Working within a pre-developed curriculum
The class I am teaching already has a fully developed curriculum - power points, handouts, lesson plans, the works. I have noticed that some of the material is dated so my quandary is how do I teach the current processes used in the field without overstepping the curriculum boundaries put in place by the director?
For example, I have been collecting articles from various trade publications about current developments in our field. I can present the topics (not the articles, just the information) in addition to the regular lesson, but I have no way of determining if the students are retaining the now-relevant material.
Hi Scott,
Not sure on this one since I'm not familiar with how you teach Word 2007 other than lecture and practice. I would create games that incorporate the course content. When students have a chance to compete they get excited no matter the content. So if you can create teams and have play offs or something along that line I would give it a try. It works in my class that is all theory thus it can be boring but with all the different activities my students end up really liking the course.
Gary
I have similar setting...all my slides are pre-done by the company.
It is great to have "all the notes", but it is frustating as some of my students give the line "Death By Power Point".
The class I teach is Computer Fundementals, with a few weeks of teaching Word 2007. I have tried to incorperate new technologies into the class, but some show no interest. how can I get them excited about it.
Hi Ronald,
Thank you for sharing your wisdom and process for adapting standardized curriculum to make it your own. Your points are key to how the procedure can be done so you will feel investment and ownership in the curriculum.
Gary
first seek the administrations approval to update the course.. during which time I would work on an updated version, or even a highly modified version of the course if you will, so that you have some thing to work with. and allow yourself the ability to show the improvements an even some things that have not changed yet or those that are only slight modifications in a way that does not seem to downplay the current program. then slowly start to work the new material in to the program so that it is not overwhelming and all at once and this will sshow perhaps an improvement in things which can then lead to attention from it and demostarte the need for the course to improve and in what areas, additionally this will allow to experiment some, I have found that some times "new" ideas are not so much the better, the old tried and true are still better.. and that may be why they are retained.. I have this happen in my program more than once.. if the administration is open arms with change jump on it.. otherwise develope it slowly, some places are hard to accept change.. and if done correctly and verified you will eventually develope your updated version into the curriculam of the course and it will go with out any problems and work well..
Hi Tamika,
Thank you for sharing your example of how you can make a difference in the curriculum for the benefit of students. I know will be of help to other educators.
Gary
I agree she needs to speak with someone. I've been in a situation where curriculum was dated and the college was against anyone adding info, handouts, lessons, etc that wasn't pre-determined. I ended up requesting to re-write the curruculum and was given the task and it turned into a wonderful experience that actually led to my future endevours and career moves. But without such drastic measures always speak to the Program Director or DOE. A good school should want to be as up to date as possible.
Hi Lyssa,
I would suggest talking with your administration and see if they will support your bringing more current and relevant content into your course. Also, talk with your advisory committee and ask them to support you in your introduction of current content.
A career college can only remain of in business if it is training students in the latest content and skills. Many colleges use standardized curricula but in doing so they constantly change the content to remain relevant. Your research and collection of current articles and practices in the field should make their way into the curriculum as a result of your college wanting to be competitive in the content it offers.
Gary
