Reflective Journal- compentencies and student learning (Curriculum Mapping project)

Mastery of Program Competencies

I believe that this artifact, Curriculum Mapping, demonstrates mastery in Competency 2: Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.   As I designed my map, I was aware of the concepts related to the unit and understood the importance of variety in how I approach the information.  My goal through the map was to make a unit plan that motivated the students while still promoting learning.  Through a series of lectures, labs, group work, webquests, activities and games, students are exposed to the information in a variety of ways to encourage an in-depth understanding of the material. 

I also believe that this artifact demonstrates mastery in Competency 4: Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.  It is important for a teacher to be organized, yet flexible.  With the vast amount of information related to science, it can be time consuming to venture into many topics.  It is important that the standards are met and essential concepts are understood by the students.  A plan, such as the curriculum map project, is never set in stone but rather a guiding point for the unit.  As new ideas and information emerges, the map can be altered to better serve the students. 

Impact on Student Learning

                What I learned from completing the Curriculum Mapping project will have a direct effect on my students and their learning.  Prior to this course, I did not focus my attention to a “big picture” plan.  I would typically make lesson plans only weeks in advance and then include them into my curriculum mapping software.  While I had plans of what topics to teach and the standards that they met, I did not contemplate future assessments and the activities that would aid in students being able to successfully complete those assessments.  

                I also learned the importance of differentiating within each topic to ensure that students with different learning styles and abilities can understand the information being presented.  It can be easy to forget those extensions and modifications to lessons; by making a curriculum map, it becomes easier to incorporate and plan for those.   Not only do varying activities and assessments help each child grasp the concepts better, it also makes for a more exciting, motivating class.  By incorporating hands-on activities, labs, and games, students enjoy the learning process.           

Reflective Journal (Curriculum Mapping project)

Reflective Journal

The artifact that I am showcasing is my Curriculum Mapping project completed for EDU 532: Principles of Curriculum Design.  Through the completion of this assignment, I have demonstrated improvement in practice, mastery of program competencies, and had a direct impact on student learning.

Reflection

                The Curriculum Mapping project provided me experience in designing a plan for my class while keeping in mind the diversity of learners.  I knew that a curriculum map needed to address different intelligences by including a variety of activities and assessments.  With a “big picture” plan, I was able to ensure that differentiation was present while still reaching the goals and objectives of the unit.  By designing my map backwards, I was able to make and modify learning experiences to fit the requirements of the assessment, which corresponded with the state standards.  Concepts in science can be difficult to understand through reading and lecture alone so I wanted to ensure that my plan included many hands-on activities.  These hands-on activities would provide students with alternative views on the topic, which in turn, would encourage understanding among more students. 

                I have learned the importance of taking the time to develop a curriculum map for each class and unit.  It provides structure to the classes and helps to ensure that standards have been met.  Even though I like to change my plans often as new ideas arise, the plan allows for that as it is as flexible as what the teacher allows.  I have also learned a great deal about working backwards as I develop a curriculum map.  Working backwards keeps the focus on the assessment and objectives of the course.  It also helps to ensure that what is being taught in activities reflects what the students will be assessed on.  With the wide array of information available, it is important to pin point (with the help of state standards) exactly what concepts the students should know as they continue through the course and further education.