Teaching Basics 101: Curriculum and Instruction

Summary

In this educational video, Tony Martinez, a professor at Kansas State University, explores key concepts in curriculum and instruction. He emphasizes the importance of starting with state standards and aligning lessons with assessments. Martinez highlights the need for engaging, differentiated instruction tailored to students' individual needs, while also incorporating relevant, real-life connections to enhance learning. He also discusses the significance of modifying lessons for diverse learners and providing effective assessments to track student progress. The video encourages teachers to make learning meaningful and exciting, fostering high student engagement and achievement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start with state standards: Every lesson plan should align with state standards, which can be found through your state’s Department of Education.
• 😀 Teach both content and vocabulary: Not only should you teach the content of state standards, but also the specific vocabulary, as students will encounter it on state assessments.
• 😀 Use local curriculum guides: Once the state standards are identified, use the local curriculum guide to develop your lesson plans and resources.
• 😀 Implement differentiated instruction: Recognize that students learn at different paces. Tailor your lessons to meet the needs of students who may be ahead or behind.
• 😀 Collaborate with colleagues: If you're struggling with pacing or understanding a particular aspect of the curriculum, don't hesitate to reach out to fellow teachers or department heads for support.
• 😀 Apply engaging strategies: Use real-world examples and make the content relatable to students’ interests, like using sports references (e.g., Kansas City Chiefs) to enhance lessons.
• 😀 Use the 'I do, we do, you do' method: Model the lesson for students, then work together as a class before allowing students to complete tasks independently.
• 😀 Modify the curriculum for diverse learners: Tailor lessons to accommodate students with special education needs or English language learners (ELLs) by simplifying tasks or adding visuals.
• 😀 Prioritize authentic assessments: Assess students through tasks that provide genuine evidence of learning, such as quizzes, projects, or presentations, and ensure there is documentation of their progress.
• 😀 Know your students’ backgrounds: Understand the biographies and interests of your students to design lessons that are meaningful and engaging for them, increasing student achievement.
• 😀 Create powerful learning opportunities: Avoid “busy work” and focus on assignments that engage students deeply, like using graphic organizers to make learning more structured and impactful.

Q & A

What is the starting point for creating a lesson plan according to the script?

The starting point is the state standards, which outline the expectations for what should be taught at each grade level. Teachers can access these standards through the state's Department of Education.

Why is it important to teach the vocabulary of state standards?

It is important because students will encounter the vocabulary again on state assessments. Knowing the vocabulary helps them better understand and perform on these assessments.

How does the script recommend using local curriculum in lesson planning?

The local curriculum should be used alongside the state standards to guide lesson planning. Teachers should consult their curriculum guides, which can be found through their department head or principal.

What does the 'I do, we do, you do' strategy refer to?

This strategy involves three stages: the teacher models the lesson ('I do'), the class practices the lesson together ('we do'), and the students then practice the lesson independently ('you do'). It ensures gradual release of responsibility to the students.

Why is it essential to assess students both informally and formally?

Assessing students both informally and formally helps teachers understand how well students are grasping the material. It also identifies if reteaching or differentiation is needed for certain students.

What is differentiated instruction, and why is it necessary?

Differentiated instruction tailors lessons to meet the diverse needs of students. It is necessary because students have varying levels of understanding and learning speeds, and teachers must adjust instruction accordingly.

How does modifying curriculum help with special education students?

Modifying curriculum for special education students might involve adjusting the workload or offering alternative ways to demonstrate understanding, making the material more accessible and less overwhelming.

What role does student engagement play in curriculum and instruction?

High engagement leads to higher achievement. Engaged students are more likely to retain and understand the material, so making lessons relevant, interesting, and authentic is crucial for success.

How does the script suggest making lessons more relevant and engaging for students?

The script suggests incorporating students' interests and real-world connections, such as using local examples (e.g., football teams in Kansas City) to make learning more exciting and relatable.

What does the speaker mean by 'busy sheets' versus 'power sheets'?

'Busy sheets' are worksheets that keep students occupied without being educationally valuable, while 'power sheets' are designed to engage students actively in the learning process, promoting deep understanding and critical thinking.