Final Blog

When I started this class I was excited because it was one of the last classes I had in the program. I came into class expecting that we would be given several readings that vaguely related to current concepts in the classroom and write several papers on how they related to administration. This class broke that mold and gave me a new perspective on curriculum.

The class not only talked about how to be a change agent, but also showed us how to be a change agent. The class illustrated how curriculum should be a living document that challenges the student to think and spread that knowledge. The use of various technologies and methods illustrated the many ways in which we can impact change in our classroom. I think the class expanded the way I think about curriculum and illustrated how it can be an agent of change.

I think the lesson about understanding by design was extremely valuable. By creating the lesson I was able see how the big ideas should drive the lesson. I have tried to implement more of understanding by design into classroom, which has brought more focus to my lessons. Instead of having asking students to recite every step in a cycle, I want students to be able to give me the general idea about the concept and be able to explain why it is important. I feel that in today’s age students can always look up the information, but they need to be able to explain and justify their answers.

Curriculum change has not only changed my ideas about curriculum, but also shifted my views of technology. It has expanded my technology skills and shown that it needs to play an intragal part in schools.