Middle School Curriculum

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Middle School Curriculum

• Integrated and Exploratory

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Overview

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

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Integrative
Integrated
Interdisciplinary/ Multidisciplinary
Team
Self-Contained
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Rational

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

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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.

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

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

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Roles of the Learner

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

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Resources

• Library
• Partnership
• Technology

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Learning Materials

• General

• Specific

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Assessment

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

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Other Perspectives

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

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Exploratory Curriculum
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Exploratory Curriculum/ Programs

• Definition
• A Class Designed to Help Students Explore Their
  Interests
• Mini-course
• Length of Classes
• Semester
• 6-8 weeks

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Reasons for a Exploratory Curriculum

• Provides Opportunity for Students
• Appeals to Diverse Learners
• Self Discovery

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Teachers Roles

• Pique Students Interest in a Topic
• Guide the Students
• Be a Resource
• Monitor Progress and Participation

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Topics for Mini-Course

• Home Economics
• Foods for Independent living
• Personal Finance
• Arts
• Ceramics
• Photography
• Language
• Industrial Technology
• Shop Class
• Horticulture

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Essentials for Exploratory

• Developmentally Responsive
• Enhances Motivation
• Interesting and Useful
• Provide Opportunity to Learn about Specific
  Topics
• Reflect Core Curriculum

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Considerations for Developing Curriculum

• Be Unique
• Reflect Developmental Responsive Perspectives
• Be Relevant to Learners to learners Experiences

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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 Learners Image of Success and School
  Curriculum