The American Curriculum (Part 1)

Unit: Curriculum

 

Theme: The American Curriculum

 

Introduction

 

 The American curriculum has changed dramatically from its origin to the present. From basic grammar schools that introduced Christian values to natives and newly arrived immigrants, it progressed to a more inclusive and democratic microcosm of what would become a certain way to better the future of all Americans. These changes were a reflection of larger historical adaptations that shaped the view we all have about education.

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 II

 

Learning Objectives

• Understand the different types of curriculum
• Gain an awareness of how the curriculum has changed from the beginnings of nation-building to the present
  

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 III

 

Main Lesson

1

 

 Curriculum

 

 

 

Question 1

 What type of curriculum best applies to the teaching of dance? Explain.

 

2

 

The series of videos you will see below were recorded by Dr. Kimberly Green, Chair of the Masters of Arts and Education Curriculum Team at former Brandman University, currently University of Massachussetts Global. Professor Greene served as an instructional designer throughout UMass Global’s transition to blended learning.  Then, she served as the founding director for the Center for Instructional Innovation (CII). Her Ed.D. in Educational Technology from Pepperdine University put her at the forefront of the international movement to integrate technology into the educational process in a meaningful fashion.

  

 

Question 2

 

Why did the NEA (National Education Association), and its Committee of 10, left the Arts out of the education curriculum in 1893?

Why did the NEA made the arts part of the curriculum in 1918?

 

 

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 VII

Journaling

Reflect of your experience in class today.

 

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VIII

Glossary 

curriculum: the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.

recommended curriculum: it comes from a national agency, like the Department of Education, or any professional organization that has a stake on education.

written curriculum: documents, course of studies or syllabi which are part of the curriculum.

taught curriculum: different planned activities which are put into action in the classroom used by learners with the guidance of the teachers.

assessed curriculum: tested or evaluated curriculum (cognitive, psychomotor, affective). 

learned curriculum: learning outcomes achieved by the students.

hidden curriculum: intended curriculum which is not deliberately planned.

supported curriculum: materials which support or help in the implementation of the written curriculum.

instrumentalism: instrumentalism in education emphasizes the practical utility of knowledge and skills, rather than abstract concepts and theories. Educational philosopher John Dewey advocated instrumentalism to promote active learning and problem-solving based on real-life situations and experiences.

experiential learning:  Experiential learning is an engaged learning process whereby students “learn by doing” and by reflecting on the experience.

 

IX

Sources

Experiential Learning. Center for Teaching and Learning. https://www.bu.edu/ctl/guides/experiential-learning/