How to Describe the Role and Influence That Teachers Have on the Curriculum

A well-rounded curriculum must acknowledge multiple factors and influences.

School curricula have multiple factors at work, from the goals of a larger educational body such as the state, to the actual classroom functions in the day-to-day. Teachers are an integral part of the learning experience, directly influencing the way curricula will be implemented and how effective they will be. Depending on the type and location of school and the demands of the classroom, teachers will create curricula reflecting these particular needs. The ability to inform others of the influence of teachers will be helpful for parents, teachers and students eager to learn more about education.

Instructions

1. Find journal articles and studies through the library or online about the various factors regarding the development of curriculum. Having statistics about different teaching methods and some general knowledge about education on the national level will allow for a better description of the development of curriculum for individual teachers.

2. Consider various teaching methods that have been developed, such as single-grade classrooms, multi-age classrooms, Montessori and Waldorf methods. Each of these styles requires a different type of teacher involvement on the curriculum. Each of these examples will describe a different approach to curriculum development and implementation. For example, Waldorf has a general curriculum which states that children will learn folk tales in grades 1-3. The teacher will be able to decide which folk tales to use and how long to remain on the given fable.

3. Note the personal experiences you have had with curriculum and teacher involvement. Think about the ways you, or a teacher you have had, added elements into the curriculum, such as a specific lesson, activity or book. Also consider the ways in which a unique curriculum was developed and structured.

4. Create a brainstorm of steps 1-3 so you have a clear overview of the possibilities teachers have within their curricula. When individuals ask questions about curriculum development, you will have a detailed, specific description of the role and influence teachers have in their curriculum.

References

• Multi-Ageeducation.com: Curriculum Overview
• Wiley Online Library: Science teacher beliefs and their influence on curriculum implementation: Two case studies

Resources

• Why Waldorf Works: Waldorf Education