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Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (11th edition) defines the noun "module" as "a standard or unit of measurement." Later in the complete definition, Merriam writes that "module" is also "an educational unit that covers a single subject or topic."
For teachers, an educational module goes beyond a lesson plan. An educational module begins with a purpose or a question and consists of a series of lesson plans designed to teach specific concepts. An educational module gives an overview of the subject and delves into various specific lessons. - Let's look at a possible English module for elementary school students. The students in question are already independent readers and writers (let's say they are in second to fourth grade). At this level of competence, the main goal for the teacher is to expand the students' language arts skills. The specific goals in our educational module are to provide the students opportunities to participate in group discussions in which they can influence each other and explore different viewpoints; to prepare oral presentations with written materials; participate in poetry and drama; and become more discerning in their choice of vocabulary.
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Devising the lesson plans for this module is no small task. In addition to above considerations, the teacher must incorporate writing, grammar, spelling, handwriting, computer use, reading, and talking and listening.
One lesson plan that would fit into this module is to read together about a historical event--for example, The Gettysburg Address. Students can discuss what they find interesting about the circumstances surrounding the famous speech. After the class discussion, perhaps for homework or on the next day, students write an essay about this historical event. Each student reads his essay to the class.
Later in this module, students would be exposed to various poetry and read it together in class. They would discuss how they interpret and what they think of each poem. Students would then write their own poetry. - The use of an educational module improves the students' chances and opportunities to master a subject. This is because a well-planned module teaches concepts in a logical order, like building blocks. In an educational module, students focus on specific skills and are given opportunities to continue to improve on them.
- The significance of the use of educational modules for educators and students is positive. Similar modules in different schools help ensure that all students are receiving a good education and ample opportunities to master subjects. Unlike a focus on standardized testing, the use of modules invites a teacher to be creative and fashion lesson plans for her students. At the same time, the modules ensure that all students are being held to the same reasonable standards.
