|
Living
Curriculum:
Quality Instruction
Living
Curriculum teachers are never content
with mastery of their subject
area. They desire to stay current
and to learn more. They actively
read, develop professional contacts, and
attend conferences in order to further
their professional development.
They naturally connect their subject to
life outside the classroom. They
know how to plan, and they have a
plan. They have routines, but they
never become routine. Activities
are designed to make efficient use of
time and remain focused on instructional
objectives. They are
reflective. They understand theory
and use it, but they also adjust
according to what works. They
never stop getting better at the art and
science of teaching. Living
Curriculum teachers are effective
communicators. Students find them
easy to understand. Although they
represent a variety of personalities,
they each have a presence.
Students find them interesting and
worthy of their attention.
Students imitate their strengths and
passions instead of mocking their
idiosyncrasies. They know how to
explain things in a variety of learning
styles. They listen and
continually check for
understanding. Students find them
approachable and accessible. Living
Curriculum teachers understand that
teaching content is essential, but not
the only goal. Rote learning is
foundational but not enough. Study
skills, higher level analysis, critical
thinking skills, and problem solving
abilities should all be taught and
practiced within the study of each
subject area. Creativity is
evident in good instruction.
Technology, various forms of media, and
the Socratic approach are examples of
resources and methods used by Living
Curriculum teachers to enhance
instruction and ultimately improve
understanding. Living
Curriculum teachers understand that
effective assessment is critical to
learning. They work hard to give
students the opportunity to demonstrate
understanding in a variety of
ways. They take time with the
slower students while they avoid wasting
the time of the faster student.
Assignments are necessary and
meaningful, challenging and reasonable,
and not busy work. Cross
disciplinary efficiencies are
created. Feedback is personal,
prompt, and helpful. When creating
assignments, teachers are mindful of
balance-of-life issues. They are
careful not to intrude on family
responsibilities or church
activities. They recognize that
life learning may at times be even more
important than their particular school
subject. Living Curriculum
teachers use meaningful assessment to
extend learning. [back
to Living Curriculum main page]
[back
to home page]
|
