Curriculum is about content and presentation. We all know that as teachers we should supply information in an engaging way- something that sticks with students after the lesson is over. Curriculum, whether mandated or planned out individually, should contain what they will be tested on later because that is what the states demand. But it should also involve creativity on the teacher's part and other relative information to the past, present and future, as well. This sounds like a heavy load to place upon teachers but it doesn't have to be.
I liked our discussion in class about substitutes not teaching to the lesson plan or what to do if a lesson plan isn't included for the sub that day at all. I would feel lost if I had no frame of reference and I imagine a student would, as well. I think lesson plans are essential for those who have trouble staying on track. They are helpful for those who have better organizational skills, too, to keep classroom setting flowing along and keeping a smooth pace. I am not teaching yet so so far I have no problem with mandated curriculum. What I have a problem with is the expectancy to read plans verbatim without bringing any of one's own personality to the students.
One special ed teacher I observed expressed her disinterest in this and went ahead and did her own thing while still sticking to what is expected of her from her school and bosses. I liked her attitude towards her students because I could tell she was being herself with them and since she was, they were comfortable with her. She said the lesson plan said to say, "Good morning class. Today we will be learning..." and we both kinda laughed at this robotic excuse of teaching. She said, of the students, "This would never work for me. They'd never buy it anyways."
In Lemov's "Teach Like A Champion", he writes that teaching is an art form - a skill refined with time. I believe curriculum is the same since it is a huge part of being a teacher. It will have to be formed per class and according to how those students learn the most -which will be best determined with time and patience and practice.
I appreciate your take on this subject, Amy. Curriculum seems to be the what, while the delivery needs to be tailored to the teacher and the students. The spoon feeding of scripted material to me seems totally autocratic and self-defeating. With out sincerity, it falls flat. I would certainly need lesson plans, but only cursory notes to remind me to focus on the goals at hand. I recently had a lesson plan that gave me plenty of material to work with and specific instructions as to what to do from one time period to another. Then at the end, the teacher stated, "If any of this doesn't seem to keep them engaged, then improvise!" Which was great. The teacher gave plenty of guidance for the sub who really needed it, but then gave complete permission to roll in any direction needed to keep the classroom on task and manageable. It was a great day!
ReplyDeleteSorry to use "reply" but can't access new comment button. I totally agree that teachers need to be able to use their creativity when presenting the curriculum. I can see how both students and teachers would be frustrated and bored with having to read lesson plans verbatim. There has to be a balance somewhere in between. I also have not done any teaching yet and can see how essential lesson plans are but couldn't imagine how the individual can be suppressed when teaching.
DeleteYou are so right! I believe curriculum should be dynamic in nature, ever changing. What works one day with one class might not work the next day. A teacher should be encouraged to be creative when designing lesson plans based on the curriculum. As a teacher gains experience and confidence, the ability to think on his/her feet becomes second nature (I hope)!
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