Allie

1. Creative Curriculum Methods
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Advantages

This curriculum is not the same from teacher to teacher; therefore, each teacher has their own creativity that they bring into the classroom. This curriculum takes a break from standard book and lecture learning. Furthermore, this curriculum provides more hands-on learning, such as using Promethean boards, and making connections between subjects. An example of a Creative Curriculum Method is when a teacher creates a theme and incorporates it into the overall curriculum. This curriculum includes strategies, such as students teaching other students, encouraging students to create videos, participating in field trips, plays, or community projects that revolve around the theme.

Disadvantages

Some students learn better by using the standard book and lecture learning. Therefore, the Creative Curriculum Methods approach may not reach all students. In addition, it may be difficult to create different evaluations to assess students’ work. This is because the Creative Curriculum Methods mainly uses rubrics for evaluation.

Preparation

Using the Creative Curriculum Methods requires preparation in creating a theme, planning lessons surrounding the theme, organizing projects and events for the students. By using the Creative Curriculum Methods a teacher must be prepared to spend time on creating a theme and incorporating it in all areas of their teaching for that unit.

Other Resources:

-[] -[] -[] -Developing a Creative Curriculum: Innovative Teachers at Work (Creative Teaching/Creative Schools) by Nick Owen

2. Problem Based Learning

Advantages

Problem Based Learning engages learners by being challenging, authentic, and integrative. It is challenging because it requires students to use their thinking and social skills in order to be successful at the task. This type of curriculum is authentic because the assignments with Problem Based Learning involve relating real-world problems in projects. These projects require the students to go in depth and build on life experiences. In addition, these projects blend different subjects together, which helps the students learn and make connections.

Disadvantages

For Problem Based Learning to be successful the teacher must become a facilitator. For some teachers, it is difficult to become a facilitator rather than directly giving knowledge to their students. Furthermore, the information gained from Problem Based Learning is not the traditional “organized” learning.

Preparation

Teachers should prepare by “translating” learning objectives into a problem. The teacher should prepare small groups for the students to break into for analyzing and discussing the problem. Finally, the teacher should prepare information on the subject. This is for questions that may not be answered by the students or if further explanation is needed for clarity.

Other Resources:

- [] -[] -[] -Problem-Based Learning: An Inquiry Approach by John Barell -How-to-Use Problem-Based Learning in the Classroom by Robert Delisle -The Practice of Problem-Based Learning: A Guide to Implementing PBL in the College Classroom by Joe A. Amador -Reinventing Project-Based Learning: Your Field Guide to Real-World Projects in the Digital Age by Suzie Boss, Jane Krauss, and Leslie Conery

3. Mental Imagery

Advantages

Mental Imagery asks students to create a picture in their mind as a response to subject material. Mental Imagery aids comprehension and ties together the student’s background and textual knowledge. This helps the student retain the information because they can pair the knowledge with their memory, the picture they created in their mind. Other advantages include that each student can participate and not feel that they are judged for their answers and there is not a right or wrong answer.

Disadvantages

Students may have trouble focusing, which would hinder their ability to create a picture in their mind. Therefore, if they do not create a picture in their mind, then they do not have a memory to connect to the information.

Preparation

It is important to explain to the students what Mental Imagery is and its importance to the lesson. Lead the students in an exercise of Mental Imagery by helping them form a picture in their minds.

Other Resources

-[] -[] -How to be a Successful Teacher: Strategies for Personal and Professional Development by Paul Castle and Scott Buckler -[]

4. Graphic Organizer: “Do I Really Know It?” Flowchart

Advantages

This flowchart helps students demonstrate a clear understanding of a concept. Other advantages of this flowchart are that it can be used for any subject, it helps organize students’ thoughts and information, and can provide the teacher information about how students’ are grasping the concepts taught in class. The flowchart asks higher order thinking questions, such as what are some examples, what are similar ideas, and what are some different ideas.

Disadvantages

If a student cannot answer the first question on the flowchart, then they will be unable to answer the rest of the questions on the flowchart. Therefore, it is best to use this method as a tool in the classroom after having taught the concept extensively in class.

Preparation

Make sure that the students understand the expectations of the flowchart, such as neatness and demonstration of the concept. Also, make copies of the flowchart for each student.

Other Resources:

-Worksheet: [] -Other Graphic Organizers: [] -[] -The Big Book of Reproducible Graphic Organizers: 50 Great Templates to Help Kids Get More Out of Reading, Writing, Social Studies, and More by Jennifer Jacobson [delete] ||