RM-Unit

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There are MANY ways to design curriculum. Designing instruction has been at the heart of teaching since Socrates' days (or is that daze?). This creates controversy -- what is the best way to design instruction to maximize student learning and engagement? =====

Watch this rather dry, short video from Australia--not too engaging, but pretty accurate: media type="custom" key="3005718"

As discussed, there are SOO many different theories on how to design curriculum. Let's take a look at a few:



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At MSCD, we embrace [|Backwards Design] (a design strategy by Wiggins and McTighe as found in their Understanding By Design publications). On a professional level, I find this to be an exemplary design and the one that "makes most sense." =====

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We will not be exploring that design in this course, but here are the ** foundational questions ** to ask yourself REGARDLESS of the design principals: =====

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 * From now until the day you retire from teaching, these four questions need to drive EVERY TEACHING decision you make! If you learn NOTHING else from me, please commit these foundational questions to your soul. **=====

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To implement curriculum, teachers give instruction in thematic segments call units. These are designed in two-to three week time periods. Consider a book in which you have chapters with subheadings and information, activities, and a logical sequence of information.=====