idea in our context? In my opinion, we are quite far from that ideal situation.
ReplyDeleteI also agree on what the authors state about a public and standard curriculum. The teaching/learning process not only involves teachers and students, but also parents and institution authorities play an important role in this machinery called "Education"
ReplyDeleteThat's quite an important fact. Parents should also be involved in the curriculum, and be aware of the goals their children are expected to achieve. However, our reality is far away from that. We are involved in a system in which, most of the times, parents just leave their children at school waiting for us to do all the "dirty work"... There is a tremendous lack of commitment. That makes our job more and more demanding...
ReplyDeleteI see many negative aspects to making the curriculum public to all. That leaves room for a whole lot of criticism coming from people that may not have the credibility to give that type of criticism.
ReplyDeleteWell, here all of us play an important role in students' education. Not only teachers, school authorities and students themselves, but also parents. They should be involved in this process.It is easy to leave children at school, but it hard to be really a PARENT for your children.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I don't think it is possible to apply the idea of public and standard curriculum, according to our context. That idea is quite far from our reality. It sounds beautiful, but : can we do it?
You are right...
ReplyDeleteThose ideas may seem too far for our reality...
Lack of resources and a too rigid system in which results in numbers counts, dont leave any chance to develop a minimum critical thinking in our rooms...
That's true,it is our reality, as a plan is good, but it is very difficult to do it in our classroom. Day after day we find different situations in which it is reflected the lack of concern of the parents.
ReplyDeleteI also think the authors mention three important concepts which make program frameworks effective: Continuity, Sequence and Integration. These three magic words say too much when thinking about theories, but too little when talking about practice. We need to balance both aspects.
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