To investigate the coherence which a planned curriculum has for children

Aim

To investigate the coherence which a planned curriculum has for children.    

Evidence and reflection

We suggest that the technique of concept mapping is ideal for gathering data on this issue. You will have to focus the children's thoughts on a small area of the curriculum on which you have worked with your class or group. When they have identified the content, pay particular attention to the connections which they draw, or fail to draw, between the parts. Discuss this with them.

Extension

To what extent do you feel curriculum coherence was reflected in the attitudes and learning strategies of the children?

More in this chapter

• To consider the connection between school philosophy and planning
• To investigate the approach to whole school curriculum planning in your school
• To explore themes linked to PSHE and Citizenship
• To consider the quality of activities in schemes of work
• To review medium-term planning for literacy, numeracy and other subjects
• To structure teaching and learning in a curriculum area
• To consider the resource implications of a planned curriculum program
• To examine the extent to which weekly plans are significant in developing curriculum
• To review the use of ICT in a series of lessons
• To review existing lesson planning
• To explore the extent to which sharing learning intentions influences feelings of engagement
• To consider the extent to which pupils are clear about the learning objectives
• To evaluate a teaching session
• To examine tasks in terms of their learning demands
• To evaluate an individual child's curricular experiences over one day
• To evaluate the stimulus and variety of tasks and activities
• To identify the aspects of the hidden curriculum in a selection of books, CDs and other resources