Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - EDUC 471 E100

Curriculum Development: Theory and Practice (4)

Class Number: 5128

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Thu, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explorations of curriculum theory and processes of development with applications at different levels and in several subject areas.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will be delivered remotely with both synchronous and asynchronous elements.  Please see 'Grading Notes' section below.


This Curriculum Development course includes a historical, philosophical, and sociological examination of curriculum theory, trends in curriculum development, and curriculum planning and structure. Both historical developments in curriculum and modern views of the field will be discussed. Apart from introducing the participants to a range of theories and approaches to curriculum development, the course will also prepare them to question and make decisions about practices that are implemented in the classroom as part of the teaching and learning process, with the emphasis on the importance of connection between course outcomes, delivery of instruction, and the assessment. In addition, participants will develop skills related to instructional design such as the development of lesson plans for various levels. Another highlight of the course is the discussion and analysis of British Columbia's New Curriculum, with its focus on deeper learning, literacy and numeracy, and core competencies. The overall purpose of this course is to critically analyze and evaluate various perspectives on curriculum theory and design, and in the process become a more reflective educator.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Understand the relationship between educational theory and practice;
  • Demonstrate knowledge of historical developments in educational practice related to curriculum development;
  • Explore current theories, issues and trends as they relate to curriculum design and development;
  • Understand curriculum mapping and its relation to curriculum development and lesson planning;
  • Demonstrate the ability to develop lesson plans that meet the needs of a diverse student population;
  • Identify students’ learning needs according to academic and developmental standards;
  • Develop personal perspectives and positions towards the models, issues and ideas discussed in the above course objectives.

Grading

  • Participation in Online Discussions 20%
  • Critical Research Paper 30%
  • Curriculum Project 20%
  • Group Assignment: Lesson Plan 30%

NOTES:

There is no final examination for this course. Biweekly classes will be delivered remotely, through Bb Collaborate Ultra. Lectures will also be recorded and provided for reviewing on Canvas along with other course materials. All students are expected to attend the first class. Waitlisted students could email the instructor in advance, and the link to the first class will be sent to them before the class.

REQUIREMENTS:

Participation in online discussions is mandatory. Participation in online classes is strongly advised, via video or audio.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Course readings, the syllabus, lecture recordings, online discussions and other materials will be available on Canvas.

REQUIRED READING:

Weekly readings will be provided electronically.

RECOMMENDED READING:

All course materials will be provided on Canvas or via email.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).