Synopses & Reviews
Exceptional in relating curriculum to teaching strategies and methods, this book includes the latest in curriculum development, practice, theory, and instructional strategies based on research in how people learn. It is designed to engage teachers in understanding curriculum, reflecting upon it and carrying out their own role in curriculum making. Constructivist pedagogy is a central element throughout the book. Attention to the political and social forces impacting the teacher's role provide information on the accountability movement, the profitization of education, changed views of learning and the influence of technology. Chapter One, Who Makes Curriculum? Roles and Levels of Decision Making, describes federal, state and local efforts to control curriculum, and provides specific cases and suggestions that show how teachers can fulfill their moral, critical and professional responsibilities within these official constraints. Chapter Two, Curriculum in the Context of School Reform, offers an in-depth, up-to-date examination of the impact of various reform policies on classroom practices. Coverage of multiculturalism, globalization, reform, assessment, and standards encourages consideration of the most recent trends and issues influencing curriculum development. For teachers and curriculum makers of kindergarten through 12th grade.
Table of Contents
I. THE CONTEXTS OF CURRICULUM MAKING. 1. Who Makes Curriculum? Roles and Levels of Decision Making. 2. Curriculum in the Context of School Reform.
II. GIVING VOICE TO STUDENTS. 3. Constructivist and Activity Curricula.
4. Personal Development in the Academic Context.
III. LABYRINTH OF CURRICULUM RELEVANCE. 5. Responding to Social Change.
6. Fomenting Social Change.
IV. STORIES OF SCHOOL SUBJECTS. 7. The Humanities and Social Sciences.
8. Mathematics and Science in the School Curriculum.
V. CREATING CURRICULUM IN THE CLASSROOM. 9. Curriculum and Planning.
10. Assessment in the Context of Constructivism.
VI. CURRICULUM MATERIALS AS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT. 11. Selecting Curriculum Materials: Technology and Textbooks.
12. Adapting Curriculum Materials.