To structure teaching and learning in a curriculum area
Aim
To structure teaching and learning in a curriculum area.
Method
For a topic you plan to teach, think about how the knowledge might be presented and how teaching might be sequenced. Using your pedagogic subject knowledge and understanding of your students, what steps or ‘chunks’ might you plan for?
Review the appropriate use of closed, framed and negotiated teaching strategies.
Identify possible tasks and activities. Experiment with the scheduling of activities to arrive at your first draft plan.
Examine the structure you are considering and identify where there will be teacher input, where student activity? What does the balance look like? Where are the opportunities for interaction?
Think about the ways in which your selection provides for progression, and supports the inclusion of all learners through appropriate forms of differentiation and personalisation.
Think about time. How many sessions will you need? Have you got enough? How does the programme divide into lessons? Will you need to keep students together or is it possible to plan for fast and slow tracks?
Identify the elements of your proposed curriculum which are likely to be seen as highlights by the students. Do they come at appropriate places?
Are there opportunities for you to take stock with the students to share what has been achieved, what is working well and what barriers they are encountering?
Revise your programme as necessary.
Follow-up
Keep structure under review as you plan. Make it a focus of your evaluation and adjust your planning accordingly.
