The Concept of Curriculum and its effect on teaching and learning.

Summary

In this educational video, Sarah Moss from Southern Cross University delves into the concept of curriculum and its impact on teaching and learning. She explores the characteristics of effective teaching, emphasizing teacher expertise as the most influential factor in student outcomes. The video also discusses the idea of 'valid knowledge,' which dictates what is taught in schools, and the various influences on curriculum development, including political, economic, and ideological factors. Sarah challenges viewers to consider whether the current curriculum development methods are the best fit for 21st-century education, leaving them with thought-provoking insights from Sir Ken Robinson on the need for a personalized and organic approach to learning.

Takeaways

• 😀 Effective teaching is crucial for student learning, and it can be significantly improved by focusing on evidence-based pedagogy, feedback, investment in students, informed teaching, purposeful preparation, and high expectations.
• 🏫 The concept of curriculum is influenced by the idea of 'valid knowledge,' which is the knowledge society deems essential or required in life.
• 🌐 Curriculum development is a complex process influenced by political, economic, epistemological, historical, pedagogical, and ideological factors.
• 👨‍🏫 John Hattie's research suggests that teacher expertise is the most significant variable affecting student outcomes, more so than class sizes or school types.
• 📚 The debate over what constitutes valid knowledge in the 21st century includes traditional basics like reading, writing, and arithmetic versus newer skills like autonomy, inquiry learning, divergent thinking, collaboration, and customized learning.
• 📈 The economic prosperity of a nation is linked to curriculum development, as education is seen as a pathway to a more prosperous society.
• 🧠 Epistemological influences on curriculum are shaped by current scientific research and theories on how the brain works and how learning occurs.
• 📚 Historical influences play a role in curriculum development, as decisions are made about which past knowledge remains relevant for today's students.
• 💡 Pedagogical influences are increasingly important due to technological advancements that offer new possibilities for teaching and learning.
• 🌟 Sir Ken Robinson advocates for a shift from an industrial model of education to one based on principles of agriculture, emphasizing the organic nature of human development and the need for personalized education.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Sarah Moss's video?

The main focus of Sarah Moss's video is to discuss the concept of curriculum and its effect on teaching and learning, including the understanding of effective teaching and the premise of valid knowledge in society.

What are the two main issues surrounding the concept of curriculum that Sarah Moss addresses?

Sarah Moss addresses effective teaching and learning, and valid knowledge and its effect on curriculum development as the two main issues surrounding the concept of curriculum.

What is the significance of the 1950s classroom footage shown in the video?

The 1950s classroom footage is significant as it illustrates a traditional teaching style that is reminiscent of many people's school experiences, highlighting the need for change in educational methods to meet modern educational needs.

According to the video, what is the single most effective way to increase student learning?

The single most effective way to increase student learning, as mentioned in the video, is through good teaching.

What qualities are suggested by research to be universally associated with effective teaching?

Research suggests that qualities such as best practice, maximizing feedback, investing in students, ensuring teaching is informed, preparing purposely, setting ambitious goals, and believing in students are universally associated with effective teaching.

What does the term 'valid knowledge' refer to in the context of curriculum development?

In the context of curriculum development, 'valid knowledge' refers to the knowledge that society deems as ideal or required in life, which becomes the prescribed curriculum to be taught in schools.

What are the six influences on curriculum development discussed in the video?

The six influences on curriculum development discussed in the video are political, economic, epistemological, historical, pedagogical, and ideological.

Why is curriculum considered to be political in nature?

Curriculum is considered to be political in nature because the decision on what should or shouldn't be taught is highly debated and often a matter of political discussion.

How does the economic prosperity of a country influence curriculum development?

The economic prosperity of a country influences curriculum development as it is believed that the education of the youth should lead to a more prosperous country, and curriculum is developed with the aim of preparing students for economic success.

What does Sir Ken Robinson suggest as a metaphor for education in his talk 'Bring on the Learning Revolution'?

Sir Ken Robinson suggests moving from an industrial model of education to an agricultural model, emphasizing that human flourishing is an organic process that requires conditions for growth rather than a mechanical, predictable outcome.