Knowledge
Designing curriculum for schools can be challenging, especially when considering creating for international students or second language learners.
Here are a few core principles to follow when designing curriculum for any group of learners. Start with learner outcomes, next determine methods of assessing and documenting learner understanding, and finish with planned instructional learning experiences.
Designing curriculum for schools can be challenging, especially when considering creating for international students or second language learners. In order to create a curriculum that has high interest and is rich in content, a designer must be aware of learners’ needs, teachers’ ability, and access to resources. All these factors play a major role in the design and implementation process.
Here are a few core principles to follow when designing curriculum for any group of learners. Start with learner outcomes, next determine methods of assessing and documenting learner understanding, and finish with planned instructional learning experiences.
Curriculum should be designed using a reverse methodology focusing on learner outcomes. A reverse design method begins the process by first determining the expected learner behaviours and what should be demonstrated upon completion of content standards. To initiate this process, the curriculum blueprint should include the standards to be covered. Standards need to be clearly indicated to show exactly what leaners will ascertain and how to show proficiency. Next, objectives need to be identified for each standard. This will give instructors a detailed description of learner expectations. Objectives should be written with clear quantifiable goals using descriptive verbs such as Blooms Taxonomy. Including pacing will provide the rate at which standards should be covered. Arrange standards to fit within the annual school calendar, in addition to how many weeks for each. Finally, materials and resources should be listed for instructors to refer to content in the primary book. Additional suggested materials can be included to enrich subject matter. These can include additional books, websites, videos, and any other grade level appropriate material.
So how will you know if learners are meeting content standards and objectives?
Designing assessment and methods of collecting evidence will assist instructors in determining learner understanding. Assessment design should be embedded and continuous throughout the curriculum. Including various forms of summative and formative assessment will foster a range of opportunities for learners to demonstrate understanding. Create evaluations to be interesting and challenging by including portfolios, performance based, and interactive components to provide a variety of approaches to collect evidence of student performance. Assessment should be aligned with standards and visibly define success criteria.
After standards have been organized and assessment tools created, the final component is designing instructional strategies to initiate meaningful learning experiences. Designing instructional strategies can vary depending on how well the designer knows the intended learners, teacher’s abilities, and availability of resources. Incorporating strategies that are engaging and specific to objectives, will allow instructors to have a clear perspective of learners’ abilities. This can be done by incorporating innovative strategies such as the Flipped Class. This methodology increases student learning due to instruction taking place primarily at home through the use of pre-recorded lessons. Class time is used for focus groups, one-on-one instruction, and learners performing tasks that display skill knowledge. Another engaging strategy is through the use of gamification. Using games creates a relaxing classroom environment where students can demonstrate mastery with extreme interest. Any common game such as Bingo, Jenga, Twister, and Musical Chairs can be adapted to practice vocabulary, formulas, and key concepts.
Designers must also include modifications and accommodations in instructional strategies for SEN (Special Educational Needs) and high ability students. Modifying the curriculum to be more challenging for high achievers will provide enrichment and extend learning. This could include a test-out option, independent study, or additional projects. For SEN students providing accommodations and modifications such as alternative ways to respond, extended time, and reduced assignments will offer the necessary platform for students to be successful.
By following these key concepts, the design process will be effortless and produce a curriculum that is comprehensive and compliant with any education system requirements.
About the Author:
Rashenah Walker is an international curriculum specialist and educational trainer. She holds a Masters degree in Education majoring in Instructional Technology and is a dual major Doctoral Candidate in Educational Leadership and Curriculum Design.
Her professional career outside of academia includes currently serving on the TESOL Professional Standards Council, appearing as a guest on the radio show Myk12career.com, in addition to winning a Global Education Supplies and Solutions (GESS) award for Edmodo.
Rashenah currently works as a Curriculum Specialist in Dubai and is the Edmodo Regional Director for the MENA area.
This article was originally published in the Anniversary (August 2017) issue of ScooNews magazine. Subscribe to ScooNews Magazine today to have more such stories delivered to your desk every month.