Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - EDUC 471 D200

Curriculum Development: Theory and Practice (4)

Class Number: 2421

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 1:30–5:20 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 synchronous and asynchronous elements.  Students are expected to be online and available during scheduled class times.  See 'Grading Notes' section for more information.


Understanding the key concepts of curriculum development is essential to fulfilling your profession as a teacher. Over the last few years in B.C., teachers have been integrating the Ministry of Education’s Redesigned Curriculum which outline Big Ideas and Content for courses K-12 while commissioning teachers to foster the “Core Competencies” of Creative and Critical Thinking, Communication, and Personal and Social Responsibility in their students.

Decisions around specific educational content is directly related to what we value as a society. Consequently, what is taught in the classroom and how teachers choose to teach it ultimately influences and shapes our students’ ways of knowing, perceiving, and engaging in their cultures and communities. Teachers are encouraged to make local decisions based on their students’ needs and sound pedagogical rationales.

This course will appeal to students in their professional development programs as well as practicing teachers and other educators. Over the semester, we will survey BC curriculum guidelines, consider ways to integrate socio-ecological education to fulfill the Core Competencies, and explore different pedagogical approaches such as Authentic Learning for the 21st century, First Nations Principles of Learning, Place-Based Learning and Imaginative Education. Students will benefit from classroom discussions, guest speakers, small group work, and be able to pursue topics of personal interest in assignments.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The course has been designed to build a foundation of knowledge by surveying some enduring ideas in education as well as modern issues that impact education in general. Students will refine dialogue skills and expand their understanding of different perspectives in group discussions of select readings and key questions such as: What are the aims and purposes in education and teaching? What knowledge is of most worth?  Whose knowledge is it? How do the attitudes and beliefs of the teacher affect what is, and is not being taught? What is lacking in our current content and teaching? What are the ethical and moral concerns involved in designing and delivering curricula?

Students will get a practical sense of working with the B.C. Ministry of Education’s New Curriculum and envision how these guidelines may be intentionally applied to shape the future of education, while exploring socioecological issues of critical import in the 21st century.

Grading

  • Participation (Weekly online discussions and activities) 20%
  • Reflective Papers (3 x 10%) 30%
  • Curriculum Development Project 25%
  • Curriculum Practice: Lesson Plan 25%

NOTES:

There is no final examination for this course.

This course will be taught both Synchronous and Asynchronous. Please reserve original class time (1:30pm- 5:20pm on Wednesdays) for Zoom videoconferencing and online interaction. Attendance/active participation during videoconference / synchronous class time and regular active participation on Canvas is a requirement of this course.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All course readings will be on Canvas or in handouts.

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 SUMMER 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  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).