Modifying Prescribed Curriculum
When I first began some recent instruction, I was handed curriculum and syllabi examples of previous instructors.
After teaching several terms, I found certain subjects were stressed more than others and I personally felt other areas did not get the attention they deserved.
How far should I stray from previous course instruction if I feel it is unbalanced or deficient in areas?
Amy,
Instructional improvement is an ongoing process as you are learning. I have been teaching many years and yet each time I teach a course I try to do something different so that I can make the course even better. As you mention experience goes a long way in helping you to get better at being a professional educator.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I must say when I first began teaching, esp pathology, I had no guidance what so ever to go off of when creating the course I was to teach when hired. This semester is my 3rd teaching it, and after much feedback from students and tweaking and retweaking, I am finally finding a rhythm that is working for both my students and myself. It was overwhelming at first, but I believe things are working out, but I also believe that I will continue to find things that I will want to tweak from time to time.
Elliot,
Now that you have taught the subject several times you are comfortable with both the content and syllabus. Taking this experience into consideration you can now rework the curriculum as you see the need being. This will help you to personalize the content and make it your own. In addition, the revisions will reflect the current status of the field and what needs to be emphasized.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
