Curriculum design is the art of crafting learning experiences that shape the educational journey of students. It is a blueprint that outlines what students will learn, how they will learn it, and the outcomes they should achieve. An effective curriculum is not just a collection of activities; it is a well-thought-out plan that cultivates deep understanding, critical thinking, and lifelong curiosity. In this blog, I will delve into the key elements of constructing a curriculum that sparks curiosity through the power of knowledge drawing from my recent presentation at AISSA on curriculum design.
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Ineffective Curriculum Design
In the realm of curriculum design, there is a common pitfall that educators must steer clear of: activity-based design. This approach prioritises engaging activities over academic rigour and fails to consider the broader learning journey. Wiggins and McTighe aptly label this as a “sin” in curriculum design. While hands-on activities have their place, they should serve as vehicles for delivering substantive content and promoting higher-order thinking.
One of the critical mistakes in curriculum design is focusing solely on what interests students rather than emphasizing the importance of knowledge that transcends their experiences. Schools play a vital role in equipping students with knowledge that goes beyond their immediate surroundings. This is the cornerstone of education – to empower students with a wealth of information that acts as a foundation for further exploration.
For Australian educators embarking on the journey of crafting the new Version 9 ACARA curriculum, a foundational principle is to prioritise subject content over general capabilities and cross-curriculum priorities. By placing content at the forefront, educators ensure that students are equipped with the essential knowledge that will empower them to think critically, analyse, and engage with the world around them.
Cultivating Ambition in Curriculum Development
Ambition is the driving force behind curriculum development. It is the catalyst that propels educators to push the boundaries of learning, encouraging both teachers and students to embark on a journey of discovery. Curiosity, a fundamental human trait, thrives on knowledge. The more we know, the more we yearn to know, creating a symbiotic relationship between curiosity and knowledge. As teachers, our role is to kindle this flame of curiosity by providing students with a rich and diverse array of knowledge.
The Power of Prioritising Content Knowledge.
A curriculum anchored in rich content knowledge is the cornerstone of effective education. Knowledge acts as a fuel that feeds our curiosity and drives us to explore deeper realms of understanding. The process is cyclical – as we accumulate knowledge, our curiosity expands, prompting us to seek even more information. This cycle of curiosity and knowledge fuels lifelong learning, encouraging us to question assumptions, challenge biases, and make informed decisions.
So, the importance of explicitly stating content knowledge in curriculum documents cannot be overstated. Without a clear focus on content, there is a risk of limiting the scope of education to the preferences and experiences of teachers and students. Moreover, it can lead to assessment dictating the curriculum, rather than the other way around.
Empowering through 21st Century Skills
In a rapidly changing world, the acquisition of so called 21st-century skills is paramount. However, Daniel Willingham reminds us that knowledge plays a central role in skill development. Factual knowledge not only enhances cognitive processes like problem-solving and reasoning but also paves the way for acquiring new skills. A strong base of content knowledge makes learning easier and more effective, as individuals possess the tools to navigate complex challenges.
Three Encounters to Lasting Learning
Graham Nuthall’s research provides valuable insights into the process of learning. He suggests that it takes three encounters with new concepts for a student to truly grasp them. The first encounter creates awareness, the second connects new knowledge with prior understanding, and the third solidifies the link, embedding the knowledge in long-term memory. This underscores the importance of a curriculum that allows for repeated exposure and engagement with key concepts.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap: A Path to Equity
A knowledge-rich curriculum holds significant promise, particularly for disadvantaged students. The vocabulary gap that often accompanies socio-economic disparities underscores the urgent need for a curriculum that levels the playing field. Middle-class children are exposed to vastly more words by age three, creating an early advantage in knowledge accumulation. A content-rich curriculum provides a solution by ensuring all students, regardless of background, have access to the same knowledge-rich learning experiences.
Collective Curriculum Decision Making: Amplifying Knowledge
As outlined recently in the publication How to implement a whole-school curriculum approach, the collective effort in curriculum decision-making is crucial. When educators collaboratively shape the curriculum, it ensures a deeper understanding and enthusiasm for the subjects they teach. Collective knowledge is a powerful tool that can drive better teaching practices and outcomes. Engaging in curriculum discussions enhances subject knowledge and, consequently, teaching effectiveness.
Guidance from Experts: A Key Resource
The guidance of experts is invaluable in the curriculum construction process. In What we teach matters How quality curriculum improves student outcomes, Ben Jensen suggests three key questions offer a compass for educators:
Does the curriculum align with effective, research-based teaching methods?
Is the curriculum rooted in content richness?
Does the curriculum align with educational standards?
By addressing these questions, educators can create a curriculum that not only ignites curiosity but also equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate an ever-evolving world.
The Symphony of Curiosity and Knowledge
In the grand symphony of education, curiosity and knowledge dance harmoniously. Knowledge is the spark that ignites curiosity, while curiosity drives the pursuit of knowledge. The relationship between the two is a cycle of perpetual growth and exploration. As educators, our role is to design curricula that amplify this cycle, fostering a deep love for learning and empowering students to ask questions, seek answers, and embark on a journey of lifelong discovery. Through the careful construction of a knowledge-rich curriculum, we pave the way for a brighter future, one where every student has the opportunity to unleash their full potential.
References:
Nuthall, G. (2007) The Hidden Lives of Learners. NZCER Press, Wellington.
Willingham, D. (2019). How to Teach Critical Thinking. [online] Available at: http://www.danielwillingham.com/uploads/5/0/0/7/5007325/willingham_2019_nsw_critical_thinking2.pdf
Hunter J, Haywood J, Grattan Institute. How to implement a whole-school curriculum approach: Grattan Guide. [online] Available at: https://grattan.edu.au/report/how-to-implement-a-whole-school-curriculum-approach/
Jensen, B. (2018) What we teach matters How quality curriculum improves student outcomes. Available at: https://learningfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1.-What-we-teach-matters.pdf
If you found this interesting you might like to read more on Building a Coherent Curriculum here https://failthinklearn.wordpress.com/2021/05/03/building-a-coherent-curriculum-by-reid-smith/
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