Reggio Emilia Video

This is a video from CNN about the Reggio approach.  While it doesn't cover all aspects that are key to Reggio, it gives a good overview.  It also emphasizes an important point.  In an interview with Howard Gardner, a question is posed regarding the ability to transfer such a programme to another area.  In response, Howard notes that you can't, but you can take the aspects of most importance to your community and develop those.  This is what we are hoping to do at our school.

 

638 - Reading 1 Understanding the Curriculum by Clive McGee

McGee, C. (2008). Understanding curriculum. In C.McGee & D. Fraser (eds.). The Professional Practice of Teaching. 3rd edition (pp. 65-78). South Melbourne, VIC: Cengage Learning.

Discussion questions

1. What is meant by curriculum and how might teacher be involved in curriculum development?

The course of study – learning and teaching plans (intended curriculum) – activities that happen in the classroom lead by the teacher (operational curriculum)

Teachers influence the curriculum at a ‘hands on’ level.  Creating and delivering an effective programme for their students.  Involvement in shared planning.  Students may also have input in this level

    2.   How much decision making autonomy do teachers have?

Teachers are able to build their ‘in class’ curriculum based on the National Curriculum, and school curriculum to create goals and aims – choice in content to focus on, learning and teaching activities, style of evaluation, and student interest/needs - - I believe the level of autonomy varies from school to school depending on the prescriptiveness of the school curriculum and the leadership model in place.

          3.   What are some recent developments in NZ curriculum and what are the implications for teachers and schools?

Development of seven essential learning areas in 1993 National Curriculum -  8 learning levels to cover learning from year 1 -13, curriculum statements for each learning area – 2007 curriculum document –

2007 version encourages local development based on needs – connection between learning areas within activities – better links with school stages (ECE – primary – post-school) – encourages teachers to be decision makers for their students & include the students in the decision making.

The current curriculum encourages teachers and schools to base what they teach and how they teach on their community and student needs/values.  This allows teachers to develop programmes that could engage learners more effectively.  

Curriculum Presentation

Course 638 focuses on Curriculum Leadership.  Task 1 is to develop a powerpoint presentation focusing on an aspect of Curriculum Development.

While it is early days, and I am sure my thinking will evolve as I complete some readings etc.  there are 3 aspects which pop into my head as possible focus areas.

1. Learning area focus - Technology - This is a learning area that we have not focused on much in the last three years so it is our priority this year. This presentation would be for the benefit of the staff.
2. Pedagogy focus - We have been exploring/dabbling with a Reggio Emelia inspired teaching model and it would be great to delve into that further and introduce it further to new staff and BOT members.
3. ICT focus - another development in our pedagogy is the development of learning through e-Learning strategies. This presentation would be for the benefit of BOT and staff, and possibly for the parents.

I am not sure which aspect would be the best yet - in part it will depend on the resources I can find to support my presentation - perhaps a place to find help with the most valuable will be in the staff room - the area my staff feel they need the most support to develop is perhaps the best area to focus on...

2014's learning journey

A new year a new challenge

This year brings a great change of pace.  Study leave!  This year I will be working away at 4 courses.  This will complete my Master's of Education - endorsed in Leadership.  While the courses will challenge me, I am hoping the time frame won't.  Having completed 3 courses last year while working, I am hoping I will be able to use this year as a re-charger year as well.

So this year's courses:

1. EDEM634 - leadership of learning
2. EDEM637 - Distributing leadership for learning
3. EDEM638 - Curriculum Leadership
4. EDEM639 - Leadership for School and Centre Improvement

What I hope to gain from this is a refinement of my skills as a leader, strategies to improve outcomes for my school, or any school I am fortunate enough to work with, and some new knowledge that I didn't know I didn't know :)