This course introduces the major curricular models and analyzes their design and development, implementation, and evaluation.  The role of technology and disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches are considered, and teaching through inquiry and for conceptual understanding are explored.  Strategies for planning, conducting and evaluating curricula are covered, and the practical problems teachers face in making curricular decisions are discussed.  The course will also examine the influence of legislative and socio-political forces and the value systems of central stakeholders on planning and curriculum choices. 

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this program,

1. Explore the influence of various contextual factors on student learning, instruction or curriculum.
2. Examine a rationale for teaching in a changing society.
3. Analyze the importance of differentiated teaching and assessment.
4. Evaluate major social, political, and cultural trends in education.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week.

Week 1: Unit 1 – What is Curriculum?

Week 2: Unit 2 – Curriculum Theory

Week 3: Unit 3 – Curriculum and the Educator

Week 4: Unit 4 – Curriculum Development

Week 5: Unit 5 – Curriculum and Cultural Diversity

Week 6: Unit 6 – Curriculum and Technology

Week 7: Unit 7 – Curriculum and Evaluation

Week 8: Unit 8 – Curriculum and Course Review

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students. The Learning Guides for all units open on the first day of class.  Please review all Learning Guides to access the readings, review assignments, etc.

Unit 1: What is Curriculum?

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Portfolio Activity

Unit 2: Curriculum Theory

• Peer assess Unit 1 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment

Unit 3: Curriculum and the Educator

• Peer assess Unit 2 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Meet with your assigned group and complete the pre-group work tasks outlined in the Group Work document
• Complete the Portfolio Activity

Unit 4: Curriculum Development

• Peer assess Unit 3 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Continue to participate in the Group Activity

Unit 5: Curriculum and Cultural Diversity

• Peer assess Unit 4 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Continue to participate in the Group Activity
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment

Unit 6: Curriculum and Technology

• Peer assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Post finalized Group Activity
• Complete the Portfolio Activity

Unit 7: Curriculum and Evaluation

• Peer assess Unit 6 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Portfolio Activity

Unit 8: Curriculum and Course Review

• Peer assess Unit 7 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete the Portfolio Activity
• Complete and submit the anonymous Course Evaluation