Curriculum Map Foundations

References

Curriculum Map Foundations

Delaina Schmidt College of Education, Grand Canyon University EDU- 546 Curriculum Mapping November 27, 2024 Week 1

Student Achievement and Teacher Practices

Lesson Plan

Student Achievement and Teacher Practices

Pacing Guide

Student Achievement and Teacher Practices

Curriculum Map

References

Hummel, B., & Hummel, B. (n.d.). What is a lesson plan and how do you make one? iCEV. https://www.icevonline.com/blog/what-is-a-lesson-plan Lynch, M. (2021, November 5). Pacing Guide: What you need to know - The Edvocate. The Edvocate. https://www.theedadvocate.org/pacing-guide-what-you-need-to-know/ Schweitzer, K. (2019, March 5). Curriculum mapping: definition, purpose, and tips. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/curriculum-mapping-definition-4155236

Student Achievement

Teacher Practices

Students benefit from curriculum mapping because it offers them a complete overview of the entire curriculum. Students can see exactly when a topic or concept will be taught and often how it will be taught. If a student has this information, they can plan for future assignments and upcoming assessments.

Curriculum maps benefit teachers because they line out the whole school year. Oftentimes, teachers are involved in planning, so they get an idea of the unit layout. It also causes teachers to work harmoniously across the board so every teacher in every grade level is on the same page. A student can go from class to class and know exactly what is expected and how a lesson is being taught.

What is a Lesson Plan?

A lesson plan is a teacher’s daily guide for what students need to learn, how it will be taught, and how learning will be measured (Hummel & Hummel, n.d.). Lesson plans follow objectives and a procedure to ensure that the students are gaining the most from their class time as possible. A lesson plan is a guide that provides opportunities for teaching, discussions, and individual work time. A well-drawn-out lesson plan can be followed by anyone who is covering the class in the teacher's absence.

What is Curriculum Mapping

Curriculum mapping is a reflective process that helps teachers understand what has been taught in a class, how it has been taught, and how learning outcomes were assessed (Schweitzer, 2019). Curriculum maps provide a long-term view of what has already been taught, and it usually spans over the course of the year. It differs from a lesson plan in that a lesson plan only covers a day or even a week at a time. A curriculum map allows teachers to analyze instruction that has already been implemented, and it can be used for planning future instruction. Curriculum mapping can also be used by teachers who want to compare their curriculum to state and national standards, or to teachers with the same grade level and content (Schweitzer, 2019).

What is a Pacing Guide?

A pacing guide is a guiding document prepared by the school district administrators to help educators remain on the right track and thus, allow for curriculum continuity across the different schools in the district (Lynch, 2021). Pacing guides are laid out for teachers to stay on track with lessons and assessments. The district can use a pacing guide to show teachers what is expected and it is also a way to make sure they are following the lesson with fidelity.

Student Achievement

A well-thought-out lesson plan helps students understand the goals that are set. Teachers can adjust the lessons to meet the student's needs and keep on track for the remainder of the week. Lesson plans also prepare students for assessments. A lesson plan that is carried out properly will address the learning goals needed for all students to succeed.

Teacher Practices

Lesson plans allow teachers to make educational activities out of the curriculum and goals. Lesson plans also help guide learning stations and small-group instruction. A teacher can look through the lessons for the week and anticipate where students may struggle. Then she can direct the lesson to cover those particular areas more in depth.

Student Achievment

Teacher Practices

Pacing guides assist students by allowing them to see the unit as a whole. If a student uses the pacing guide to follow along with the lessons, they will know exactly when the assessments will be so they can be prepared. When a student knows what to expect and when it will happen, it will alleviate some of their stress. Then they can relax and concentrate better.

Teachers can use pacing guides similar to students. Pacing guides show teachers what needs to be taught and how much time needs to be spent on each unit. When used properly, a pacing guide flows the same in each classroom. A teacher can prepare a lesson with the confidence that each teacher in their grade level is at the same place in the same lesson.