Middle School Curriculum Integrated and Exploratory Overview What

Middle School Curriculum Integrated and Exploratory

Overview § What is integrated curriculum § Roles of teachers, students and faculty § Exploration curriculum and Programs

Integrative Integrated Interdisciplinary/ Multidisciplinary Team Self-Contained

Rational § § Application vs. Memorization Patterns and Connections Coherence over Fragmentation Right Answer vs. Finding the Solution

Components of Integrated Curriculum § § § Central Problems or issue is Identified Issue is of personal significance Issue becomes central focus of curriculum § Students acquire the ability to solve the problem or issue.

Intersection of Personal Concerns Adolescent Concerns Developing an Identity Personal Fitness Curriculum Themes Identities Peer Conflict, Gangs Personal Friendships Conflict Resolution Caring Wellness Social Concerns Cultural Diversity Environmental Protection Global Conflict Social Welfare

Roles, Resources and Rubrics

Roles of the Teacher • Demonstrate an Understanding of Adolescents Concerns • Setting the Stage and Environment • Structuring and Guiding the Explorations

Roles of the Learner • Involved in curriculum • Assume some responsibility for learning • Active participants in both process and products of learning

Library n Partnership n Technology n

n General n Specific

n Student n Real Demonstrated Knowledge World Scenario/ Demonstration n Projects n Authentic Assessment

n Scores on Standardized Tests n Focus on subject matter n Time in Planning n Need for Administration Support n Community Involvement

Exploratory Curriculum

Exploratory Curriculum/ Programs § Definition – A Class Designed to Help Students Explore Their Interests § Mini-course § Length of Classes – Semester – 6 -8 weeks

Reasons for a Exploratory Curriculum § Provides Opportunity for Students § Appeals to Diverse Learners § Self Discovery

Teachers’ Roles § Pique Students Interest in a Topic § Guide the Students § Be a Resource § Monitor Progress and Participation

Topics for Mini-Course § Home Economics – Foods for Independent living – Personal Finance § Arts – Ceramics – Photography § Language § Industrial Technology – Shop Class – Horticulture

Essentials for Exploratory § Developmentally Responsive § Enhances Motivation § Interesting and Useful § Provide Opportunity to Learn about Specific Topics § Reflect Core Curriculum

Considerations for Developing Curriculum § Be Unique § Reflect Developmental Responsive Perspectives § Be Relevant to Learners to learners Experiences

Considerations for Developing Curriculum § Adopt Student-Centered Perspective § Achieve a Balance Between Cognitive and Affective § Provide for Cultural and Gender Diversity § Reflect the Relationship – Between Learner’s Image of Success and School Curriculum