A carefully designed and well-executed curriculum plays a significant role in the success of a school and its students and teachers. Strong curricular design, when delivered by well-prepared and qualified educators, ensures that students can achieve the appropriate learning outcomes.
When teachers understand the benefits of effective curricula, they carry that expertise into their own planning and design. By doing so, teachers can create learning environments optimized for student success and growth. The concepts outlined in a Chalk article can help teachers make the most of a dynamic curriculum.
A Good Curriculum Plays an Important Role in Shaping and Reflecting Culture
Carefully chosen curricula reflect the culture and priorities of the communities, states and countries that surround them. Well-designed curricula can help students embrace their cultural identity, refine their personal values and become strong, global citizens. Teachers should consider the communities in which their schools are located, as well as the respective backgrounds of their students, when building their curriculum.
A Good Curriculum Can Save Schools Money on Educational Materials
In the past, textbooks were the primary method of information delivery for schools across the country. However, times have changed. Teachers incorporate technology into their curriculum to increase student engagement without complete dependence on a predetermined set of textbooks. Teachers can also feature guest lecturers via applications like Zoom and create online class communities.
A Good Curriculum Ensures That Students and Teachers Keep Up With Global Trends
Good curriculum should not be static. Just as the skills and knowledge students will need to be successful are constantly in flux, effective curriculum should adapt and change to prepare students for success at the next academic level – or in the professional world.
A Good Curriculum Benefits Students by Establishing Internal Consistency
Administrators and educators must work to ensure that internal consistency within the school and grade level is a key aspect of their curriculum. This is achieved when students can expect to acquire the same skills and understanding regardless of the experience level of their teachers. In addition, students at each grade level within the same district or state should receive exposure to the same curriculum and resources and receive an equal education.
A Good Curriculum Creates Measurable Benchmarks and Learning Outcomes
When using a high-quality curriculum, assessments will be easy to access, administer and evaluate. A system with checkpoints and benchmarks helps teachers better determine how students are responding to the lesson plans and where adjustments are necessary.
A Good Curriculum Encourages Collaboration
The key to building successful curriculum is clear communication between administrators, parents and teachers. When the primary stakeholders have frequent discussions on what is or isn’t working, curricular adjustments can help increase students’ chances of meeting academic benchmarks. These discussions are also an excellent avenue for exchanging best practice strategies.
Learn more about Fitchburg State University’s M.Ed. in Curriculum and Teaching (Non-Licensure) online program.
Sources:
Chalk: 7 Reasons Why Your Curriculum Matters More than You Think
