Posts

Challenges and Benefits of RTI Programs

Challenges of RTI Programs 1. Resource Allocation: Implementing RTI requires significant time for planning, delivering interventions, and monitoring progress. Teachers, including myself, struggle to find adequate time to teach scheduled lessons daily, so making time for the small group or individual interventions with such large class sizes is probably the biggest challenge. Adequate staffing is also necessary to provide the individualized attention required for effective RTI. This includes trained teachers, intervention specialists, and support staff. Schools experiencing staffing shortages are not able to teach much less intervene with students who need extra help. Lastly, securing funding for resources, training, and additional personnel can be challenging. 2. Professional Development: Educators need specialized training to implement RTI effectively. Even after 11 years of teaching I am still sometimes unsure of the steps to follow and strategies or tools to use during the RTI proce...
Post a Comment
Read more

Curriculum Alignment

  Resonance of Goal-Based Design and the "Design-Down, Deliver-Up" Model with Curriculum Alignment Goal-Based Design Goal-based design emphasizes starting with clear learning goals or outcomes and designing the curriculum backward from these goals. This method ensures that every aspect of the curriculum, from the learning activities to the assessments, is aligned with the desired outcomes. In curriculum alignment, goal-based design ensures that: Learning objectives are clearly defined, which provides a focused direction for both teaching and learning activities. Every part of the curriculum is directly related to achieving the learning goals, minimizing extraneous content and activities. Assessments are designed to directly measure the attainment of the specified learning goals, ensuring consistency across the curriculum. "Design-Down, Deliver-Up" Model The "Design-Down, Deliver-Up" model involves designing the curriculum by starting at the top with ov...
Post a Comment
Read more

Farrel's Background Planning Model

Image
Adopting Farrell's Backwards Planning Model Backwards planning, also known as backward design, is a strategy where teachers start with the end goals in mind and plan lessons to achieve those outcomes. This model can be highly effective for aligning the written curriculum, taught curriculum, and assessment. Why as a teacher, I would want to adopt or practice Farrell's model: It provides a clear learning goals. I can focus directly on a desired outcome. Starting with the desired outcomes ensures that all instructional activities are purposefully designed to achieve specific learning goals. Another reason would be for the purpose of alignment. It would ensures an alignment between what is written in the curriculum, what is taught in the classroom, and what is assessed. Next would be the importance of structured planning. Anyone who teachers, knows how important structure is, in order to get the most out of the time set aside for certain lessons. Structure helps in creating a coher...
Post a Comment
Read more

Naturalistic or Technological approach?

Image
As a teacher who values both technology integration and collaborative, experiential learning, I have the opportunity to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that combines the best of both approaches. Here are some examples I use to create a dual approach in curriculum design and instructional delivery: Blended Learning : I utilize a combination of traditional face-to-face instruction and online learning tools. For example, daily I use technology to deliver lectures or present content material, while reserving in-class time for group discussions, activities, and hands-on projects. Flipped Classroom: Flip your classroom by assigning students to watch pre-recorded lectures or instructional videos beforehand, freeing up class time for interactive group activities, discussions, and project-based learning. U use technology to facilitate the delivery of content on certain days of the week, while other days of the week I use in-class time dedicated to collaborative learning exp...
Post a Comment
Read more

Finnish Education Comparison

Image
Finland has consistently ranked among the top performers in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), while the United States has typically ranked lower, especially in comparison to other developed countries. The reasons behind Finland's success and the differences between the two countries' education systems have been the subject of much discussion and analysis. One key factor cited in Finland's success is its commitment to equity in education. Finland has a highly equitable education system, meaning that students from all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to high-quality education. This equity is achieved through various means, including equitable funding of schools, highly qualified teachers, and a focus on providing support to students who need it most. Another aspect often highlighted is Finland's approach to teaching and learning. Finnish education emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving over rote memorizat...
Post a Comment
Read more

Social and historical perspectives of curriculum development

Image
When considering my teaching style, two philosophies stand out: the Re-conceptualist Perspective and the Holistic Approach aptly capture the teaching strategies employed in my classroom. Holistic Approach and the reasons why it is a strategy I use in my classroom: It encourages interconnected learning: The holistic approach recognizes that knowledge is interconnected across various subjects and domains. By promoting group work and peer learning, it allows students to explore different perspectives and make connections between different areas of knowledge. It emphasizes social and emotional development: Group work fosters social skills such as communication, collaboration, and empathy, which are essential for success in both academic and real-world settings. Lastly, it addresses diverse learning needs: Holistic teaching recognizes that students have different learning styles and strengths. By incorporating technology as a self-centered teaching tool, I can cater to diverse learning need...
Post a Comment
Read more